How to Trick Your Brain into Craving Hard Work

This is a question that people are constantly searching for a solution…for. And, it's going to be a question that people continue to ask themselves for years to come. Unless…they begin to ask the right question. 

There is no “tricking” your brain into craving hard work. This must be reassessed and the correct solution requires the correct question. In order to make your brain crave hard work, you must desire the right kind of work that aligns with the five intrinsic motivators. 

The five intrinsic motivational factors and their anatomies are:

1. Curiosity: What you desire to explore. Certain areas cause natural desire within you. If you are working in an industry that encourages curiosity, you are going to enjoy what you are doing as a profession or studying, ultimately driving the desire to continue focus in said industry.
2.  Mastery: This refers to the desire to improve and become better at something. It's the drive to build expertise and hone your skills. Working on tasks that challenge you and allow you to grow can ignite this intrinsic motivation. Imagine, for instance, learning a new language or mastering a complex piece of software. It's hard work, but the satisfaction of achieving mastery is unparalleled.
3. Autotelicty: This is the concept of self-directedness, where the activity itself is the reward. It's the joy of the journey, not just the destination. People who are autotelic find fulfillment in the process of work itself. For example, a programmer who enjoys coding for the sake of coding, or a writer who loves the act of writing, regardless of the outcome.
4. Purpose Drive: This is the alignment of work with a larger purpose or mission. It's the feeling that your work matters and contributes to something greater than yourself. When your work aligns with your personal values and goals, it becomes deeply satisfying and motivating.
5. Autonomy: This is the desire to control one's own life and work. It's about having the freedom to make choices and take ownership of your work. When you have autonomy, you're more likely to invest yourself in your work, leading to a greater desire to put in the hard work required.

By understanding these five intrinsic motivators, you can begin to reshape your perspective on hard work. It's not about tricking your brain, but about aligning your work with these inherent desires. When your work aligns with these motivators, hard work becomes less of a chore and more of a fulfilling experience. It's not about avoiding hard work, but about finding the right kind of hard work that resonates with your intrinsic motivators.

Remember, the key to making your brain crave hard work is to find the kind of work that aligns with your intrinsic motivators. It's about asking the right question: not "how can I trick my brain into craving hard work?", but "how can I align my work with my intrinsic motivators to make hard work fulfilling and enjoyable?". By doing so, you'll find that hard work becomes less of a burden and more of a joyful journey of discovery and growth.

It's essential to remember that identifying your intrinsic motivators is only half the battle. The next step is to actively seek out or create work that aligns with these motivators. This might mean changing careers, pursuing further education, or seeking out new challenges in your current role.

Let's take curiosity as an example. If this is a significant intrinsic motivator for you, consider jobs or industries that encourage exploration and learning. Perhaps you've always been fascinated by nature and the environment. In this case, a career in environmental science or conservation might be incredibly fulfilling. Every day would bring new discoveries, and the opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the natural world would no doubt be a powerful motivator.

Similarly, if mastery is your driving force, look for roles that offer continuous learning opportunities and the chance to become an expert in your field. This could be anything from software development, where new languages and frameworks are constantly emerging, to roles in healthcare, where staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques is crucial.

Autotelicity, or finding joy in the process, can be nurtured in any job by focusing on the task at hand and finding satisfaction in small successes. For instance, a writer might find pleasure in crafting a single paragraph or refining a specific turn of phrase. A teacher might find joy in the "aha" moment when a student finally understands a complex concept.

Purpose-driven work is often the most satisfying of all. When our work aligns with our personal values and contributes to a greater good, it gives our lives meaning and direction. If you're driven by purpose, consider roles in non-profits, education, or community organizing. Alternatively, you might find purpose in creating a personal project or business that addresses a specific social issue or need.

Finally, autonomy is a powerful intrinsic motivator. If you value control over your work and life, consider freelancing, entrepreneurship, or remote work. These options often provide more flexibility and freedom, allowing you to work on your terms and take ownership of your career.

In conclusion, making your brain crave hard work isn't about manipulation or trickery. It's about understanding your intrinsic motivators and seeking out or creating work that aligns with these desires. By doing so, you'll find that hard work becomes not only bearable but enjoyable and fulfilling. So, forget about "tricking" your brain and start asking the right question: "how can I align my work with my intrinsic motivators to make hard work a rewarding experience?"