A lot of people seem to look for motivation to do something they don't want to do. Especially something they need to do, but don't want to put the effort toward it. "Where's my motivation?" they say. And, yes, I too have said that before.
Here's the thing: motivation is not something that finds you while you are sitting on the couch, pondering your existence, your next move, or even what's on television tonight. Motivation is generated by action. One step begets another and so on, until the momentum, the action of working toward achieving your goal becomes your motivation. I am not claiming this as an original idea. Many have said this better and more eloquently than I have. I have been thinking about motivation in starting this project. The reason for my goal is pretty obvious: I want to look and feel better. Therefore it should be easy. I have the goal. I have the tools to get there, so I know what I need to do to achieve my goal. So what's the problem? Excuses. We all make excuses. I don't want to say I'm too tired, I've been working all day, or I just don't feel like it today. I made a choice to act and I am going to see it through.
So what is going to help me just do it when I feel an excuse bubbling up? I am a fan of mantras and writing inspiring words on post-its. So I am writing down the words that will remind me of my goal, my dreams, my desire not to waste my life. I am also repeating to myself little phrases inside my head. Some of my favorites include, keep your eyes on the prize, actions not words, make the choice, and then sometimes I just have to tell my self to stop whining and just do it!
What keeps you going?
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One thing that really helped me in the 1/2 marathon was a Dax mantra - "I am immensely powerful" I would say that when I ran uphill or in difficult long runs. I said it so much that by the time I was running the race it was habit.
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That's a great one! My favorite is probably I am strong and I can do this!
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