How do you motivate?

Motivation is a funny thing.  It’s amazing when it’s there and the second it dissipates so do your efforts towards change.  A lot of people want and even expect motivation to be the ever-present fuel that pushes them to do all the things they’ve committed to doing.

And not to burst anyone’s bubble here, but motivation isn’t a permanent thing.  It comes, it goes, it waxes, it wanes.  It’s right there at your fingertips and yet routinely feels out of reach.  And if you depend on it for change, you’re going to struggle to get where you say you want to go.

So, if you’re looking to make some changes in life (and love) what’s really going to help you get there?

Habits ~ routines and patterns that become automatic.  Habits help you do the things you planned, even when motivation dips.  Even better is to stack your new habit with an old one.  Brush your teeth every morning? How can you use that as a reminder to also do the new behavior you’re looking to improve on? 

         Ex: Trying to be more intentional on creating connection with your partner? After you brush your teeth, use that as a cue to ask your partner about their day ahead or send them a quick text wishing them a great day.  Stack a new habit with an existing one.

Consistency ~ small things done often are the key to change.  Aim for focusing on one area of change at a time.  And then do it, again and again and again.  Don’t overthink it or push it off for later.  Slow and steady wins the race…as long as you keep going.

Systems ~ alarms, prescheduled emails, visual reminders. Use them all.  Don’t rely on your memory when it comes to change.  Instead use the systems around you to ensure you’re doing what you said you were going to do…even when you don’t feel like it.

Purpose ~ know why you’re doing it.  What’s your ‘why’?  What’s your purpose?  Keep this front and center.  Let your purpose be bigger than you, so you can keep going, even when motivation drops.

Remember, change will start to happen if you stop solely relying on motivation to be your driving force.

You got this!

~ A