The Importance of Motivation

Motivation is the reason why we want to accomplish something, but it's not enough to drive action. Strong reasons or motivations provide fuel, but the engine that propels us is willpower. Willpower, defined as self-control, allows us to control our impulses and actions. It can be strengthened with use, but it also gets fatigued with use. To reduce willpower fatigue, turning tasks into habits or routines is key. The Stoics emphasize the importance of taking action, not waiting until we feel motivated. Motivation often comes after we start, so eliminating barriers to getting started increases our chances of success.