The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden | Booklicious Podcast | Episode 19

Welcome to the Book Review Podcast, where we discuss new and noteworthy books. Today, we’re diving into the world of productivity and self-improvement with the book “The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win” by Jeff Haden.

At its core, “The Motivation Myth” challenges the notion that we need to feel motivated in order to achieve our goals. Haden argues that waiting for motivation to strike is a recipe for failure, and that the most successful people don’t rely on motivation at all. Instead, they create habits and systems that enable them to consistently take action towards their goals, regardless of whether they feel motivated or not.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the idea that action leads to motivation, not the other way around. Haden suggests that instead of waiting for motivation to kick in before taking action, we should take action first, which will then create momentum and increase our motivation. This is a powerful concept that can help people break out of the cycle of procrastination and get started on the things that matter most to them.

Another interesting aspect of the book is Haden’s emphasis on the importance of environment in shaping our behavior. He argues that we are heavily influenced by the people and things around us, and that we can set ourselves up for success by intentionally designing our environment to support our goals. This can include things like surrounding ourselves with positive and supportive people, creating a workspace that fosters focus and productivity, and eliminating distractions that pull us away from our priorities.

One of the most compelling parts of the book is the stories of high achievers who have achieved success despite facing significant challenges and setbacks. Haden shares examples of people like J.K. Rowling, who was rejected by multiple publishers before finally finding success with the Harry Potter series, and Michael Jordan, who famously missed more than 9,000 shots in his career. These stories illustrate the importance of perseverance, resilience, and grit in achieving success, and provide inspiration for readers who may be struggling to overcome their own obstacles.

While “The Motivation Myth” is a well-written and engaging book, it’s not without its flaws. One potential criticism is that some of the advice may be overly simplistic or difficult to implement in practice. For example, while Haden emphasizes the importance of taking action and building habits, he doesn’t offer much guidance on how to actually do these things in the face of real-world challenges and obstacles.

Another potential issue is that the book may not resonate with everyone. While Haden’s message is empowering and inspiring, some readers may find it too focused on individual achievement and not enough on the broader social and economic forces that shape our lives. Additionally, the book’s emphasis on success and achievement may not be appealing to readers who value other aspects of life, such as relationships, community, or creativity.

Overall, “The Motivation Myth” is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges conventional wisdom about motivation and success. While it may not be a perfect guide to achieving your goals, it offers valuable insights and practical strategies for anyone looking to overcome procrastination, build better habits, and achieve more in their life.

Also Listen: Secret Invasion (2008) #1 | Booklicious Podcast | Episode 18