The illusion of motivation
From Nir Eyal on Lenny's Podcast.
The illusion of motivation: Escaping discomfort, not pursuing pleasure
Procrastination fundamentally stems from an emotion regulation problem, rooted in the human motivation to escape discomfort rather than pursuing pleasure. This perplexing aspect of human behavior has persisted throughout history, dating back to the times of Greek philosopher Plato, and persists despite technological advancements. Contrary to popular belief, the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain is not the primary motivator for human behavior, as neuroscience indicates that the carrot is, in fact, the stick. The ultimate driver for human action lies in the innate desire to escape discomfort rather than seeking pleasure.