"I just can't seem to get motivated."
I hear this a lot and I experience it too. It is human nature. We all have days (even weeks or months) when exercise or a home project or preparing the taxes all cause us to think, "I just can't get motivated" to do it (or even start it). Even though we know logically that we need to do it or we even know it will be good for us. To further confuse the issue, we typically like it and/or we like the way we feel when we do get it started! So what's the hold up? Here are my recent revelations:
- I try to stop saying negative tallk to myself. The more I say, "I can't get motivated", the more it confirms it. In addition, it makes me feel guilty when I lack the motivation and the more I say it, the worse I feel.
- Since I know it's good for me and I always feel bettrer when its done, then I make it automatic. This means that I don't go back-and-forth with myselff. If it is something that I can talk myself out of, then I refuse to have that conversation with myself. I think of it more like a task that needs to be done whether I feel like it or not (like paying the bills or eating food).
- Remember the "WHY" and remeber the consequences. I think a lot about "WHY" I want to exercise, do the home project or pay my taxes. In some cases, remembering the "why" is enough. I do it because I like how I feel when it's done, I do it because it makes my life easier, I do the home repair becasue it saves me money in the long run, I pay my taxes bcasue i appreciate the roads, the schools, the police, fire fighters, etc. Whenn that isn't enough, I remember theb consequece of not doing it. If I don't exercise, I am not promoting good brain health, blood flow, calorie burn or mind-muscle connection, I am not making the best version of myself for my spouse, children, siblings, neightbors, pets, friends, etc. The consequence of not doing the home project is that in lingers and and stays in my mental space, taking up valuble brain space. The consequence of not paying my taxes........jail.
- Hang around with like-minded people. Surround yourself with people who are doing the things you want to do. It helps a lot. I have many personal expiences with surrounding myself with other people of similar interest or moticvation and helps my brain think about it more and move in that direction.
In short, limit you negative self talk. If you are not motivated, stop saying it. Stop repeating it. Stop confirming how un-motivated you are, because it can change and we don't want to have to overcome days, months, or years of believing you are not motivated. Consider things that are critical for you to be more automatic, don't continue to have the same hard conversations over and over with yourself. Think of is like eating or waking up. Finally, remind yourself of the "WHY" and the concsequence and see if that doesn't help you. Put yourself in the settings for success. Think about it, talk about it and helps you create actiosn that are good for you. There are many more ways to cope with feeling unmotivated, if you have more questions, or want some help, jsut email us at: info@mindsetfitnessandyoga.com
