5 ms·

Can we stop calling things hacks? You're either motivated or you aren't, and if there isn't enough motivation day after day, perhaps it's a sign that you're in

by nhangen 15y ago

Can we stop calling things hacks? You're either motivated or you aren't, and if there isn't enough motivation day after day, perhaps it's a sign that you're in the wrong place.

parallel 15y ago
Perhaps "hack" isn't the right word but there are techniques or tricks that will result in higher productivity. One technique I use is to think about how I would tackle a task if I were to do it. So you start to break it down, think about the first step, and what would follow. Pretty soon what was an really objectionable undertaking seems achievable and I launch into it.
- greyman 15y ago
  >> >> but there are techniques or tricks that will result in higher productivity. Yes, there are, but what nhangen is saying is very important - what if someone is in a totally wrong place (for himself), but tricked himself to be motivated to work on something which ultimately doesn't bring him happiness or fulfillment? If you have to "#11: Reward yourself. Often.", isn't it an indicator that the intrinsic reward is lacking in the activity? Then why trick oneself to spend time on it?
  - parallel 15y ago
    Yeah, I take the point. I wouldn't like to lead a work life where my only motivation comes from artificial rewards or motivational hacks. If there is no intrinsic motivation in the work then something fundamental has gone wrong, like career choice. However, we are human, and the most suitable work for an individual is still work, parts will be more painful than others. It's these parts where there can be, let's call them "disciplines" that will help.
rednum 15y ago
I think you are touching on an important issue here; there are tens of post like the OP, but few people actually think about taking time to reevaluate your goals. People often have trouble realising what they really want and struggle with 'motivation' whereas they just should try something different. It is also worth pointing out that no matter how cool 'hacks' you use you can't work all the time and just need to take a longer break to regain will to work. [Disclaimer: I know I am a bit offtopic, but if someone told me what I wrote a year ago, I would be much more happy with my life. I've read tens of motivation/productiveness/get-stuff-done articles whereas what I needed was taking a proper holiday and rethinking my goals]
kristiandupont 15y ago
Well, what does "place" mean? Sure, if we are talking about work, you might be better off another place. But if you are looking to quit smoking but find it hard, would you argue that they should simply surrender and stick with smoking?
hammock 15y ago
If you like, you can think of it as a habit. Dare I say, a habit of highly effective people. "Hack" is just the buzzword of the day.
dkarl 15y ago
I agree with you on the usage of the word "hack." These are basic techniques. No one would say: "Top 20 C Hacks: 1. Use a variable to store a value. 2. Use named functions to organize your code. ...." I also agree with you that you have to work with the motivation that's already there. These techniques don't create motivation; they multiply it. On the other hand, intelligence and effort can be applied to anything, so lists like these are helpful for people who want to improve their edge.

by nhangen 15y ago

Can we stop calling things hacks? You're either motivated or you aren't, and if there isn't enough motivation day after day, perhaps it's a sign that you're in the wrong place.

parallel 15y ago

Perhaps "hack" isn't the right word but there are techniques or tricks that will result in higher productivity. One technique I use is to think about how I would tackle a task if I were to do it. So you start to break it down, think about the first step, and what would follow. Pretty soon what was an really objectionable undertaking seems achievable and I launch into it.

greyman 15y ago
>> >> but there are techniques or tricks that will result in higher productivity. Yes, there are, but what nhangen is saying is very important - what if someone is in a totally wrong place (for himself), but tricked himself to be motivated to work on something which ultimately doesn't bring him happiness or fulfillment? If you have to "#11: Reward yourself. Often.", isn't it an indicator that the intrinsic reward is lacking in the activity? Then why trick oneself to spend time on it?
- parallel 15y ago
  Yeah, I take the point. I wouldn't like to lead a work life where my only motivation comes from artificial rewards or motivational hacks. If there is no intrinsic motivation in the work then something fundamental has gone wrong, like career choice. However, we are human, and the most suitable work for an individual is still work, parts will be more painful than others. It's these parts where there can be, let's call them "disciplines" that will help.

rednum 15y ago

I think you are touching on an important issue here; there are tens of post like the OP, but few people actually think about taking time to reevaluate your goals. People often have trouble realising what they really want and struggle with 'motivation' whereas they just should try something different. It is also worth pointing out that no matter how cool 'hacks' you use you can't work all the time and just need to take a longer break to regain will to work. [Disclaimer: I know I am a bit offtopic, but if someone told me what I wrote a year ago, I would be much more happy with my life. I've read tens of motivation/productiveness/get-stuff-done articles whereas what I needed was taking a proper holiday and rethinking my goals]

kristiandupont 15y ago

Well, what does "place" mean? Sure, if we are talking about work, you might be better off another place. But if you are looking to quit smoking but find it hard, would you argue that they should simply surrender and stick with smoking?

hammock 15y ago

If you like, you can think of it as a habit. Dare I say, a habit of highly effective people. "Hack" is just the buzzword of the day.

dkarl 15y ago

I agree with you on the usage of the word "hack." These are basic techniques. No one would say: "Top 20 C Hacks: 1. Use a variable to store a value. 2. Use named functions to organize your code. ...." I also agree with you that you have to work with the motivation that's already there. These techniques don't create motivation; they multiply it. On the other hand, intelligence and effort can be applied to anything, so lists like these are helpful for people who want to improve their edge.