How to Motivate Yourself to Do Hard Things

Motivation can be boiled down to a simple equation: Value multiplied by Probability multiplied by Return on Effort divided by Distance. The formula captures why people sprint toward some goals and stall on others, and it gives leaders a concrete way to reason about drive in their teams.

Value is how much we want the outcome. Probability blends outcome expectations with self-efficacy - the belief we can actually get there. Return on Effort measures how much extra benefit our work adds, and Distance is the psychological gap between now and the goal. When any of these variables shift, motivation swings.

Leaders can act on each lever. Raising perceived value works through visualization and framing to keep the goal top of mind. Boosting probability means solid planning, clear milestones, and building confidence through small wins. Enhancing return on effort means making tasks feel rewarding - harder goals can increase marginal value, while overly easy work saps effort. Shrinking distance is about breaking big objectives into near-term actions, using soft deadlines, daily reviews, and habit loops to make the future feel present.

The article walks through four common failure modes: missing a valuable goal, low self-efficacy, procrastination driven by distance, and distractibility from competing aims. It suggests concrete diagnostics - ask which part of the formula is broken - and then apply the appropriate lever, whether that's clarifying a goal, starting with micro-tasks, or deliberately postponing low-priority projects.

For technical leaders the payoff is practical: you can spot why a team isn't moving, adjust the motivational equation, and restore focus without vague pep talks. The result is higher output, fewer stalled projects, and a healthier morale climate where effort feels earned and worthwhile.