Motivation. Something that can pull you effortlessly along, or something you can tirelessly chase and yet never seem to catch. I have been dancing in and out of the sensation of motivation, and have started what is motivation anyway?
….clarity, focus, momentum, intention, direction….
Maybe it’s replacing the word motivation with inspiration.
When I am in a destructive habit or pattern I know is unhealthy and yet can’t seem to do anything about it, I feel helpless and continue on with that behavior. Other times my perspective changes, almost like somebody flipped the switch and I am much more clear with what I can be doing to get me to where I want to go. I make changes, I don’t look back, I honor my word to myself.
So what makes the switch turn on?
A lot of times our minds know we should or shouldn’t be doing certain things, but it takes a while for us to take action. We either wait until things get so bad that there is no other option (ie: you have a heart attack – result – time to change your diet), or you take control and get proactive and act accordingly.
Here are some factors that I think can jump start the flick of the switch.
- Visibility: Often times we have an idea of what we are doing, but not the full picture. It feels better if we don’t actually witness how many cookies we just ate (guilty!) or how much time we have been mindlessly surfing the web. If we write what we are doing down, take pictures of the sugary food we are eating, or log our negative draining thoughts for a day – we can see much more clearly and that can seriously jumpstart our way towards change.
- A Time Sensitive Intention: Once we see what needs to change, we define a new direction of where we want to go and when we want to get there – this gives us focus and a point where we can clearly travel to and guidelines as to when to reach it. It gives us structure.
- Accountability: Once we create our new destination, it helps if we have a buddy we can check in with to hold ourselves to our word. It is incredible the amount of excuses we can come up with and really believe to give ourselves an out. So find a buddy – even if it’s just your journal and honor your promises so you can reach your intention and feel good about you.
Then you find the groove, and it’s a wonderful place to be.
If you feel like you would like an upgrade or a healthy dose of motivation in your diet, in the landscape of your mind, or in your daily habits and actions – join me for Nourish You – a FREE breakthrough guide to get clear on healthy options to implement right away. A wonderful way to celebrate August and get yourself ready for the transition into the fall.
Email awellfedbody@gmail.com to reserve your complimentary spot.
Would love to hear what motivates you in the comments below.