I agree that the difficulty of sustaining motivation is similar to holding a burning rock, but I think that you fail to give us a proper example of what you mean by your simile. Your example about dropping the rock on your child’s face, while comical, does not explain why it is important to keep holding a burning rock. This section actually deals with child abuse, not motivation.

Moreover, your ‘application’ about putting food on the table is a great reason not to drop the rock, but I don’t find it particularly motivational at all. A more productive statement would probably be an actual example of a situation in which not dropping the rock makes it easier to hold it:

Say you are writing anything – The most difficult part is developing an idea that is worthy of writing about. This task often requires complex thinking skills and the integration of information outside the precise field of focus. But once this idea is developed, you can with increasing ease write it out. The conclusion and the final editing of the writing is the easiest.

-B

Jeff – Thank you for the mention. Good luck with your lava rocks too

Good luck with the lava rocks.

Best,
John

I like the analogy and the point you make – when we make it really matter to us, and we realize that letting the “burning rock” stop would be so negative, it motivates us to try harder and push beyond our original limitations.