I’ve been writing consistently online for just about a year now. LinkedIn, Medium, Substack.
It felt so rewarding. Dopamine-inducing. Meaningful. But the last few months it’s been lackluster and unmotivating.
Why?
Doing too much is not enough
Anyone can get stuck in a bad effort and reward cycle. It’s all based on the neurotransmitters floating around in our heads. Just ask Andrew Huberman, who explains how dopamine affects our motivation, focus, and satisfaction.
As James Clear puts it, there’s a cue, craving, response, and reward. When we start to associate the wrong rewards with the right cues, bad things happen.
Next thing you know, I’m writing for likes. Or expecting that those likes will suddenly turn into gold. But that’s just not how the world works. It’s an illusion in my mind. Even more importantly, it’s a fruitless pursuit.
A reminder that there is no destination
Life is all about the journey.
Maybe there’s a legacy to be made and an impact to be had at the end of the road. Really though, everyone’s just here to explore and coexist. We live alone and die alone. Meaning is something we have to create for ourselves. No external gains attached.
That’s what I had found by writing and something that I have to reclaim.
Search for signs of over simplicity
It might be best for 4-hour workweeks and sabbaticals to be reserved for people who don’t get carried away easily. Others (like me) may struggle to find their groove or overcome self-destructive thoughts and habits.
Sometimes we’re better off finding that medium between hustle and happiness. Reflecting back on the science to unleash creativity. Starting from square one and slowly getting out of our comfort zones.
The irony of it all is…
Here we are, a page down and a post published. A product of a “consistency pact” Ibra and I made months ago without any regard to where we’d be later.
A system that was designed specifically for these months and moments. Powered by a community of well-wishers, from Ibra who co-writes this with me, to the friends that go out of their way to let me know their listening.
Thank you. Burnout or not, it’d be great to hear from you. Have you ever been through a similar experience? And for those looking for ways through such times:
Create consistency pacts and hold yourself accountable to others
Write in a gratitude journal or just reflect on a few good moments in a day
Develop systems of positive reinforcement
Wood For The Fire, W(F)TF
(a weekly swipe file for life):
How we tapped into another period of insane progress, aka Scenius
Ryan Holiday (the Daily Stoic) is crushing it on the Internet
Good questions drive good actions–here’s why
The importance of close friendships (and how to build them)
The one hack that will help you take control of your brain [youtube]
How Amazon is changing (or has changed) the meaning of a good book
Quote of the Week:
“I was the problem and in five seconds, I could push myself and become the solution.” - Mel Robbins
Featured Builder:
Alina and Nicolas Vandenberghe, the co-founders of Chili Piper. As someone who just joined 6-7 weeks ago, I feel grateful towards and amazed by the company and culture they have built.
Yesterday, I pitched them a non-profit proposal. They didn’t just accept, but they upped the ante with a higher pledge amount! Major kudos and respect to these mission-driven entrepreneurs.