- Understanding Positive and Negative Motivation: Leo Gura from actualised.org explains the differences between positive and negative motivation, emphasizing why negative motivation is not sufficient for achieving long-term success. Negative motivation, often externally driven, stems from the desire to avoid pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. An example includes working hard to avoid poverty or prevent electricity from being turned off. On the other hand, positive motivation comes from moving towards something one desires, achieving personal fulfillment. The enjoyment of painting, staying physically fit, or the process of reading a mystery book series are all examples of positive motivators.
- Negative Motivation's Limitations and Moving Towards Positive Motivation: Negative motivation can drive change but the effects wane at a certain level and it lacks sustainability in the long run. If one aims to achieve above-average, extraordinary success and overcome mediocrity, shifting motivation from negative to positive is crucial as the latter delivers far superior results.
- Robert Fritz's 'Path of Least Resistance': Robert Fritz's book explains the concept of transitioning from a problem-solving mindset (akin to negative motivation, as it's fueled by the desire to solve uncomfortable situations) towards a creative mindset (which is related to positive motivation, concentrating on what one wants to create).
- Creativity and Pursuit of Vision: Creativity in this context does not merely restrict to artistic pursuits but is about using the process of creation to shape one's life in a broader sense. The creative paradigm doesn't focus on the problems or shortcomings; instead, it's about envisioning what one wants to create, akin to painting on a blank canvas with numerous tools and opportunities at disposal.
- Motivation and Pursuit of Goals: Rather than being driven by dissatisfaction or problems, fostering a creative mindset enables a positive view of the future. This type of positive motivation helps individuals to work towards lifting their energy and maintaining vitality, facilitating the pursuit of their goals and fulfillment effectively.
- Negative Motivation VS Positive Motivation in Physical Fitness: Metaphorically, two individuals might undergo the same actions for physical change (the gym, dietary alterations, etc), but have differing inner drives. One is driven by hatred of their look (negative motivation), and the other is driven by the vision of their desired appearance (positive motivation). Even when tasks are the same, the motivation behind them plays an essential role in its sustainability and success.
- Yo-yo Effect of Negative Motivation: Negative motivation might initially fuel you to action, but as you start closing the gap between your current and desired situations, motivational declines. This is because the pain that was driving you lessens when conditions improve. E.g., transitioning from a job you hate to one that is better but not optimal, you get comfortable and lose the drive to find your dream job. Thus, negative motivation is not a sustainable strategy for great achievements.
- Separate Use of Energy in Positive Motivation: With a positive vision of where you want to be, that motivation is never-ending. It builds and builds upon itself. Unlike negative motivation, the closer you get to your vision in this case, the more excited and motivated it makes you feel. Your vision continually enlarges, evolves, and transforms into something new taking you along for the ride. This strategy keeps you constantly inspired and motivated.
- Achievements accomplished through Positive Motivation: Reflecting on great structures and billion-dollar companies like the pyramids, Microsoft, Apple, Google, they were built/founded from an inspired drive. The motivation required to create such great achievements is not just about avoiding discomfort or solving problems; it's about having a higher vision, deep values that inspire and motivate you. This characterizes proactive thinking and constant improvement, providing a lot of positive impacts/creating greatness in the world.
- Significance of Vision and Positive Motivation in Achieving Greater Goals: Accomplishments like building the pyramids or billion-dollar companies involved more than the instinct for survival. They extended to fulfilling higher ideals and values deeply ingrained in their creators. It took more than simple problem avoidance or the pursuit of comfort to motivate the enormous investment of energy and struggle that such creations demanded.
- Human Progress Stemming from Positive Motivation: From the houses we live in, the technology we routinely use, to the societal structures that enable functioning communities - all were backed by intellect manifested from an idea or imagination, then subsequently made a reality due to attributing significant importance to these visions.
- Challenges of a Problem-Solving Mindset: A problem-solving mindset can result in an endless cycle of resolving one issue only for another to appear, making us feel like victims. Instead, focusing on our vision and the things we want, following the law of attraction's principle, can potentially lead us towards achieving them while circumventing problems in the process.
- The Yo-Yo Effect of Negative Motivation: Negative motivation can result in an oscillating structure where reaching a goal leads to satisfaction and complacency, causing us to regress back to a less desirable state. Summoning the motivation to rise above again results in a yo-yo effect, preventing substantial, consistent progress.
- The Power of Focus: Shifting focus from problems to solutions, and constantly seeking opportunities despite adversity can be integral to personal or professional success. Using negative motivation or avoiding pain leads to short-term resolutions and is less ideal than focusing on the vision, which is filled with potential and progressive meanings.
- Leo Gura's weight loss journey: Gura describes how he struggled with maintaining his target weight after an initial weight loss of 65 pounds. His motivation to stay fit waned after he accomplished his target, causing him to oscillate between maintaining fitness and indulging in unhealthy habits. This cycle, known as the "yo-yo effect," made him stagnant, not producing any gains at the gym. Negative motivation, in this case, was insufficient to keep him on track for sustainable fitness.
- Impact of vision in weight loss: Realizing his struggle with weight maintenance, Gura decided to create a vision for himself. He became interested in bodybuilding and started setting higher goals for fitness and health. He used positive reinforcement, visual cues (such as pictures of the desired physique), and research to motivate himself towards achieving his fitness vision.
- Maintaining vision-driven motivation: As Gura followed his vision of becoming healthier and more physique-focused, he began to see considerable improvement in his gym performance. Reaching his fitness goal was challenging, but the strong vision kept him motivated. His quest to achieve a six-pack and 8% body fat remains ongoing.
- Negative motivation vs. positive motivation: Gura learned through his experience that negative motivation can result in constant dissatisfaction and a reactive approach to one's goals. On the contrary, being positively motivated by a vision can make one appreciate the journey, despite occasional discomforts. He clarifies that while negative motivation might initiate action, having a vision and positive motivation is key for consistently progressing towards the goal.
- Importance of vision in motivation: Leo emphasizes the importance of having a vision and connecting with it deeply. According to him, when people work on their vision, they find motivation, happiness, and contentment. He encourages individuals to shift from avoiding discomforts and negative sentiments to establishing what they genuinely want from their lives.
- Benefits of Positive over Negative Motivation: Leo Gura suggests that while negative motivation, or fear-driven actions, can produce temporary results, it rarely sustains lifelong change. Negative motivation can serve as a short-term defense against threats such as fear of losing a job or unhealthy weight gain. These initial changes may lead to some improvement in life conditions, but won't produce excellence or ultimate fulfilment.
- Negative Motivation and Resistance: Gura argues when actions are out of fear, such as fear of health complications, there is internal resistance to the change, making it hard to sustain and more likely for one to fall back to old habits. An individual might go to the gym or start eating healthy due to fear of a heart attack, yet they are internally resentful or reluctant, which may often result in them giving up.
- Positive Vision as a Catalyst for Change: Gura proposes that converting the fear into a positive vision can produce sustainable change. For instance, if the fear of poor health leads to a vision of oneself as healthy, full of energy, and interested in nutrition, this alignment of mind, body, and actions can result in long-term commitment and success. Hence, an individual will not just be avoiding negative health outcomes but actively working towards positive health goals.
- Transition from Negative to Positive Motivation: Gura urges the audience to examine their current motivations and identify any areas driven by negative avoidance. He suggests creating a daily reviewed, positive vision for these areas, connecting with deep-seated values, and stressing that sustained action becomes effortless when it aligns with one's vision. This shift, according to Gura, can break the cycle of negative motivation, leading to greater success.
- Dismissal of Fixed Personality Traits: Gura rebuffs traditional psychological views that propose some individuals are inherently more driven by fear or reward, or that personality types, like introversion and extroversion, are fixed. He encourages people to see these traits as malleable and emphasizes the benefits of shifting from a problem-solving, fear-driven mindset to a creative, pleasure-seeking one.
- Introversion Vs Extroversion: Leo Gura explains the distinct characteristics of introverts and extroverts. Introverts are more analytical and reserve their energy by limiting social interactions. They prefer solitude to recharge their mental energy. In contrast, extroverts gain energy from their environment and social interactions, causing them to appear more energetic and present.
- Overcoming Introversion: Gura shares his personal experience of being a self-described 'extreme introvert'. He noticed his introverted traits were limiting his life in various aspects, such as public speaking, running a successful business, and maintaining intimate relationships. Therefore, he made a conscious decision to develop more extroverted traits.
- Transforming from Introvert to Extrovert: The journey to become more extroverted was challenging for Gura. He underwent a process of 'cold approach pickup' that involved consistently putting himself in uncomfortable social situations. Despite initial doubts about the possibility of changing, Gura discovered that with dedication and consistency, deep internal changes can be made.
- Shaping Your Character: Gura emphasizes that individuals have the power to create themselves, challenging the notion that personality types are fixed. He believes that if one is not happy with their current state or results in life, they have the ability to change and emphasizes the importance of consistently focusing on what one wants to create in their life.
- Shifting from Negative to Positive Motivation: On the topic of motivation, Gura advocates for shifting from negative to positive motivation. He suggests starting by creating a vision for oneself, and by focusing on the things one wants to create in their life rather than what they don't want. He believes that "faking it until you make it" can eventually lead to genuine internalization of positive motivation.
- Change is Possible: Across his journey, Gura discovered that becoming whoever you want to be is possible despite possible difficulties. When change is backed with consistent efforts and focus, it can lead to deep internal changes. As a result, Gura believes that one's brain chemistry and identity can be reformulated to create a new, desirable reality.