The advice I always see about motivation is like “mind over matter.” “Just train your brain.” But how?!
How you complete any given task depends on how you think about that task. Let’s use working out as an example.
When you wake up and get ready to workout, there are two ways you might think about getting it done:
- Ugh, I don’t feel like working out, but it’s part of my plan so I have to. Let’s get this over with.
- My body feels strong today, and I get to workout. I know I’m going to feel even better when I’m done, and I’ll be one step closer to my goal.
Can’t you just feel how the vibe for the workout changes when you read those two thoughts?! According to psychologists, the thing that kills motivation is resistance. And the key to feeling more motivated is overcoming 3 types of resistance:
1. “I have to”
Have you ever noticed that doing something is often less exciting as soon as it becomes an obligation? Good news – you don’t have to settle here and fight that feeling! Make a point to catch yourself in these moments and find ways to change your thinking to “I get to.”
I get to workout. I get to prep these veggies for lunch all week. I get to go to work.
Some tasks are easier to view as opportunities than others. I totally get it! But think of this as a practice, and this way of thinking will start to feel more natural over time.
2. Your values
If the task doesn’t exactly align with your values, of course you’re going to feel some resistance! Even things that don’t bother you in a big way can chip away at your motivation over time.
An example – Taking time to workout is making you feel guilty because you’re not spending time with your family. Even if you know exercise is self-care and it’s only an hour, etc. …leaving your kids at home, letting them have more screen time, or doing whatever you do to squeeze that time in isn’t fully aligning with your values. Over time, your motivation wanes. So what do you do?
According to the same psychologists, you change the task or add more value to that task. Maybe you choose to workout early in the morning when the kids are still asleep. Maybe you quit setting exercise goals for physical reasons, and focus on how exercise is good for your mental health and therefore helps you stay more present as a parent.
3. “I can’t.”
Sometimes you’re not feeling motivated because you’re scared to fail. We’ve all been there, right?! I definitely have, so many times.
This feeling is powerful and difficult to push through. But it’s possible and like the other pieces of this puzzle, it’s a practice. You have to remind yourself constantly that any effort you put into your goal makes you better, even if you fail.
Fall 9 times, get up 10, right?!
Source by www.blogilates.com