Motivation



Some people wonder why their life never moves forward. Sometimes the missing piece is simply motivation. At its core level motivation is the determination that propels us to make our ideas, dreams, and desires a reality. Motivation is twofold, motivation to getting started and motivation to keep the momentum going. This sounds like an easy plan, but in the grand scheme of things apathy and the fear of failure or even the fear of success can jeopardize your motivation.

We can set our goal to run a 5k or a marathon in honor of a departed loved one or a cause near to our heart. Often, this begins as a great idea but ends as a dreadful notion. We may start with overzealous training regiments but very quickly revert to old habits. So why do we do this? Maybe it is merely that we are not clear about our exact purpose or intentions. We may think we are running in honor of someone, but perhaps our real goal is something deeper within ourselves. If we are not clear on why then we quickly lose sight of our mission. We can immediately implement a couple of things.

Set goals. Be specific about what you want. Visible concrete goals automatically define parameters. Having a powerful why ignites a burning fire within. The underpinnings of a worthy goal will keep the focus on track. Also, is the need for propelling forward motion. Knowing your true purpose is powerful. What is your core intention? Place a visual of your why: a picture of your family, an example of the final product, a before picture, a tangible reminder.

Eliminate distractions. If it is not a direct path to your goal, it is a distraction. Be sure your to-do list aligns with your priorities. If it does not, eliminate it, it is a distraction. Place caution tape across your television. Write an X on a sticky note and post it on your phone. Discipline is hard. Sometimes our distractions are people. Ouch.

Monitor progress. Long term projects and goals can take time to show results, which can prove enervating. Breakdown huge goals into smaller manageable steps. Focus on the stage you are on and do not compare yourself to others. In fact, celebrate those ahead of you. Progress in itself is motivating. In addition to these mini-milestones, when we downsize to mini-goals, we can pay attention to finer details.

Be accountable. Have someone monitor your progress. Set up guidelines to follow through. Form a contract with a partner who will diplomatically call you out on broken terms. Design a reward and punishment system. For example, if you fail to meet a mini-goal then give to a charity of your accountability partner's choice. And if you achieve your goal, be extra kind to yourself. Research shows us that most people are more motivated to avoid losing $100 than they are to earn $100. It’s behavioral economics, hyperbolic discounting, a fancy way of saying we glorify the short term relative to the long-term.

So here’s the thing, there are going to be moments when we are tempted to concede. Motivation ebbs and flows. We have a choice to tap into our power or take the easy way out. Great things never come from comfort zones.

Exercise:
Ask yourself some tough questions:
  • What recent success am I most proud of? 
  • What is one quick win I can do right now to bring myself further to my goal?
  • What or who is the biggest obstacle blocking me from reaching my goal?
  • What is the one thing I need to do that will have a domino effect and make everything else fall into place?
  • What risk would I take if I knew I would not fail?
Ponder this:
When you ask questions, your mind combs for answers that are already inside you. You are much more capable than you know.

My Life’s Lesson: I have what I need to take the next step. To be strong to the finish.

From the sweetest spot in my heart to yours, may you dream big, work hard, and make it happen.
~Audrey 

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