What actually motivates us?
What can we learn about ourselves from the things we already do?
In Never Stop Learning this week I will be covering the following 1-2-3:
One Big Thing - What motivates us and what can we learn about ourselves in the process.
Two Recommendations
Finding motivation
How to start running!
My Top 3 articles of the week
One Big Thing: What actually motivates us?
I’ve been reflecting on why I run. Why did I start? What makes me carry on?
In general, my motivation for most things fluctuates. I’m sure that’s normal, but why do I do something that isn’t particular enjoyable at the time?!
It seems to depend on the task at hand but mostly its due to whether I can literally measure my progress in numbers.
Everyone’s motivations will differ but mine seems to be exactly that. I need some stats to back up whether I’m making progress or not. The movement in those stats and the feeling that I can change them is what makes me get up and go.
So, that was my starting point for understanding why I do things. For running, this was being able to track my progress on my phone and on the amazing App that is Strava.
I tried to start running for many years
I spent most of my 20’s in a pretty unfit state to be honest. After being quite fit at school and able to run relatively long distances I let things slip once I started work. Work would take over and by the time I got home in the evening or even at weekends I was just too tired to contemplate exercise.
But in 2014 this all changed. I’d just turned 32. Work was still stressful and I was out of shape. You wouldn’t have said I was fat but you probably would say I had a dad bod. It was clear that if I continued on this path I could approach the big four zero actually fat.
But it was worse than that.
I was starting to lose my hair. I was in denial at the start as many men are but it became more and more obvious this was a process that was going one way.
So that sealed it for me. There was no way I was going to bald AND fat.
I could control one of these things so that’s where it started. The motivation to start was there and stronger than ever before.
So it was the confluence of these two factors that provided the motivation for me.
Technology through my shiny new smartphone and smarty pants apps
Impending baldness
This was going to be a game changer.
And that’s how it turned out. Since 2014, I have run 2-3 times a week and have maintained a good level of fitness while losing about a stone in weight. I did it and I kept it going.
(I also lost my hair…..but that doesn’t worry me now :-) )
Parkrun!
So let me take you on one of my runs. An insight into my Saturday morning last week.
Parkrun is a fabulous event that runs each Saturday morning at hundreds of venues across the country. It’s totally free to attend - all they ask is that you volunteer to help every now and then.
Every course is 5km and the times tend to vary from 15 mins to 60mins+.
The setting for the Rickmansworth run is this wonderful nature reserve 5 mins from my house.
It’s a two lap course around the two lakes here and through a wooded area. Best of all - it’s flat!
The briefing is light-hearted. The group on the left of this picture where the people new to Parkrun. They get a tailored briefing which is great to get people settled down. To the right of this picture, are most of the runners trying to avoid getting their trainers wet on the grass.
Sprint for the line! It’s a great atmosphere with many people waiting and clapping people back in after they’ve finished their run.
And the finishing funnel. At the end of the funnel you get a timed barcode which then pairs with your personal bar code to record your time. Slick.
And there it is. Here is my Strava entry for last Saturday. Two laps of pain. Two laps of gain. By the way, you feel amazing about 30 mins afterwards.
So what can you learn about motivation?
Well, firstly that it’s a personal thing. For me it was these two big drivers. For you, it will be something else. Think about something you have done in the past that was difficult.
Why did you do that? What started you off? What kept you going?
Try a few different activities and observe how you react.
If all else fails, you can seek ways to trick yourself. Check out the first recommendation below!
Please drop a comment below about what motivates you.
Two Recommendations - what to consume this week
1. Neuroscentist: “This Simple Skill Will Keep You Motivated”
You know what, this is worth a try. Embrace the pain!
2. Couch To 5k: Week 1
I know so many people who have had success with Couch to 5k. With each step you can feel you’re making progress.
Top 3 articles of the week
Finding great articles on Substack can be difficult. Fear not, I have been digging deep into the discovery areas of the platform so you don’t have to.
Here are my top three posts to read this week:
Why some people burn out and other don’t by
of of ofLast week’s post
In case you missed it:
Substack Recommendations
A big part of this newsletter is the community we are building. One of the ways we do this is through recommendations and building links between Substacks that share our values. Never Stop Learning recommends these Substacks that I suggest you check out.
Is Never Stop Learning any good?
It’s ok, I’m not fishing for complements but I do genuinely want to know what you think so I can tweak little things to make it better.
Here’s the link:
You’ve already provided some really useful feedback - please keep it coming:
I have some 2,000 day streaks and I totally get you point on tracking and motivation. Keeping a streak going is the best motivation.
Yeah, the ability to measure one's progress in numbers is definitely an important motivating factor.
I think in general, people's main source of motivation is whatever strong emotions they have towards certain things or goals. Regardless of whether its positive or negative, such strong emotions either fire them up or bug them enough for them to get motivated and take action.