Motivation can also be broken down into push motivation and pull motivation.
Push motivation is about pushing yourself to achieve a certain goal, while pull motivation is about being drawn to something you desire to such an extent that you can’t help but keep working on your goals no matter what[xii].
In this sense, push motivation relies on your willpower – it’s only as strong as your will to achieve the goal. In the case of pull motivation, willpower doesn’t even come into play – you’re so drawn to the thing you desire that you’ll never stop until you achieve it.
It took me about six years of starting various businesses to develop a business sense and finally start a profitable company (and another, and another, and another). What motivated me wasn’t the push – it was the pure pull, the desire to become a full-fledged, battle-tested entrepreneur. No matter the obstacles, problems, and other issues associated with the entrepreneur’s roller coaster, I never considered dropping entrepreneurship – not even once.
How can you develop such a powerful pull motivation for exercise? That’s the question I can’t answer for you – it’s something that’s unique to your circumstances and personality. In my case, the allure of entrepreneurship has been pulling me ever since I was a kid. It is a clear example of a “pull” motivation.
Later on in my life, I’ve experienced the same thing when I was first introduced to indoor climbing. I didn’t have to “push” myself to become better and go to the gym three to four times a week – the activity drew me in right away like an obsession.
What has always drawn you in fitness-wise, but you’ve never truly considered it in your life? Was it the beauty of Argentine tango? The smooth, controlled movements of a climber? The powerful mental battle of a marathoner and the subsequent unbeatable feeling of achievement?
Think of the things that draw you in and what kinds of physical activities can take you there. Don’t push yourself to become a physically active person – let the physical activity draw you in because of what it represents, what kind of a lifestyle it’s associated with, or because of the concept behind it (like learning how to unleash your sexuality when dancing or looking inward when practicing yoga).
Please note that the push/pull distinction is slightly different than extrinsic and intrinsic motivation – it’s not necessarily something you do because you enjoy it, but a goal that is so alluring that you can’t help but do it.