I find that I’m most motivated to write when I’m writing. Come to think of it, I’m also most motivated to run when I’m running.
When I’m sitting in my office, I might call myself a very reluctant lap swimmer. But then I march myself over to the pool on my lunch break and strap on some goggles, and—what do you know?—I kind of like to swim. I’m no fish, but sometimes, I get so energized by what I’m doing that I throw in an extra lap. Indeed, I’m motivated to swim when I’m swimming!
Several years back, I read some books on positive psychology for a course I was teaching. One aphorism has stuck with me: Action leads to motivation leads to more action.
It’s simple yet brilliant. You see, we rarely pull motivation out of thin air.
Do I ever feel like working on my taxes? Of course not. But if I focus on the first step—getting out my folder of documents—I can put the wheels in motion. Suddenly, I’m engaged in the challenge. Before I know it, I’m motivated to work on my taxes. So I carry on.
Why is motivation on my mind? Because it’s February, when new-year energy starts to wane. When best intentions start to put their feet up and eat bonbons—just this once, of course.
I’m claiming 2013 as my own. February, you’ve got nothing on me! I may not feel like doing a gosh-darn thing, but that’s not going to stop me. I know the secret.
And you, dear reader? If February has its lackadaisical grip on you, remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel unmotivated. But you get to decide whether you do something anyway.
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I Want to Know
- Are you struggling with motivation these days?
- What helps you take action?
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photo credit: SweetOnVeg via photopin cc
