Motivation – the crowned jewel pre-requisite for every action leading up to every life goal ever set. God knows exactly how, when and why this over-exaggerated importance, dependence even, came to be. Over time though, we have learnt a lot more about human behaviour and today, we know that motivation is over-rated. Motivation is like the instant dopamine-hit that feels oh-so good only to let you crash and break soon after. This cycle turns vicious in no time and without even realizing it, we get all caught up in the search for motivation alone; instead of finding resources, learning opportunities, and skill building prospects. This makes us belief that the reason we are stuck in a rut is “lack of motivation”. Bizarre analysis if you really think about it!

Choose Adaptability Over Motivation: Here’s Why

In our quest for personal and professional success, the concept of motivation often takes center stage. We wait for that spark of inspiration, hoping it will magically light up the entire way forward. How does that work out then? Disappointing every single time, I’d say.

QOTD: Do you need motivation? OR Do you want that motivation? Do you need someone to come along and validate your plan of action for you to start working? OR Do you want that validation as an extra cushion to fall back on just in case things go south?

Alternately, here’s a short list of reasons why adaptability is the more reliable path to staying on track with your life-goals:

1. Motivation Follows Action, Rarely Precedes It

One of the most common misconceptions is that we need motivation to start working on the next project. Practically speaking, motivation follows action. What really precedes that first set of action steps is the glorious vision of your life goal. Basically, you actually start working on a task without even feeling motivated, and then the momentum you build ignites that incentive to take the next step. This incentive is what motivation is. So, waiting for motivation to strike can lead to endless procrastination. Instead, adapt to your present situation, and start with the tiniest thing you can do to move the needle in the right direction, and consequently, let motivation set in.

2. Adaptability Transforms You into a Continuous Learner

Adaptability is about accepting life as it is, not as what you thought it would be or should be. Adaptability makes you a curious soul, ever willing to learn ways and means to walk through every exhilarating and trying situation alike. This in how adaptability transforms you into a doer, a thoughtful action taker. By embracing adaptability, you give yourself every chance to “grow through whatever you go through”.

3. Motivation is Short-Lived

Motivation is fleeting. Motivation disappears in the blink of an eye with one little criticism of your work and progress. Relying on motivation means your progress is at the mercy of external components, instead of your skills. Adaptability, on the other hand, is a sustained approach that allows you to take criticisms in perspective, and continue working relentlessly towards your purpose.

4. Adaptability Focuses on the Vision, Not Just the Wins

Adaptability gets you working and learning for the vision you have in mind, not for immediate wins. This pragmatism ensures your commitment and focus on your life story, instead of just this one page you are on right now. This is what essentially adds sustainable joy and accomplishment in your story.

5. Waiting for Motivation equals Waiting for Permission

Waiting for motivation is like waiting for someone else’s permission to do what you already know you need to do. It makes you a passive spectator of your own life, and allows external triggers to spill ink all over your novel story book.

6. Adaptability lets You be the Protagonist of Your Life Story

Adaptability gives YOU back your power to create the life you want for yourself. Adaptability is what empowers you to hit re-start, to find your way back to your mission and vision, no matter how often or how many times you get derailed.

In a Parallel Conversation

You see, the very definition of “success” as we have been told ignores the human we become and only celebrates globally-visible minutes of grandiosity. That’s all cool and let’s admit it, gives us the kick now and then. But, does that really keep us happy with ourselves?

Happiness with the self comes from finding joy in the everyday life we get to live, the people we get to spend time with daily and how, and the work we get to contribute to the world regularly. Adaptability is what offers a sustained source of delight through this heartfelt struggle in your intriguing life story.

Why you started what you started is motivation enough. The rest of the hike is determined by your adaptability to repeatedly bring about constructive change.

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