The Motivation Myth audiobook cover - How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win

The Motivation Myth

How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up to Win

Jeff Haden

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Key Takeaways from The Motivation Myth

Learning Tools

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Mind Map

The Motivation Myth
Redefining Motivation+
Process Over Goals+
Tactics for Success+
Growth and Support+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the author, what is the true nature of motivation?
  • A. It is a magical spark of inspiration that precedes hard work.
  • B. It is an innate quality that successful people possess in greater amounts.
  • C. It is the result of establishing a process and enjoying small victories.
  • D. It is primarily driven by intensely visualizing your long-term goals.
Question 2 of 8
Why does research suggest you should avoid discussing your aspirations with friends and family?
  • A. They might offer unsolicited advice that distracts you from your process.
  • B. You experience the reward of admiration prematurely, which decreases your determination.
  • C. It increases the pressure to succeed, often leading to performance anxiety.
  • D. It invites negative feedback that can destroy your initial motivation.
Question 3 of 8
What role should your primary goal play once you have set out to achieve it?
  • A. It should be visualized daily to maintain your momentum and focus.
  • B. It should be shared publicly to keep you accountable to your peers.
  • C. It should be frequently adjusted based on your daily emotional state.
  • D. It should only be used to shape and dictate your specific daily process.
Question 4 of 8
What does the author mean by advising readers to become a 'serial achiever'?
  • A. Pursuing multiple ambitions and passions, rather than limiting yourself to just one area of expertise.
  • B. Focusing intensely on one single goal until it is perfectly completed before moving on.
  • C. Continuously setting higher and higher targets within the exact same career path.
  • D. Breaking a large goal down into a series of smaller, sequential steps.
Question 5 of 8
What is the primary benefit of the 'working your number' strategy?
  • A. It guarantees that you will never experience failure or setbacks during your journey.
  • B. It allows you to complete your goals in half the time compared to traditional methods.
  • C. It cultivates consistent, long-term development by focusing on a defined volume of effort.
  • D. It helps you identify exactly how much financial investment you need for success.
Question 6 of 8
Why does the author recommend seeking help from an established professional rather than a motivational coach?
  • A. Professionals are usually less expensive than hiring a dedicated motivational coach.
  • B. Professionals will coddle you and make the learning process much more enjoyable.
  • C. Professionals will introduce you to their vast network of influential industry contacts.
  • D. Professionals won't hold back from telling you what you need to hear and will show you the hard work required.
Question 7 of 8
When taking an Extreme Productivity Day (EPD), how should you handle taking breaks?
  • A. Avoid taking any breaks at all to maintain maximum momentum.
  • B. Choose to break in the middle of a task so you are excited to resume working later.
  • C. Take breaks exactly at the top of every hour to maintain a strict rhythm.
  • D. Use social media or television as a quick mental reward during your downtime.
Question 8 of 8
According to the actionable advice in the summary, how should you evaluate new opportunities, such as being asked to lead a company picnic team?
  • A. Use your goal as a measuring stick to decide if the opportunity is part of your process.
  • B. Accept all leadership opportunities to build your reputation as a serial achiever.
  • C. Delegate the opportunity to a mentor so you can focus on your Extreme Productivity Day.
  • D. Use the opportunity as a networking tool to share your long-term ambitions with coworkers.

The Motivation Myth — Full Chapter Overview

The Motivation Myth Summary & Overview

The Motivation Myth (2018) debunks the idea that you need motivation for success. Drawing on the author’s own experiences and examples from high achievers across a range of fields, it shows you how to cultivate a process to reach your goals and enjoy fulfillment along the way.

Who Should Listen to The Motivation Myth?

  • Managers, parents, and students who feel unmotivated
  • Entrepreneurs who want to start a business
  • Anyone interested in picking up a new sport

About the Author: Jeff Haden

Jeff Haden is a ghostwriter, speaker, LinkedIn Influencer, and contributing writer to Inc. Magazine. His work has appeared in Time, the Huffington Post, Fast Company, and Business Insider, and on Yahoo! Small Business, and MSNBC.

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