The Motivation Myth

More about the book

From Inc.com's popular columnist comes a counterintuitive yet practical guide to finding and maintaining the motivation needed to achieve great things. It's easy to believe that superstars are simply born with more grit, willpower, or talent. When we see a co-worker lose weight or a friend complete a marathon while managing work projects, we often assume they possess a greater drive to reach their goals. However, as Jeff Haden reveals, motivation is a myth. It isn’t the catalyst for change but rather a byproduct of the process. Understanding this shifts our perspective on overcoming obstacles and pursuing significant goals. Haden meets us where we are—anxious and unsure at the start of our journeys, often disillusioned by self-help strategies that have failed us. He provides practical advice to help us stop stalling and actively pursue our dreams. By demystifying accomplishment, he demonstrates that success is not about sudden inspiration or spiritual awakenings, but about clear, repeatable processes. Haden's own experiences—drawing 2 million readers monthly, completing a 107-mile mountain bike race, and losing 10 pounds in a month—illustrate that success is attainable for anyone who understands the true nature of motivation. He offers the tools to help you transcend mediocrity and create lasting positive change in your life.