Diagnosing and Destroying the Illness of Motivation Malaise

High-Performance Leaders are driven engines. We set audacious goals, push boundaries, and thrive on progress…until we don’t. The truth is, even the most exceptional among us can succumb to a debilitating illness – the motivation malaise. This articles is dedicated to revealing the cures to heal yourself once and for all.

Understanding the Natural Phenomena of Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind our actions and behaviors. It's a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that push us to initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors. Essentially, it's the "why" behind what we do.

On a biological level, motivation is linked to the reward system in our brain. When we engage in activities that we find fulfilling or complete tasks that move us closer to a goal, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This positive reinforcement loop motivates us to repeat those behaviors.

Psychologically, our values, beliefs, and sense of purpose also play a big role. We're more motivated to pursue goals that align with what we find important and meaningful. Social factors like external rewards, recognition, and accountability from others can also influence our motivation. So what causes such a seemingly good trait to fall subject to germs of success like laziness, apathy, and disinterest? As an expert, I must say there is no single answer, and yes, “It depends”. But the good news is that we do not have to look far to find the cures.

Conquering the Motivation Malaise

Mot ailment manifests as a crushing inertia, a lethargy that saps our drive and steals our focus. Important tasks loom like unshakable mountains, once-burning ambitions flicker like dying embers. The very act of starting feels insurmountable, replaced by the seductive comfort of procrastination.

But fear not, fellow leaders! This is not a permanent condition. Just as there are antidotes for physical ailments, there are powerful cures for the motivation malaise. They lie not in external stimulants, but within the potent concoction of a clear vision, a burning desire, and an anguish for procrastination.

Three Practical Antidotes

• A Crystal-Clear Vision: The first step to recovery is a diagnosis. What is it you truly desire? Leaders with a clear vision possess a mental roadmap, a vivid picture of their ultimate destination. This vision is more than just a goal; it's a compelling story that ignites your passion. When the motivation malaise sets in, revisit your vision. Ask yourself: what will achieving this goal mean for you, your company, and the world? Rekindle the spark that ignited your journey in the first place.
  

• A Burning Desire: Vision may be the map, but desire is the fuel. It's the emotional intensity that propels you forward, the insatiable hunger for achievement. Leaders lacking motivation often grapple with a weakened desire. Reignite the flames by reminding yourself of the "why." Why does this goal matter? What sacrifices are you willing to make to achieve it? Imagine the immense satisfaction of accomplishment, the fulfillment that awaits on the other side of the mountain.

• An Anguish for Procrastination: Finally, cultivate an aversion to procrastination. Leaders who succumb to the motivation malaise often fall into the trap of delayed action. Instead, develop a healthy intolerance for putting things off. Visualize the negative consequences of inaction – missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and ultimately, a stagnant career. Let the discomfort of procrastination become a motivator in itself.

By wielding these antidotes – a clear vision, a burning desire, and an anguish for procrastination – you can overcome the motivation malaise and reclaim your place as a high-performance leader. Remember, even the mightiest engine needs a spark to ignite. Go forth, rekindle your flames, and conquer your goals.

Other Notable Remedies

The underlying principle in this article is that intrinsic motivation is the key to overcoming the challenge of inertia and procrastination. The article argues that external factors like stimulants won't cure the motivation malaise, but rather a strong internal drive fueled by a clear vision, a burning desire, and an aversion to procrastination.

Of course there are other external factors like rewards and benefits, accountability, and systems. But none of these surmount to the power of the leader that can see with their eyes closed! Let me know when you catch that one.

Howard Schultz: Overcoming Apathy to Revive Starbucks

Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, is a prime example of a business leader who openly wrestled with a lack of motivation and successfully reignited his passion to achieve remarkable results.

The Apathy and Decline

In the late 2000s, Starbucks, under Schultz's leadership, had become overly focused on expansion and lost sight of its core values. The company experienced a decline in quality, customer satisfaction plummeted, and Schultz himself admitted to feeling a sense of apathy.

The Antidotes for Revival:

Schultz recognized the need for change and employed several strategies to rediscover his motivation and revive Starbucks:

• Reconnecting with Vision: Schultz embarked on a global listening tour, reconnecting with baristas and customers. This process reignited his passion for Starbucks' original vision – to create a "third place" – a welcoming atmosphere beyond home and work.

• Rekindling Desire: By refocusing on the company's core values of community, quality coffee, and employee experience, Schultz found renewed purpose in his role. He saw the opportunity to not just run a coffee chain, but to create a positive impact on people's lives.

• Combating Procrastination: Schultz took decisive action. He implemented a turnaround plan that streamlined operations, improved quality control, and reinvested in employee training. This decisive action demonstrated his commitment to change and instilled confidence in his team.

The Outcome:

Schultz's renewed passion and decisive actions paid off. Starbucks regained its footing, customer satisfaction soared, and the company embarked on a new era of sustainable growth. This turnaround story exemplifies the power of intrinsic motivation in leadership.

This case study highlights the importance of the three antidotes discussed earlier:

• A clear vision: Reconnecting with the company's original vision reignited Schultz's passion.

• A burning desire: Refocusing on Starbucks' core values rekindled his sense of purpose.

• An anguish for procrastination: Taking decisive action demonstrated his commitment and helped overcome inertia.

By tapping into these intrinsic motivators, Howard Schultz overcame a period of apathy and led Starbucks back to prominence. This story serves as a valuable reminder that even the most successful leaders can struggle with motivation, but the path to recovery lies within.

Power Thought

It’s all about reigniting your engine! The motivation malaise, while a formidable foe, is not invincible. As high-performance leaders, we possess the tools to combat this internal struggle. By cultivating a crystal-clear vision, a burning desire, and an anguish for procrastination, we can reignite the flames of our ambition.

Remember, the antidotes lie within you. Revisit your vision, reconnect with the "why" behind your goals, and develop a healthy intolerance for putting things off. Utilize the practical steps discussed – self-efficacy reminders, progress tracking, positive self-talk, and aligning goals with values – to bolster your intrinsic motivation further.

Don't let the motivation malaise derail your journey. Take action today. Rekindle your internal fire and reclaim your place as a leader who thrives on progress. After all, the world needs your unique brand of passion and drive.

If you are looking for a group of likeminded executives to help in overcoming the motivation malaise we encourage you to look into our 6-week Executive Leadership Cohort. Click the link below to learn more.