Chapter 1: The Cycle of Disinterest

Have you ever embarked on a project with enthusiasm, sharing your exciting plans with anyone who will listen, only to abandon it later? You might think, “It was a fantastic idea, but I’ve found something new to pursue.” This pattern of jumping from one venture to another can feel exhausting and leave you with a sense of incompleteness. You might attribute this behavior to your natural tendencies, believing you thrive in short bursts of energy, akin to a sprinter rather than a long-distance runner.

However, is that explanation sufficient? Like many, I’ve often used this rationale to justify my lack of follow-through. While sprinters do finish their races before moving on, the key is that they complete them first. If you sense that there’s more to your shifting interests than simply your innate wiring, it’s worth reflecting on a few questions. Are you quickly pivoting (staying lean), or are you merely chasing fleeting emotions?

Perhaps you’re not as invested in the project as you claim. Instead of genuinely caring about the outcome, you might be pursuing the feelings associated with starting something new. Once you’ve experienced the thrill you were after, irrespective of the project’s progress, you shift your focus to the next endeavor, seeking that same rush.

The first video explores the theme of losing interest in hobbies that transform into jobs. It delves into the reasons behind this shift and offers insights on how to maintain passion and joy in your pursuits.

Section 1.1: The Excitement Factor

Are you pursuing excitement? Often, the allure lies not in the project itself, but in the exhilaration it brings. This is similar to those who become enamored not with a person but with the idea of being in love. The thrill of brainstorming, problem-solving, and sharing your idea can be intoxicating. This leads us to another critical inquiry: Are you seeking validation?

Subsection 1.1.1: The Need for Approval

Validation is a powerful motivator. Even if we believe we’re above it, the desire for recognition is ingrained in us. Historically, being part of a group was essential for survival. When you promote your ideas, you’re often looking for affirmation. When someone agrees with you, it feels validating, giving you a momentary high before you seek your next project or idea for the next thrill.

Chapter 2: The Destination Mindset

You may find yourself pursuing a hypothetical future where you feel a specific way or possess certain achievements. Your mind operates on a simple principle: once it feels it has attained its goal, it stops pursuing it. If your primary aim is validation, novelty, or excitement, once you receive that affirmation, your motivation can dissipate.

The second video discusses the six reasons why we lose interest quickly in new endeavors. It provides a comprehensive look at how our mental processes affect our engagement with projects and activities.

As a result, you may feel trapped in a cycle of endless pursuits, creating new projects only to chase after the same emotions repeatedly. You often seek validation, excitement, and novelty from external sources, which can lead to dissatisfaction when the initial interest fades. The challenge then is to maintain those feelings while pushing through.

To break this cycle, seek projects that genuinely excite you and commit to seeing them through, irrespective of external opinions. Shift from seeking external validation to nurturing internal motivation. If you crave excitement, find ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. If novelty is what you’re after, explore new approaches to familiar tasks. And if you’re searching for validation, learn to affirm yourself.

Ultimately, this is about falling in love with the process rather than the outcome.

Thank you for reading. I’m Orianne, and I write about mindset, mindfulness, and leadership. For more insights on the mind and life, feel free to follow me or subscribe to my newsletter. If you're in need of coaching or writing services, visit my website.