Motivation Is a Scam. Here’s What Works Instead.
If you’re waiting for motivation to kick in, good luck.
Because motivation is unreliable.
One day you feel unstoppable, the next day, opening an email feels impossible.
So instead of chasing motivation, here’s what actually works:
Reduce friction (Make good choices easier.)
Build non-negotiable habits (Treat them like brushing your teeth.)
Optimize environment (Remove distractions before they happen.)
Your brain doesn’t care about discipline. It cares about defaults.
What’s one habit that became automatic for you?
Replies
Self-reflection. On everything I do or think within the day.
Mostly used since 2010.
It is already not just a matter of habit — but a way of living.
You can't rely on motivation, because many people mistake it for interest. But interest isn’t what drives action—at least not after adolescence. “I want to do it” gets replaced by “I need to do it.” That’s just how it goes.
Your list is solid and definitely works for many people, but it wouldn’t help much in my case. Since having kids, part of my life is completely unpredictable and beyond control. You can’t really create perfect working conditions — they rarely exist. You just work with what you’ve got and do as much as you can.