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.