"Want To," "Have To," and "Need To"

 

 "Want To," "Have To," and "Need To"

Thinking about the complex interplay of motivation, productivity, and the creative process, highlighting the distinct yet interconnected experiences of "wanting to," "having to," and "needing to." This blog post will explore these three motivational states, examining the tools and techniques suggested in the sources to enhance productivity and achieve personal and professional goals.

Unpacking Brett's Motivational Triad

• "Want to" represents activities fueled by intrinsic motivation—tasks we engage in because they align with our passions, interests, or values. This is the realm of hobbies, creative pursuits, and personal growth.
• "Have to" encompasses obligations, responsibilities, and tasks we undertake out of necessity or external pressure. This might include work deadlines, household chores, or social commitments.
• "Need to" sits at the intersection of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, representing tasks we recognize as essential for our well-being or long-term goals, even if they don't always spark immediate enthusiasm. This could include pursuing further education, prioritizing health and fitness, or addressing procrastination.

Tools and Techniques: Cultivating Motivation and Productivity

Mindset: Shaping Your Internal Landscape

• Embrace Curiosity and a Growth Mindset: Approach tasks, whether driven by "want," "have," or "need," with a sense of curiosity and openness to learning. View challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
• Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understand your personality type, learning style, and motivational triggers. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses to leverage them effectively. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) can be valuable in this process.
• Manage Procrastination: The sources emphasize that procrastination often stems from fear of failure or a lack of clarity. Techniques such as breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, utilizing time-boxing methods like the Pomodoro Technique, and employing the "JFDI" ("Just expletive Do It") approach can help overcome procrastination.
• Focus on Progress and Gratitude: Celebrate small wins and acknowledge the progress made, regardless of the motivational source. Cultivating a sense of gratitude for accomplishments can fuel further motivation.

Environment: Designing Your Optimal Workspace

• Dedicated Workspace: Designate a specific area that fosters focus and creativity—a space free from distractions where you can fully engage with your tasks.
• "Office in a Bag": For those with dynamic schedules or limited access to a dedicated workspace, create a portable "office" equipped with essential tools and resources, enabling productivity on the go. Your "Every Day Carry". (see Pockets,pouches, Packs & Pods).
• Embrace Alternative Spaces: Explore cafes, libraries, or even co-working spaces as alternative work environments. Sometimes, a change of scenery can spark creativity and enhance focus.

Purpose: Aligning Action with Intention

• Identify Your "Why": Clearly define the purpose and desired outcome for each task, connecting it to your overall goals and values. Utilize tools like Robert Dilts' "Dilts Pyramid" or Franklin Covey's "Urgent v Important" matrix to prioritize tasks and align actions with intentions.
• Embrace the Journey: View tasks, particularly those related to long-term goals like pursuing a PhD, as a journey rather than a destination. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the milestones along the way.
• Effective Communication: When communicating, especially in crisis management situations, employ the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) approach, prioritizing clarity and conciseness. Utilize standardized email subject lines with keywords to enhance efficiency and search ability.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Motivation

Mastering motivation is an ongoing process. It requires cultivating self-awareness, experimenting with different tools and techniques, and adapting strategies based on individual needs and contexts. By understanding the nuances of "want to," "have to," and "need to," and by leveraging the tools and techniques outlined in the sources, individuals can navigate the complexities of motivation, enhance productivity, and ultimately achieve their goals.

* Brett's  80/20/80 rule states that you can get 80% of the results with 20% of the effort, that may be “good enough”, a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), however the remaining 20% of what remains to be accomplished, will take 80% of the effort. 

 The Brett 80/20/80 Rule