Let’s look at habits instead, you won’t need motivation at all.
Motivation is used often in a very confusing context. You might find yourself using it not only for stating your desire (“I am really motivated to lose weight”) but also your actions that need to be taken (“I am going to the gym because I am motivated to exercise”). If you see closely, the actions and desires and mixed up in a very confusing way.
Vidhya Shenoy
Founder of TBS | Counselling Psychologist | DMPT
I write about mental health, productivity and sustainable living.
“A little progress each day adds up to big results!”
You might also see yourself use it to share your wish (“I wish I could stop comparing myself with others.”) even though the desire and the intention are missing to actually bring it into practice.
Look at concrete steps
So instead of investing your energy on thinking what you wish you could do, look at concreate ways in which you can achieve your desire. For example, instead of saying “I wish I could lose weight or I want to loose weight” you may choose to say “I will get home cooked food from tomorrow.” “I will avoid sugar intake in my tea and coffee.” This change in the way you frame your self-talk, can bring a huge shift in taking action rather than just imaging, wishing and dreaming of a change.
Visualization is a great way to subconsciously ingrain a commitment leading you to take action. Though the visualization without concrete steps involved to reach the final goal may not work wonders.
Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our Goal Setting Complete guide. These creative, science-based exercises will help you to unleash the secrets and get on a journey to stay productive using research-driven methods of goal setting!
That bring us to habits. The fanciest part about habits is you don’t need to feel “motivated”!
You may ask how we can build a habit? It is generally seen to be easy when you involve putting yourself in a situation in which you are most likely to engage in the desired behaviour. The times you feel fresh, choosing the location that promotes the new action and the people around you are supportive. You may also plan to repeat that behaviour to strengthen the act. Don’t forget to reward yourself, if you engage in the behaviour. Remember, the reward can be anything that doesn’t hinder the behaviour.
Why invest in a habit?
Habits live longer than motivation. Habits are a one time investment whereas Motivation needs constant fueling as its effects don’t last long.
So engage in investing in a habit rather than looking for being motivated.
Seek Professional Help
If you want help with developing new habits, seek professional help. You may also want to seek help if your existing habits are hampering your daily functioning. For example, if you aren’t able deal with procrastination, your performance at work is suffering, or if you can’t get started on a project due to your habit of overthinking, and you face it in spite of all the efforts to cope with the same, this could be a sign of something more serious.
Schedule an appointment with your physician. Your doctor may want to rule out physical health conditions that may be affecting your energy or mood.
Your doctor may also refer you to a mental health professional to help you in your journey to develop health coping habits as well as a productive lifestyle. If so, session may include therapy and experiential learning.
Let us know in the comments below how you found this mini booster.
Don't forget to check out our Goal Setting Complete guide. These creative, science-based exercises will help you to unleash the secrets and get on a journey to stay productive using research-driven methods of goal setting!