How to Motivate Yourself: Leverage Dopamine & Overcome Your Excuses | The Mel Robbins Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” the topic of self-motivation is explored. Mel Robbins shares essential truths about self-motivation and discusses how life can sometimes deflate our motivation when we need it the most.

Main Takeaways

Overcoming Setbacks and Rejections

• Life has a way of taking the wind out of your sails just when you need motivation the most.
• Rejection is a natural part of life, and it’s important to acknowledge and process the emotions that come with it.
• Feeling demoralized and questioning one’s abilities after rejection is common, but it’s essential to remember that everyone experiences similar struggles.

The Science of Motivation

• Motivation is tied to dopamine, the molecule of motivation, which plays a role in the reward system in the mind.
• Dopamine is present when you’re motivated to do something you crave, but it’s not reliable for everyday tasks.
• Understanding your “why” is essential for self-motivation and achieving your goals.

Taking Action and Pushing Through Hesitation

• Waiting for motivation is not productive; you must remind yourself why something matters to self-motivate.
• Pushing through lack of motivation taps into one’s greatness and opens doors to a fulfilling life.
• The “Fail at full speed” philosophy encourages giving your best effort regardless of temporary emotions or lack of motivation.

Summary

Overcoming Setbacks and Rejections

Mel Robbins shares a personal story about her son’s college application process, where he poured in dedication and effort despite being dyslexic. However, he faced rejection from his top college choice, which was a difficult moment for the family. Mel emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and wallowing in disappointment before moving forward. Rejection is a natural part of life, and it can lead to demoralization and lack of motivation in various aspects of life. It’s crucial to recognize that everyone experiences similar struggles and to process the emotions that come with rejection.

The Science of Motivation

Motivation is tied to dopamine, the molecule of motivation, which plays a role in the brain’s reward system. Dopamine is present when you’re motivated to do something you crave, but it’s not reliable for everyday tasks. Mel emphasizes the significance of understanding your “why” for self-motivation and achieving your goals. A free workbook is available to help gain clarity on what you want and why you want it, which is essential for self-motivation.

Taking Action and Pushing Through Hesitation

Waiting for motivation is not productive; instead, you must remind yourself why something matters to self-motivate. Mel advises letting individuals decompress and consider all options when dealing with setbacks, such as college rejections. Encouraging them to apply to other top choices, even if they seem like a reach, can help them grow and develop. Dreams and goals are not just about achieving them but about becoming the kind of person you want to be. Taking action matters more than waiting for motivation or craving, and pushing through hesitation taps into one’s greatness and leads to a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Self-motivation is a complex topic, but understanding essential truths about it can help you hack motivation when you need it. Overcoming setbacks and rejections involves acknowledging and processing emotions, while the science of motivation highlights the role of dopamine and understanding your “why.” Taking action and pushing through hesitation are crucial for self-motivation and achieving goals. Remember, motivation cannot be imposed on someone; they have to want it for themselves. So, embrace the power of self-motivation and strive for greatness.