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You are here: Home / Archives for habit

Three Weeks: What do you do When Motivation Fades?

February 20, 2011 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

They say, “Eat less and exercise more; the weight will practically fall off.” They also say, “getting started is the hardest part.” Of course, garrulous as They are, They make sure to point out you shouldn’t have waited so long before taking care of yourself. Whoever “They” are, They sure have a lot to say about how to run your life, don’t They?

They also tell you that if you keep a new habit in place for only three weeks, it will be adapted into your life. I’m not sure I agree. I’ve been dieting since before they invited sugar-free cola and non-fat yogurt — considerably more than three weeks — and I still find healthy eating a challenge, especially when stressed with organizing my taxes, calling the plumber to fix a plugged toilet, and trying to find a few seconds for my family. In those moments, a double-bacon, cheesy, chiliburger and gargantuan order of fries still shout pretty loud.

Yet, if you have ever tried to adjust habits, you have faced the dreaded (insert ominous music here…) “Three Week Barrier.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: goals, Habits, Overcoming Obstacles, Power of Attitude Tagged With: desire, gratification, habit, motivation, old habits, stresses, successes, urge

The Biggest Misconception About Motivation

December 1, 2010 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Inspiration, mental health, Motivation, Newspaper Column, Overcoming Perfectionsim, Overcoming Temptation, Productivity Tagged With: attitude, doubt, habit, misconception, motivation, self disgust, weight loss

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