Motivation: Get Up and GO!

Hello Everybody.  I bet we all discuss the topic of motivation as least 1 time everyday.  If you are like me, the word may cross your lips multiple times per day.  I’m always making the statement, “I need to get motivated.”  When I make this statement, it is a blanket statement for multiple activities of self improvement.  I make the “I need to get motivated” statement when I think about:

  •  Working out to improve my physical health
  • Planning events/activities for the kids
  • Going to back to school to further my education
  • Writing a book
  • Writing an article
  • Investing in real estate
  • Starting another project at work
  • Eating healthier
  • Saving money

The list goes on and on and on.

Let’s take a moment to explore.  What is Motivation?  How can I increase my likelihood to create and maintain motivation?

The definition is the fairly simple.   It is the desire of someone to do something.  Motivation is a desire that is cultivated by some sort of reward.  The reward could be monetary or self fulfilling.  Motivation is difficult to manifest at times because one’s will to change must be stronger than one’s will to remain in a comfort zone.  The willingness for me to increase my success has to be greater than my willingness to be a comfortable couch potato.

The hardest part of cultivating the motivation to work on your task is STARTING.  (It took me all week to sit down and actually work on this article.  I didn’t even know what I was going to write about until I sat down and started typing.)  Once you sit down to do a task, you begin to map out a plan, break tasks down into smaller steps, and get organized.  An example: When I decide to go back to school my first step will be to meet with a guidance counselor.  They will point me in multiple directions and map out a plan for me that is achievable.  This topic relates closely to the goal setting article I wrote recently.

Let’s talk about actually getting to work on something.

  1. You must start.  Even the smallest step will feel huge.
  2. You must consistently and routinely schedule/dedicate time during your week.  Even when you “don’t feel like it.”  You must push yourself to comply.  This will make the project a habit.  As you continue this habit, it will become more and more comfortable.
  3. Challenge yourself.  Your brain enjoys being challenged.  Promise!
  4. Always focus on moving forward to maintain motivation.  What is the next step?  Draw out a timeline, give yourself deadlines, celebrate small victories.
  5. Do not be afraid of failure.  You will probably fail, a few times.  This will give you ideas of how to improve your game.

Onwards and Upwards!

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Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Mental Health Professional, Mother of Three, Makeup Enthusiast, Board Game Connoisseur, Adventurer, Food Fanatic and Owner of Blog Space: LilyAndTheTwins.com.