Have you ever had the thought, “I’m just not motivated?” Or “I don’t have enough motivation.” Motivation lied to you. You don't have to have it, before you can start. You can invite motivation by starting. But how?
By starting with simple action. Make the action so simple it's hard to say no to. Start with one simple action and then another. Once you've started, notice the momentum you've created. Most of the time motivation comes from the result of action, it's not always the cause of it!
If you wait for motivation, you might be waiting a long time. Motivation comes when we act. Focus on consistency. Do it without motivation.
You Think You Lack Motivation But You Actually Lack Clarity
Get specific when creating an effective habit. The more specific you are the less ambiguous it is making it harder to say no to. Write it down! Write down when you're going to do the task and where you will perform it. Quit leaving it up to chance. For example if you want to write more the goal should look like, "I will write for 30 minutes at 12:30pm at my desk." Research has shown that when you write down when and where you are going to do something you are more likely to follow through regardless of motivation. Also, since it’s written down now you don’t have to decide to take the action. It's already been decided because you have a plan. This helps you feel less overwhelmed because the act of writing it down has freed your mind from stressing about when you will do it.
Focus On Who You Want to Be Rather Than What You Want To Get
We tend to focus more on what we want to happen, when we need to focus on the type of person we want to become. Instead of losing weight, focus on becoming a healthier person. Instead of being rich, focus on becoming someone who has financial freedom. Instead of becoming popular, focus on what it takes to build strong relationships. When we focus on who we want to be it allows us to build our character. This way of thinking motivates you because you’re not showing up for what you want, but for who you want to become. This gives you success right away for becoming the person you want to be.
Show Up, Despite How You Feel
You aren’t always going to be motivated. You aren’t always going to feel like doing a certain behavior. Even successful people admit to not feeling it all the time. But they do admit to showing up despite the lack of motivation. Showing up is key in creating a new habit. Let me help you find ways to show up even when you don’t feel like it.
Stop Getting Stuck In The Planning Phase. You Need To Take Action.
James Clear says it best in his book Atomic Habits, so I’m just going to use his words. “We are so focused on figuring out the best approach that we never get around to taking action. Focus on taking action, not being in motion. When you’re in motion, you’re planning and strategizing and learning. Those are all good things, but they don’t produce a result. Action, on the other hand, is the type of behavior that will deliver an outcome. If I outline twenty ideas for articles I want to write, that’s motion. If i actually sit down and write an article, that’s action. If you want to master a habit, the key is to start with repetition, not perfection. You just need to practice it. The most effective form of learning is practice, not planning.”