Solution to low motivation
Low motivation seems to be one of the biggest symptoms I receive calls about in my practice. There are thousands, if not millions of men out there suffering from this epidemic of an overall inability to get going in life.
Some know what their goals are, and just can’t seem to find the drive to get into action, and some have no idea what it is they want to do at all. Which is worse? Neither. The moment we stop moving is the moment we are all on the same path to where we don’t want to go. A realm of self doubt, shame, laziness and the land of “shoulds”. I used to frequent this realm, and am still not exempt from the jaws of complacency, laziness or whatever you would call it.
The truth is - there is a simple fix to low motivation, it’s half physical and half mental - and like all things that are worth attaining and keeping, it requires consistency.
Developing a clear understanding of what motivation is, and how to attain it is important. Theres a difference between feeling that inherent drive to search the fridge for food because we are experiencing physiological symptoms which motivate us to eat and satiate our hunger, and the drive to scrape ourselves out bed, implement a self care routines and going after that goal we have in mind that neither our body or our people around us is forcing us to do. Most people are motivated enough to make it through to the next day, and struggle with the latter.
I’m beginning to realize that many are viewing this equation backwards. Motivation, like gratitude, is not this incredible entity that comes and finds us every morning. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. A commitment to our values and lifestyle that we find joy in will actually elicit motivation within ones self and add some fuel to the tank that is pushing us forward. A couple of key factors.
Discipline - In order to live a life we want to live, we are going to have to do some things we don’t want to do. This means emotional regulation, impulse control, and applying a “no matter what” mentality to completing the tasks we might not want to do, but know we need. Getting clear about your goals, and slicing them as thin as possible will provide you with a list of achievements you can bank on at the end of the day. Increasing self worth and confidence in what you believe you are capable of tomorrow.
Action - The most difficult part of the adventure we find ourselves searching for is typically not the unexpected twists or turns or even the finale to slay the dragon or reach that goal. It’s always the first step. To us, that step means much more than just a step forward. Its a commitment that leaves a margin of error to let ourselves and the people around us down. Its an opportunity for success, but also an window to failure and humiliation. This is where the biggest trap is. I will spare you the cliches about failure and success and ask you this - what are you willing to risk for a life beyond your wildest dreams? In my experience, If you chose not to pursue this dream to avoid failure and humiliation, it would just find you later in life and devour what little you have left to give.
Get clear on WHAT you want.
Truly understand WHY you want it.
Create a plan on HOW to get it.
Embrace sacrifice, chase adversity, and get into ACTION.
And when life throws that curveball, you swing.
“Mediocrity is easy, excellence is difficult”
Looking forward to hearing from you!
