“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :
>
Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,
>
C’est une mort insupportable :
>
Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”. Source
This 18th-century verse from Voltaire translates to a powerful modern truth. “We die twice,” he wrote. The first death, an “unbearable” one, is to cease loving and being lovable. The second, merely ceasing to live, is nothing in comparison. This idea speaks directly to the struggle of long-term ambition. When you face a path with no shortcuts, the greatest danger isn’t failure. Instead, the real risk is losing the passion and connection that make the journey worthwhile. Beverly Sills – Metropolitan Opera Archives
Embarking on a significant goal—building a business, mastering a craft, or achieving a personal transformation—is a marathon. There are no magical shortcuts or overnight successes. The path is often long, isolating, and filled with unseen obstacles. Maintaining motivation in these circumstances feels like a monumental task. This is where we risk the first death: the slow erosion of our love for the process and for ourselves.
. Beverly Sills – Metropolitan Opera
The Psychology of the Unwavering Path
Why does motivation fade on these long journeys? Our brains are wired for immediate feedback and reward. When progress is slow and rewards are distant, it’s easy to feel stuck. You put in the work every day, but the finish line seems just as far away. This creates a psychological gap where doubt and frustration can flourish. Consequently, the initial excitement wanes, replaced by the monotonous reality of the daily grind.
This feeling of stagnation is a primary cause of burnout. Without clear markers of progress, your effort can feel pointless. You begin to question your goals and your ability to achieve them. Furthermore, modern culture often celebrates rapid success, making your slow and steady path feel inadequate. This external pressure can be incredibly demotivating. However, you can fight back against this emotional and mental fatigue by adopting new strategies.
Break Down the Mountain into Stones
A massive goal can be paralyzing. The sheer scale of it makes the first step seem insignificant. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to break it down. Deconstruct your ultimate objective into the smallest possible tasks. Instead of focusing on “writing a book,” concentrate on “writing 200 words today.” This approach transforms an overwhelming mountain into a manageable pile of stones you can move one by one.
This technique, known as goal decomposition, leverages psychological principles to build momentum. Each completed task delivers a small hit of dopamine, creating a positive feedback loop. It provides the regular sense of accomplishment our brains crave. Moreover, research consistently shows that individuals with specific, written-down goals are more likely to succeed. . Source
Celebrate Every Step Forward
When the journey is long, you must become your own cheerleader. Waiting until the final goal is met to celebrate is a recipe for burnout. Instead, you should intentionally acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. Did you finish a difficult task? Did you stick to your schedule for a week? These are wins. Recognizing them reinforces your commitment and reminds you that you are making progress, however incremental. Beverly Sills – Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
This practice is not about indulgence; it’s about self-reinforcement. It helps you stay connected and “lovable” to yourself, as Voltaire might say. It keeps the process from feeling like a joyless slog. For example, you could treat yourself to a nice coffee after a productive morning or take an evening off after hitting a weekly target. These small rewards sustain your energy for the long haul. Beverly Sills – The Metropolitan Opera
Fueling Your Journey with Connection and Purpose
No one succeeds in a vacuum. The long path can be lonely, which is why building a support system is crucial. This network can include mentors, peers, friends, or family. They provide encouragement when you stumble and celebrate with you when you succeed. Sharing your struggles with others makes them less burdensome. More importantly, it reminds you that you are not alone.
This external support system directly combats the first death Voltaire described. It is a source of love and connection. Accountability partners, for instance, can provide the gentle push you need on days when motivation is low. Mentors offer invaluable guidance, helping you navigate obstacles they have already overcome. This human connection is a powerful antidote to the isolation that often accompanies ambitious goals.
Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
Ultimately, the most potent source of motivation comes from within. You must have a clear and compelling reason for embarking on your journey. What is your ‘why’? Is it personal growth, financial freedom, or a desire to make an impact? When your motivation wavers, revisiting your core purpose can reignite your passion. Write it down and place it somewhere you will see it every day.
This ‘why’ is your anchor. It keeps you grounded when challenges arise and gives meaning to your daily efforts. It is the love for the mission that Voltaire speaks of. Without it, any difficult task becomes unbearable. With a strong purpose, however, you can endure almost any hardship. The path without shortcuts is not just a test of endurance; it is a test of your connection to your deepest values.
In summary, staying motivated is an active process. It requires breaking down your goals, celebrating your progress, building a strong support network, and staying connected to your purpose. By doing so, you avoid the “unbearable death” of losing your passion and ensure the journey, no matter how long, remains one of life and love.