Let’s talk about motivation, because motivation is a funny size. You often hear the phrase “I don’t have the motivation…” as an excuse to not do things. I’ve used it way to much myself.
But what is motivation other than a kick in the ass? It’s not like motivation appears from thin air. Motivation is self control. It’s wanting to reach a goal. It’s not telling yourself bad excuses. It’s doing things even when we don’t want to do it. It’s taking responsibility.
Not having the motivation is a bad excuse for not taking responsibility for your own actions. And often an excuse for being lazy. For me, realizing this helped me so much. It isn’t that we can never use the phrase “no motivation” because I think we all have days where no matter what we just wanna stay on that couch instead of going to the gym, but while you might say “I have no motivation…” to the world, be honest with yourself.
It isn’t missing motivation that’s keeping me on the couch on Sundays, it’s being a lazy fat-ass who loves to binge-watch TV.
For me it’s worked wonders to stop up every time I don’t “feel motivated” and ask myself why I don’t feel motivated. Admitting it’s because I’m lazy, often ends up getting me out the door, because while I don’t mind feeling un-motivated (something that’s been widely accepted as normal) I hate being lazy.
If you wanna read more about motivation, The iNLP Center has a great article about lack of motivation, what might cause it, and what might help you cure it.
What’s your worst “I don’t feel motivated…” sin?
So true. I’ve had to stop saying this because I know it’s not true. I don’t even think motivation really exists anymore, it’s self-discipline/self-love that is needed to achieve things. Thank you so much for writing this on a day I needed a reminder. One of my greatest ‘self-motivation sins’ is not cooking a proper meal and instead getting a takeaway because I’m ‘tired’ 😅 so bad! x
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Yes. For me it’s lunch. A colleague of mine often gets junk for lunch and I’m so bad at joining him instead of bringing healthy options
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I get the I don’t feel motivated sometimes because I’m being lazy but other times I’m just always rushed that I’m like can I not for once and just do my own thing
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Very true, but then it isn’t really a question of motivation, but a question of having to much on your plate 🙂 Something that happens to all of us 🙂
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If only there were more hours in the day!
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That would be wonderful though I’m sure work would steal them all
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If I ever don’t feel motivated it’s usually about being productive, like finishing a blog post rather than eating healthy or going to the gym etc. If I ask myself why it’s usually something daft like I can’t think of a title or don’t know how to start it and I don’t want to sit looking at my screen with a puzzled look on my face. Usually pushes me to work on something else that I have clearer ideas about though. Asking yourself why is definitely helpful! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
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Yeah, the “why” is such a great question that we often forget to ask. We just go with the flow instead.
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Sometimes I find myself doing so well and other times not so great in terms of motivation. Usually, my lack of motivation is as you said pure laziness. I have to constantly remind myself that I don’t want or need to be lazy because at the end of the day if I don’t work more or go to the gym when I could have…I just regret it! And that is way worse…
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Yes. And then you have that little voice in your head telling you how stupid it was to sit on your ass for two hours watching a cake show instead of going to the gym. Best to avoid the nagging voice 😛
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Such an excellent point! I’ve also noticed that it helps to put a positive spin on something you need to do so you get excited to actually accomplish it. My lack of motivation sin is probably “meaning to get around to that.” I always use that excuse instead of just doing the thing I need to do! Now I’ll try to set a goal and accomplish it. That usually helps. Plus making a list and checking that thing off of it is soooo satisfying!
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
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I looooove lists. It’s my favorite thing in the world. And yes, being positive about even the annoying stuff always help.
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This is a great piece on how being introspective can help you realize personal attributes you need to work on and grow!
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Mine is definitely getting motivated to go to social events. Introvert problems!
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This has been so very well written. Motivation is just the starting point to any great work. Consistency is what keeps you going💫
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Thank you 😊
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Know the feeling, thanks for sharing
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