Created: 2022-04-10 14:50
Note that I’m using the expression brain fuel very loosely here as the thing that keep us going and engaged on certain activities for long periods of time (daily or several times a week for months or even years).
Motivation is a scarce resource. It runs out pretty quickly. It is, then, a bad idea to run on it.
I believe it’s a healthy mechanism of our brains, to find periods of rest and recharging of mental energy. It’s good for short sprints and bursts of hyper-activity/productivity but not for a marathon. If you plan to do intellectual work for a long time then it’s more of a marathon than a sprint.
So what is a better fuel? In Taking Smart Notes Sönke Ahrens proposes to run on curiosity and the path of least resistance.
Are there other types of brain fuel?
- Strong will?
- Discipline?
- Goals?
- System / framework / theme?
- Consistency
- Routine / rhythm / rituals
- Structured procrastination => maybe it’s not about the fuel
- Rewarding work is the reward
#counterargument ride the motivation wave, use it until it runs out. Then recharge and find the motivation-less way to keep going.