The Motivation Myth

How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win

By: Jeff Haden

Narrated by: Ray Porter

From Inc.com's most popular columnist, a counterintuitive - but highly practical - guide to finding and maintaining the motivation to achieve great things.

It's comforting to imagine that superstars in their fields were just born better equipped than the rest of us. When a co-worker loses 20 pounds, or a friend runs a marathon while completing a huge project at work, we assume they have more grit, more willpower, more innate talent, and above all, more motivation to see their goals through.

But that's not at actually true, as popular Inc.com columnist Jeff Haden proves. "Motivation" as we know it is a myth. Motivation isn't the special sauce that we require at the beginning of any major change. In fact, motivation is a result of process, not a cause. Understanding this will change the way you approach any obstacle or big goal.

Haden shows us how to reframe our thinking about the relationship of motivation to success. He meets us at our level - at the beginning of any big goal we have for our lives, a little anxious and unsure about our way forward, a little burned by self-help books and strategies that have failed us in the past - and offers practical advice that anyone can use to stop stalling and start working on those dreams.

Haden takes the mystery out of accomplishment, proving that success isn't about spiritual awakening or a lightning bolt of inspiration - as Tony Robbins and adherents of The Secret believe - but instead, about clear and repeatable processes. Using his own advice, Haden has consistently drawn two million views a month to his posts, completed a 107-mile long mountain bike race, and lost 10 pounds in a month.

Success isn't for the uniquely-qualified; it's possible for any person who understands the true nature of motivation. Jeff Haden can help you transcend average and make lasting positive change in your life.

©2018 Jeff Haden (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“This isn’t just a groundbreaking approach to making millions or melting off extra pounds. It’s a life-changing mental shift toward enjoying the process. Why the f*ck not?” (Sarah Knight, author of Get Your Sh*t Together)

“Jeff Haden knows what many people don’t: that success is less about searching for motivation and more about muddling through until you achieve something motivating.” (Adam Grant, author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B with Sheryl Sandberg)

“Sometimes, your computer gets stuck, and the pros know you can press Command+Option+ESC to break out of the loop. Jeff Haden's book is like that, but for your life. Read it and learn how to break out of your negative loops without needing a complete shut-down.” (Dharmesh Shah, Co-founder and CTO of HubSpot)

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Not a typical self help/productivity book

I picked this up because Ray Porter is narrating. It's the best self help book I've ever heard. Jeff gives you his basic theory about motivation. Motivation is the result of actions that lead to small victories.

1. Have a goal.
2. Come up with a daily routine that will help you achieve the goal.
3. Forget the Goal.
4. Focus on the routine.
5. Track the routine on a daily basis.
6. adjust the routine as necessary.

Then he goes a step further and gives some specific routines that have worked for him. I highly recommend the book.

Honest and insightful

Over the years I have felt as if I “lost” my motivation and found myself looking in all the wrong places to ignite my inner fire. But what I realized from reading The Motivation Myth is: I stopped following a process that led to success in the past. This is exactly what I needed to get back on track.

You need this book

That's right, you need it. I don't care what background you come from or what your goals are. Everyone should read this.
The narration is superb and you will learn so much about how your brain works. you will learn the process to reach your goals and if you don't, then you clearly don't want it enough.
Read this book and get moving!

Love it!

Great book! Full of real daily simple things that help get motivated and focused.
Thank you for this book!
Many things got clearer.

Great listen to get out of your temporary pothole

Jeff has an interesting way to lead in quite serious topics and ideas in a very non-chalant way.
You feel like talking to a friend or a long time acquaintance who says what you need to hear not want you want to hear.

There is a bit of scientific terminology in some chapters but they don't obsfuscate the points Jeff is trying to emphasize.

The narration is also great and does in multiple occasions help in getting over a long winded but important train of thought.

If you are in a temporary pothole of life you can't go wrong if you take to heart a few points outlined in Motivation Myth.

Great Points. Down to Earth. Practical.

Hayden makes some great practical points in a beautifully laid out structure.

He took the time to annotate the sections of the book too!

This is a book on improving every aspect of your life in a practical systematic way.

Note to author: great book my brother but leave out the diet advice. It’s old, bad knowledge.

Life changing

Any additional comments?

As an artist and writer I was under the (wrong) preconception that I had to wait for “inspiration” to strike or for “passion” to move me to work. I realise now that was a load of bollucks which is why I rarely finished any work. Since reading this book (and the War of Art, another book I would highly recommend) I now produce about 4-5 large paintings a month. I have recommended this work to several creators I know who are struggling with writer’s block. The ones who read these books have begun creating again and the others are still waiting for lightening to strike.

Ray Porters tone is condescening and annoying

Didnt like Ray Porter in the 4H WW Dont like him here. Ray Porter sounds like he is pissed off at the listener like he is talking down to you. A bad narrarator over embelishes words and he definitely does that.

Captivating

This book really emphasizes the actuality of motivation and undresses the myth of what speakers would have you believe.