Achieving Goals: Unlocking Motivation
Have you ever wondered how some people manage to stay so motivated, disciplined, organized, and committed all the time? It seems like they have a secret source of motivation. I’ve wondered the same thing. Motivation is a powerful tool for getting things done and reaching our goals, but it’s not always easy to tap into, even for activities we look forward to, like going on vacation.
What is Motivation?
Motivation is an inner drive that guides our actions and pushes us toward achieving our goals. Think of it as a helpful sidekick that nudges you to stay focused and keep moving forward. One way to boost your motivation is by focusing on how you’ll feel when you achieve a part of your goal or task.
For example, you might not want to get out of bed when the alarm goes off at 6 AM, but you know you’ll feel great after that early morning workout. If you focus on the short-term discomfort of those first few moments after the alarm rings, you might be less motivated to get up.
Understanding and Addressing Low Motivation
If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, start by identifying why. It could be as simple as avoiding the cold air when you get out of bed. There are often easy solutions, like keeping warm slippers nearby. List the benefits and positive feelings you’ll experience once you take the first step. Gently remind yourself why you set out to achieve your goal in the first place.
It’s also important to let go of comparisons. You aren’t more or less motivated than anyone else; you’re simply learning what to focus on.
Exercise: Reflecting on Motivation
Let’s give this a try. Grab a pen and paper for this exercise. Take your time with each question; feel free to pause and reflect.
- Think of an area in your life where you’re struggling to feel motivated. Write it down.
- Reflect on what feeling you might be trying to avoid. Why are you trying to avoid this feeling? Can you allow yourself to feel it?
- What small reward can you give yourself for facing this feeling?
- Remember why you set the goal in the first place. What’s your “why”?
- Show yourself compassion and gently shift your focus to a short-term positive outcome.
Building Sustainable Motivation
Reaching your goal may not happen right away, and that’s okay. Motivation works best when you’re gentle with yourself. If you’re feeling particularly resistant, give it some time — a minute, an hour, or even a day. Let the discomfort decrease, then come back to it.
Motivation isn’t always easy to access, but by reminding ourselves why we set out to achieve our goals in the first place, we can keep moving forward.
