The Motivation Myth
A colleague and I were in Ojai last week to hold a strategy session and before we got down to business, we took a hike in the beautiful mountains of Ojai.
My colleague suggested going for a walk into town for brunch (I think she was hoping I would be excited for that one; however, leave it to the health coach who craved something a bit different)
I gently suggested we could easily fit in a hike before eating and before our next meeting since there were trails all around us. We wouldn’t make it a long one and it would be really great just to be out in nature for a bit.
About half way into our hike she mentioned how, truth be told, she had been completely unmotivated to go on a hike, and really had hoped to get out of it, but now that we were half way though and had landed on a great view and were surrounded by beautiful avocado trees, she felt the complete opposite: energized, awake, inspired and motivated .
Why do I bring this up?
Because this moment sparked a conversation between us where I mentioned that many times, clients express to me their lack of motivation as the main reason they are stuck in making healthier changes in their lives.
However, I see it a bit differently. The problem is not motivation.
That you need motivation to get started is a myth.
Totally false.
You cannot rely on motivation to get you started with change or movement toward reaching a goal (whether this is health related, business related or personal related)
Although you might feel a lack of motivation, motivation is not the key to getting started.
Rather, it’s ACTION that leads to motivation.
Motivation is the feeling that comes AFTER action
Listen, there are times when I am extremely unmotivated….in various aspects of my life, such as workouts, health, or business.... and for many reasons: tired; stressed; no time; how on earth will I do x,y or z....
But whenever I find myself in this rut, I always come back this:
Motivation will come…
What action can I take right now that will lead me to motivation?
In the case of my colleague, it was the act of putting on her hiking shoes and going anyway, pushing past her lack of motivation to start the hike which transformed her reluctance into newfound energy and inspiration.
So if you are feeling unmotivated, remember, motivation is not a prerequisite for change.
Action is.
With every action you take, come feelings of accomplishment. This is the key that unlocks motivation and this applies to everything you do.
Taking the initial steps towards healthier eating habits and regular exercise can ignite a sense of motivation that fuels one's progress and sustains one's momentum.
Next time you find yourself waiting for motivation to strike, recognize that action is the true catalyst for transformation.
Need some ideas on how you can create a new action plan that will lead you to your desired transformation? Then click HERE to schedule a complementary strategy call. Together, we'll explore innovative ideas tailored to your unique journey. Don't wait for motivation to find you—seize the opportunity to create lasting change. I eagerly await our conversation and the chance to unlock your full potential.
Keep movin',
More to come soon,
Ariel.
