Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More.

Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More.

When it comes to achieving success or reaching our goals, we often attribute it to our level of motivation. We believe that if we just have enough motivation, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. However, what if I told you that motivation is often overvalued? What if I told you that the environment we find ourselves in plays a bigger role in shaping our behavior and determining our success?

In his award-winning book, "Guns, Germs, and Steel," anthropologist and biologist Jared Diamond presents a fascinating insight into the power of the environment. He highlights the fact that different continents have different shapes, and these shapes have had a significant impact on the spread of agriculture over the centuries. Agriculture spread much faster across Asia and Europe compared to the Americas, all because of the shape of the continents. This goes to show that the environment is like an invisible hand that shapes human behavior.

But what about our personal characteristics and talents? Don't they play a role in our success? While they certainly have their importance, over a long period of time, our personal characteristics tend to be overpowered by our environment. This means that the environment we find ourselves in can have a significant impact on our ability to succeed.

So, what can we do to harness the power of our environment and set ourselves up for success? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Automate good decisions: One of the easiest ways to ensure that we make good decisions consistently is to automate them. For example, if you want to eat healthier, you can automate this decision by meal prepping and having healthy meals readily available. By removing the need for willpower and making the healthy choice the easy choice, you increase the chances of sticking to your goals.

2. Get in the flow: Have you ever noticed how certain activities seem effortless and enjoyable? This is often referred to as being "in the flow" or experiencing a state of optimal experience. Whenever possible, design your habits so they fit into the flow of your current patterns. If you want to exercise more, find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy and that aligns with your schedule and preferences. This way, you are more likely to stick to it because it feels natural and enjoyable.

3. Subtract the negative influences: We are quick to blame our environment when things go wrong, but when we succeed, we tend to ignore the environment completely. However, people who seem to effortlessly stick to good habits are often benefitting from an environment that makes those behaviors easier. On the other hand, those who struggle may be fighting an uphill battle against their environment. Take a moment to assess your environment and identify any negative influences that may be hindering your progress. Whether it's a toxic relationship, a cluttered workspace, or a distracting social media feed, take steps to subtract these negative influences and create a more conducive environment for success.

In conclusion, while motivation certainly plays a role in our ability to achieve success, we must not overlook the power of our environment. The shape of continents has influenced the spread of agriculture, and similarly, our environment can shape our behavior and determine our success. By automating good decisions, getting in the flow, and subtracting negative influences, we can set ourselves up for greater success. So, let's harness the power of our environment and create a conducive space for growth and achievement.