I believe most people don’t have a motivation problem. They have a motive problem. We confuse the spark that gets us moving with the reason we should keep going. That confusion costs time, energy, and trust in ourselves.
Here’s my take: external hype can start the engine, but only inner values keep the car on the road. If I need a celebrity, a deadline, or applause to act, I’m renting motivation. I want to own it.
The Michael Jordan Test
I use a simple test when my willpower wobbles. I imagine a world-class icon showing up to do the task with me. Then I check my reason.
“If I don’t want to work out in the morning and I wake up, I simply say, dude, you gotta go work out. Michael Jordan is working out with you today.”
That thought can jolt me. But then comes the truth checkpoint.
“If Michael Jordan is the reason I would do it, then that’s not the reason I should be doing it.”
When the reason is borrowed, the commitment is fragile. When the reason is mine, the commitment becomes durable. Goals fail when the motive belongs to someone else.
What Really Matters
Values turn choices into non-choices. For me, family and service sit at the top. That’s my compass. So I ask a clarifying question.
“Is my family and support more important than me driving the carpool with Michael Jordan? Hell yeah.”
That line clears the fog. The priority isn’t the thrill of proximity. It’s the responsibility tied to who I am and what I stand for. Once the motive aligns, the decision gets easy. Action follows.
Why Borrowed Motives Break
External triggers fade. Hype dies. Novelty wears off. If you chase a feeling, you’ll need a bigger one next time. That’s a losing game.
Internal motives compound. When actions match values, trust grows. Consistency becomes identity. You stop negotiating with yourself every morning.
How I Reset My Motive Fast
When I feel myself seeking outside fuel, I run this quick reset. It takes a minute and saves a day.
- Name the task and the first excuse that appears.
- Run the “Michael Jordan Test.” Would I do it if a legend showed up?
- If yes, ask: What is the real reason I should do it?
- Tie the task to a top value: health, family, service, or learning.
This shift turns effort into alignment. It’s not willpower. It’s clarity.
But Don’t External Triggers Help?
They do. A hero, a coach, or a partner can spark action. I use prompts too. The problem arises when the prompt becomes the purpose. That’s when we drift.
Keep the spark. But anchor the fire to your values. Then you won’t need bigger sparks tomorrow.
The Real Flex
I’ve worked with elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and students. The winners aren’t the loudest. They’re the clearest. They know why a workout matters, why a meeting matters, why a promise matters. Not for status. For identity.
The real flex isn’t shouting your grind. It’s quietly doing what aligns, especially when no one is watching. That’s how you build a life, not just a highlight reel.
My Challenge To You
Run the Michael Jordan Test on one task today. If the reason is borrowed, switch to a reason that belongs to you. Tie it to your values. Then do the work, even if it’s five minutes. Stack those minutes. Build that identity.
Stop renting motivation. Own your motive. That’s where freedom lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Michael Jordan Test” in simple terms?
Imagine a legend joining your task. If that makes you act, ask yourself why. If the reason depends on them, your motive needs a reset.
Q: How do I find my real motive quickly?
Link the task to a core value like health, family, service, or growth. If it doesn’t connect, adjust the task or your plan.
Q: Can external motivation still be useful?
Yes. Use it as a spark, not the fuel. Start with it, then tie the action to your values so it lasts.
Q: What if my values conflict in the moment?
Rank them before tough moments. Decide what comes first this season. Pre-decisions reduce stress and speed up choices.
Q: How do I stay consistent once I start?
Keep the actions small, time-bound, and tied to a clear “why.” Track wins daily. Consistency is built by identity, not intensity.
