Motivation (part 1)

Motivation. It can be such a pain in the ass. As a personal trainer I view motivation as one of the key indicators of success. How to get it and how to sustain it. And there are a LOT of factors that go into it. Perspective is one of those factors. Our headspace around the thing we want to do (or think we really should do) and yet…the seeming impossible struggle to actually get ourselves to DO it. Psychologists identify three broad areas that go a long way in shaping motivation and utilizing that intel can give us some real useful info on how to identify what’s going on in ourselves (what’s working for us if we’re motivated and what’s not working for us if we are struggling). Being able to uncover and identify the conversations we’re having with ourselves deep down gives us the opportunity to flip some scripts if we need to and can lead not just to more zeal but a lighter attitude around some things that may be weighing us down.

Feeling like you HAVE to do something is horrible at motivating us. In fact, it will often times do the opposite. We can naturally resist things we HAVE to do. Maybe thinking you have to go to the gym will get you there a couple of times, but it likely won’t be enough to keep you going and you are far less likely to enjoy it. And enjoyment can be a great motivator.

Instead of forcing the issue, we can see what we are doing as a choice. Existentially-speaking, it is. Seeing it as a choice is far closer to an objective truth than is the idea that we “have to”.

TRY: make a list of what will happen if you do not do the thing you don’t seem motivated to do. Hey! Nobody is holding a gun to your head. You don’t have to. Cool. What’s the outcome? Break it down into two lists: short-term and long term. Then remember that the outcomes you just described are your choice. Totes on you.

Next, make a list of all the outcomes of you DOING the thing you are resisting. Short term and long term. Again, remember: it’s YOUR choice.
And lastly, lead with gratitude. Count the ways in which you are lucky to be able to do the thing you are resisting doing. Anecdotally, I have found that the more gratitude-aware you can be, the more motivated you can be.

Motivation can also be supremely hampered if we feel that what we are doing is not aligned with our highest selves. And frankly, that’s awesome. If you’re not into doing something it doesn’t hurt to ask if what you are doing actually, deeply makes sense to you. If it doesn’t - well that opens up a whole host of conversations and questions and though difficult, isn’t a bad thing.

The good news is that maybe what you are resisting DOES speak to your values and ideals and recognizing that can make a big difference.
OR, it could be a situation where what you are resisting half aligns. But you have some challenges around your perspective on it, or with the how of it.

Take exercise. Living a full-bodied, joyous life is a deep value and ethic of mine. Exercising is a big component of allowing that to flourish. BUT, I really do not want to get into toxic-body image stuff and that’s real easy to do with exercise. ALSO, I’m not into performative gym spaces. So what would my work be here? First, I’d have to dig a little deeper into issues around body-image and try and facilitate ways to keep things cool with it. Also, I’d have to be conscious of WHERE I was exercising as I have become aware that the space I am in effects my motivation to do the work.
TRY: break it down. Is what you are resisting aligned with your deepest values? If so, how? If not, how?