Desire is the laziest motivation

'Biola Ojo
3 min readJun 22, 2024

--

I’ve been thinking.

Desire has to be the lowest form of self-motivation.

Desire, at its core, is primal. It’s that whisper in your ear convincing you that one more episode on Netflix won’t hurt, despite the looming deadline. It’s the little devil on your shoulder, nudging you towards that extra slice of cake, promising immediate gratification over long-term health. And why? Because desire is easy. It’s the lazy river of motivations, carrying you along without the need for paddling or profound thought.

It is driven by personal wants and cravings, often with little regard for the broader impact on others or long-term consequences. It’s the kind of motivation that prioritizes immediate gratification over deeper, more meaningful goals.

Imagine if humanity operated solely on desire. We’d have cavemen trading their spears for pillows. Every great invention, from the wheel to the internet, was likely birthed from necessity or a vision, not a mere whim. Necessity is the mother of invention, but desire is the second cousin twice removed that crashes the family reunion just for the free food.

Desire, while powerful, is fundamentally about satisfying the self. It’s the voice that says, “I want this now,” without considering if it’s the best choice in the grand scheme of things. This form of motivation can be short-sighted, focusing on what feels good in the moment rather than what is beneficial in the long run. It’s the epitome of self-serving behavior, seeking personal pleasure, comfort, or convenience at the expense of discipline and foresight.

In contrast, higher forms of self-motivation are rooted in principles such as purpose, passion, and altruism. These motivations consider the broader picture, including the well-being of others and long-term personal growth. For instance, someone motivated by a sense of purpose will work tirelessly not just for personal gain but to make a meaningful impact on the world. Similarly, passion-driven individuals pursue their interests not just for personal enjoyment but to excel and contribute to their field.

To truly achieve something, you need more. Discipline, passion, purpose – these are the VIPs of motivation, the ones who get things done. Desire may get you off the couch, but it’s determination and grit that make you run the marathon. So, while desire can be a useful starting point, don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s the pinnacle of human motivation. It’s just the bottom rung of a very tall ladder. And to reach the top, you’ll need a lot more than just a fleeting want.

By relying solely on desire, we risk living a life of superficial fulfillment, constantly chasing the next momentary pleasure. To achieve lasting satisfaction and meaningful success, we must elevate our motivations. This means cultivating a sense of purpose, aligning our actions with our values, and considering the impact of our choices on others and our future selves.

--

--