Fear, Desire, and the Habits That Drive Us

(Inspired by Brian Tracy’s The Psychology of Selling)

Selim Uysal
May 29, 2025

Hi friend,

This year, I’ve committed to improving my sales skills, and today, I was listening to Brian Tracy’s The Psychology of Selling. One thing struck me:

❝

“All motivation comes from the desire to gain or the fear of loss.”

In sales, that’s what closes deals. But it’s also what shapes our habits.

Think about it:

You go to the gym because you want to be fit (gain) or because you’re afraid of losing your health (loss).
You avoid sugar because you want energy (gain) or fear gaining weight or losing control (loss).
You save money because you want security (gain) or fear being broke (loss).

Brian Tracy puts it clearly: People buy to avoid failure or move toward a better version of themselves.

That’s exactly what James Clear calls identity-based habits in Atomic Habits that I mentioned in yesterday’s post:

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

James Clear

So here’s a habit reflection for you today:

✅ What are the fears you want to move away from?

✅ What is the future you want to move toward?

Let your habits reflect that path. (Comment or DM me your reflections, I’d be glad to hear!)

📩 Want more reflections on habit-building and daily growth?

Check out dailyhabits.blog with over 100 short essays on how to start and stick with better habits.

Thanks for reading!

Selim

or to participate.