01.21.10
A Motivated Mind
Motivation can be hard to muster up sometimes. Especially when you are feeling in the dumps. How can you find those things that inspire your spirit when your entire body is telling you to rebel? Sometimes I think inspiration just happens. One day you decide that you are ready and nothing will stop you and there you have it your motivated. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you will stay motivated but for the time being your good to go. That is always a good thing when that inspiration just “hits” you but what happens when your waiting for inspiration to hit and it just doesn’t? What do you do then?
My favorite path to inspiration is to find books that are on the topic of the goal I am trying to reach. If you make no other commitment except for reading about it, I think that is a step in the right direction. Another helpful hint towards motivation is to begin talking or writing about what your goals are. Sometimes just putting it out in the universe that you begin to spin those wheels towards making a move.
Ok, so what if you have the motivation going, how can you stay motivated? Goal setting is extremely important! So you want to begin an exercise regime? Set a goal, like running a 5k or playing on a team of some sort. Even if you set the goal in the distant future, just holding that goal can motivate you to stay on track. Also make sure the goal you set is something that you are really interested in attaining. Writing or reading on reaching this goal can help keep you motivated.
Take the pressure off. I think it is important when trying to attain a goal to allow yourself to make mistakes or get off track. Just by forgiving yourself if you eat that donut allows yourself to be able to get back on track and not to get caught up in guilt or disappointment. Guilt, disappointment and beating yourself up is the quickest way towards giving up on your goal. Also believe in yourself. See yourself attaining your goal and believe that you can do it. If you don’t believe it, it won’t happen.
Change your attitude. Positivity will keep you motivated. If working out or getting healthy is a chore, then it will get harder and harder to stay motivated. Change your way of thinking by empowering your mind, say, “I am choosing to exercise because I know it will make me feel great!” or “I am choosing to __________ because I want to see myself do ___________” These positive statements will breed more positivity and keep you going. Negative statements (“I don’t feel like exercising” ;”I hate this”) will keep you stuck.
Rewards are always a good thing. Reward yourself for all of your hard work and acknowledge your successes.
Surround yourself with supportive people and motivating images. Watch movies that pertain to your goals or read books, magazines, find people that are interested in what you are wanting to do and find inspiration in them.
These are the things that help keep me motivated, I hope they help!
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
- Nelson Mandela
