Motivation - Missing In Action!

3 minute read

The Cambridge English Dictionary meaning of Motivation is:

  “enthusiasm for doing something”

What do we do, when we find that something we should do has no attending enthusiasm?

Perhaps we were feeling motivated once but now … not so much.

Perhaps we were never really engaged but doing a duty that has hit the bottom of the energy tank.

There are always reasons behind our feelings and this involves what we think, believe and value about what we need to do.

This means that we can look at what we are feeling, what we are thinking, what we believe about this task and what is important to us about it. Taking note of these things will cause us to line up internally,

The value of this outcome may need to be evaluated. Can I accomplish the same outcome a different way ?

Can I envisage a good outcome and then take small steps to get there?

If I really dislike the gym for example, what else could I do to achieve the need for regular exercise that I would actually enjoy? Or, I might have something I need to do because the cost of not doing it is too costly.

How can I achieve this outcome in a way that serves the need and also supports my life as well?

I can listen to the feelings and create a pathway that joins both the relationship that I have with myself and the need to achieve this important goal.

It is generally thought that I will do what I need to do when the feelings are there to motivate me but that is not actually how motivation works. Action itself will create motivation. If I just make a start even an imperfect small start, my brain will respond and momentum will begin.

Momentum is our ally. Taking a very small action, fires the engine up to keep going forward. Our brain is rewarded by the action and a small win is a big push forward . It is the consistent progress that is important.

Make small goals, put structure and schedules in place that will support your success and think action not feelings. Your beautiful brain will shift into a new gear and motion will feel good!

When what I think and believe and value are in agreement with what I physically do,

          …that enthusiastic quality called motivation will appear.