Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More. The network's the thing — Remains of the Day.

Motivation is Overvalued. Environment Often Matters More. The network's the thing — Remains of the Day.

When it comes to human behavior, motivation and talent are often seen as the key factors for success. However, if we examine how human behavior has been shaped over time, we discover that the environment plays a significant role. In Jared Diamond's book, "Guns, Germs, and Steel," he points out that the different shapes of continents influenced the spread of agriculture. This means that the environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.

It is interesting to note that personal characteristics tend to be overpowered by the environment, especially over a long time period. This means that success or failure could be a result of the environment we find ourselves in. People who effortlessly stick to good habits often benefit from an environment that supports those behaviors, while others may be fighting against an environment that hinders their success.

In the realm of social networks, there is a similar dynamic at play. People often focus on the limitations and features of a network, such as Twitter's character limit or Instagram's filters. However, the true value of these networks lies in the network itself. Instagram, for example, is primarily a platform for sharing visual content and receiving feedback from others. The limits and features may affect the nature of the content, but the core value is in the network.

Twitter, on the other hand, has a unique strength in its ability to allow anyone to write something quickly and easily, and for anyone in the world to see that writing. The 140 character limit and reverse chronological timeline are not the true strengths of Twitter. Instead, it is the elegant public messaging protocol and the power of the network that make Twitter a world-changing concept.

In order to fully harness the power of networks, it is important to recognize that the network itself is the most critical aspect. Features and limitations can be changed or adjusted, but the network remains the foundation. Companies like Facebook have recognized this early on and have focused on building and expanding their network. Twitter, on the other hand, needs to stop listening to its earliest users and realize that the true strength lies in the efficiency of the information marketplace.

With this in mind, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Automate good decisions: Design your environment in a way that supports good habits and decision-making. Set up systems and routines that make it easier to make positive choices.

2. Get in the flow: When designing habits, try to fit them into the flow of your current patterns. This will make it easier to incorporate new behaviors into your daily life.

3. Subtract the negative influences: Identify the negative influences in your environment and take steps to remove or minimize their impact. Surround yourself with people and resources that support your goals and values.

In conclusion, while motivation and talent are often seen as the keys to success, the environment plays a significant role in shaping human behavior. This applies not only to individuals but also to social networks. The true value of a network lies in the network itself, and companies need to recognize this in order to fully capitalize on their potential. By understanding the power of the environment and the network, we can make better decisions and create more impactful and successful outcomes.