If motivation is garbage, integration is the key
In my last blog post titled on motivation, I had discussed about how relying on motivation to get things done was not that great an idea. If you want to check out that blog post, click here.
So, if motivation is garbage, then what does one do?
My quest for the same question lead me to discover this amazing concept by Dan Lok — Integration.
So what exactly is integration?
You build in the activities you want to accomplish into your daily schedule in such a way that you have no excuse not to do them. In short, integrate them into our life, don’t rely on your motivation or willpower or discipline.
Why?
Because human beings are inherently lazy, so your brain will also try to protect you from doing anything that is scary, uncertain or new.
But, the same brain also loves habits and routines and feels comfortable in it. So, when you integrate activities into your life, it becomes a much simpler affair.
Sounds too complicated?
Let me illustrate how I used this principal and integrated going to the gym into my life.
I want to be regular in going to the gym. Now, I know I am a disciplined and motivated person, but I don’t to leave anything to chance. So I prepay gym membership for a whole year — not one month at a time, where I might delay, and take a few days off in between, make excuses.
Prepaid for a whole year, I have to show up.
I just don’t stop here; I have a workout buddy — Pallavi. We both keep tabs on each other to stay committed to the routine. Just a few days back, I did not have the “motivation” to workout. I messaged her– “hey, don’t feel like. Not coming today”. To which she replied “I am already here, waiting for you”.
Guess what. I had to go; I did not have a choice.
Integrated!
PS: I firmly believe in the concept of buddies. It is such a simple yet powerful concept which can help you stay on track and develop new habits. If you are interested to learn more about this, click here.
Click here to watch the full video by Dan Lok — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tilA5Y-MUB4&t=2189s
