When you decide you want to write a book, be cautious about sharing your aspirations with others. More often than not, aspiring authors seek support and inspiration from those around them, but this can be a double-edged sword. Friends, family, and even acquaintances may inadvertently discourage you from pursuing your writing dreams. Writing a book can seem like a daunting task to some, and they might project their insecurities onto you. Your ambition to be an author might not fit neatly into the compartment they've created for you, leading to discouragement. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of intrinsic motivation, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why you should be your own source of motivation on your writing journey.

The Essence of Motivation

So, what is motivation, really? When people say, "I'm not motivated to change my diet," "I don't feel motivated to exercise," or "I lack the motivation to write that book," they are referring to intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is that internal, often subconscious, drive that comes from feeling inspired, excited, and enthused about pursuing a particular endeavor. It's the feeling you experience when you ask your new girlfriend out on a date because you're falling in love with her.

On the flip side, there's extrinsic motivation, which arises from cognitive processes. It involves making logical, calculated decisions based on external factors. For example, when you're looking to buy a new home, you might create a list of pros and cons for each option, considering factors like the number of bedrooms, school district, and commute times. External motivation can also come from outside influences, like a spouse, boss, or drill instructor pushing you to achieve a specific goal.

Don't Wait for Intrinsic Motivation

Many people wait for intrinsic motivation to kick in before taking action. They hope to feel that internal spark of inspiration before they start writing, exercising, or making other changes. However, as Drake Eastburn, the author of "Activate Your Muse," suggests, waiting for motivation can be an endless waiting game. It's not always reliable, and it might never arrive.

The Role of Routine

Think about your daily routine. Do you need to feel intrinsically motivated to get out of bed in the morning, head to work, or change your child's diaper? The answer is no. These are tasks that need to be done, regardless of whether you feel motivated to do them. The same applies to writing. If you want to be a writer, then write, because you've determined that's what you want to do.

The "Just Do It" Mentality

There's a powerful anecdote about a famous female author (apologies for not remembering her name) who was teaching a writing class. When one of her students said, "I only write when I feel inspired," her response was enlightening: "Does your plumber get to wait until he feels inspired to fix your pipes? Does your roofer get to wait until he feels inspired to fix your roof? No! It's their job. Writing is your job, so write. Don't wait for inspiration."

Certainly, as writers, we experience moments of inspiration that we should seize. However, even when intrinsic motivation is lacking, you should push forward and write anyway. As the iconic athletic wear company Nike famously urges, "Just Do It." Be your own motivation, your own source of inspiration, and watch your writing dreams turn into reality. Don't wait for motivation to find you; instead, go out and create it for yourself.