If you just want a bit of inspiration, motivation, and hope, this video is for you. Enjoy.
The Biggest Misconception About Motivation
You stand on the scale, afraid to look.
You don’t want to know the results because the dreaded “lost your motivation” monster has devoured you. “If I only knew how to get back my motivation, I could get going again.”
Many think motivation leads behavior and if we lose it, we will never reach our goals. The reality is it does not disappear, we send it away. We can bring it back.
Picture “motivation.”
It’s empowering, exciting, fearless. It’s “lead, follow, or get out of the way.” When motivated, nothing prevents us from storming the castle. Yet motivation seems so fickle, disappearing on a moment’s notice.
When we start to change a habit, we are not motivated. Instead, usually we are depressed, angry, or forced. Whatever you call it, “motivation” would not be the label. Yet, we give it the old college try “one more time;” anything to get rid of the inner chorus of doubt and self-disgust. We change our behaviors – for whatever reason.
At the end of week one, lo and behold, weight loss! That feels pretty darn good. So, we “give it another week.” And again, more weight loss. Energy is rising. Clothes are looser. The sun seems brighter. Things are definitely on the move. Notice the attitude now: motivated!
The point is motivation did NOT lead the behaviors; it followed it.
When one feels lost, don’t look for motivation, start a behavior. Actions lead to motivation.
It’s hard to stay vigilant. But it’s easier if we don’t try and do everything, just one thing. Choose the first idea that comes into your head and simply do MORE of it, not ALL of it.
Walk five minutes more than you did last week. Stop eating 20 minutes earlier. Make a commitment to do it right now. And notice the feeling after you start.
It doesn’t take long for motivation to return. It just takes a willingness to do something to invite it back.
One of these days
One of these days, I’m going to get back on track with my diet.
Really. I’ll burst out of bed inspired, invigorated, and enthused. I’ll clear the kitchen, throw out the junk food, pull out my motivational books, and start weighing, measuring, and monitoring anything that crosses my lips. No crumb of cuisine will be too trivial to escape my scrutiny. Yep, that’s the way you lose weight you know. One of these days, boy am I going to get my eating act together! I’m just so busy right now.
Someday soon I’ve got to start exercising. I could wake up earlier, strap on some tunes, and stroll around the block. It’s just so warm in bed, and I’ve been waiting for the rain to stop; my raincoat is so old, I’d look silly walking around town in it. I’m looking forward to a patch of blue sky so I can get back out there.
Just as soon as I can get around to it, I need to start a journal. I’ve been organizing my thoughts — even thinking about jotting down a few notes. I considered using a yellow-lined pad, but I really want to keep my thoughts and feelings for years. Recording something so important on any old bland notebook would be tacky, so I’m toying with buying a deluxe, leather-bound journal — maybe even an expensive pen. When I can put away a few dollars, I’m so there.
In a little while, I think I’ll even go again to my meetings. It’s just, well, you know how it is: holidays, travel, celebrations… who can control themselves with goodies everywhere? A slip-up here, some sloppiness there — boom — eight pounds! I almost went back last week, except it’s so embarrassing to keep putting on the same pounds — so I’ll knock them off first, and then head back. In a few weeks, it’ll be a better time anyway.
One of these days real soon, I’ll get it all together. I’ve been planning it a long time; I just want to make sure I do it right, no mess-ups allowed. So I’m waiting until life settles down before I get started. Let me tell you though, when the time is perfect, there’s no stopping me.
I can feel it coming, one of these days, real soon, right about the corner…
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I tend to be quite skeptical of insurance companies these days. (Who isn’t?) This ad caught my eye as I thought it was extremely clever – and with a powerful message. I feel good watching it. Something that triggers good feelings causes action.