\After over 15 years immersed in the realm of health and fitness, I stumbled upon a revelation about motivation that challenged my preconceptions. And surprisingly, it’s not as complex as I once believed. So, what’s the key to staying motivated, you inquire? It’s shockingly simple: take action.
Initially, I scoffed at the notion that action precedes motivation. “How could that be?” I pondered. “Don’t you need to feel inclined to do something before actually doing it?”
For years, I adhered to the belief that motivation must precede action, only to realize that this isn’t always the case. While motivation may occasionally precede action, relying solely on the elusive feeling of motivation is a precarious strategy. This led me to adopt a “just do it” mindset to tackle my objectives. Recently, as a parent of four young children striving for a healthier lifestyle, waiting for the perfect wave of inspiration felt like an endless pursuit.
Armed with this newfound understanding, I abandoned the notion of waiting for motivation to strike and instead embraced the mantra of “just do it.” This empowered me to take proactive steps, like strapping my children into their stroller for outdoor adventures or opting for a piece of fruit over processed sweets. Surprisingly, I discovered that one positive action often catalyzes another, shaping my motivation in the process.
AIM for Progress
Remember the acronym AIM: Action Inspires Motivation. By prioritizing action, you lay the groundwork for motivation to flourish. Test it out. Take a brief walk in your sneakers, and you’ll likely find yourself extending the journey. For writers, commit to crafting just one page, and watch as the words flow effortlessly. Once again, action serves as the catalyst for motivation.
Forge a Support Network
Your surroundings and social circle play a pivotal role in your journey to success. Surround yourself with positivity and encouragement, and you’ll find it easier to achieve your aspirations. Recently, my husband and I embarked on a unique challenge introduced by our friends. Inspired by a fun online concept, we inscribed personal and shared goals on champagne bottles. The premise was simple: pen your aspirations on the bottle, and upon accomplishment, uncork the champagne, celebrate, and share your triumph with the group. This not only infused goal-setting with excitement but also cultivated a robust support system.
We proudly display our champagne bottle adorned with our shared goal in our kitchen. Each glance serves as a reminder of our collective aim and the bolstering support we possess. Witnessing our friends achieve their goals and celebrate further fuels our determination to pursue our aspirations.
Final Thoughts
Transformation stems from consistency and discipline, not fleeting sparks of inspiration or motivation. Don’t wait for motivation to kickstart your journey towards better health. Take that initial step, and let motivation trail behind. Set clear objectives, understand their significance, and lean on a supportive community.
Remember, every stride you take brings you closer to a healthier, happier version of yourself. So, regardless of your goal, take action. Your future self will thank you.