Riding the momentary waves of motivation
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | June 16, 2021 (modified February 7, 2023)
BY: T. Franklin Murphy | June 16, 2021 (modified February 7, 2023)
A key to successful goal attainment is motivation. Motivation is a limited resource. We must use motivational waves effectively, magnifying our chances for success.
Let's be honest for a moment. Most of the time it's not a matter of knowledge holding us back; it's lack of motivation. We know what we must do; we're just not doing it consistently enough to make a difference. If we can solve the motivation issue, most the vexing problems holding us back would vanish. We fail and go back to the drawing board, seeking ways to sidestep the whole waning motivation issue. Perhaps with somethings there is an easier way, but, often success is obtained by simply getting our hands dirty, putting in sweat equity and earning the reward. We've all been there. In a moment of excitement, we decide we are just going to "do it." We're going to lose that weight, go back to school, or start saving money. We imagine a better life, and make some kind of commitment to change. We may dawdle in new behaviors for a while, do a few exercises, search the internet for job offers, or forego the bowl of ice cream. Yet, before habits take hold, we slowly drift back to our comfortable norm, eventually abandoning the goal. Laziness wins the day, imprisoning our life, again. "Motivation encompasses the desire to continue striving toward meaning, purpose, and a life worth living." ~Psychology Today Flashes of MotivationWe have flashes of motivation—an internal push to change. Sometimes a disappointment screams, creating enough sorrow to initiate change. Other times, we just catch a vision of the possibility for a better life. We triumphantly proclaim, "I'm going to go do it."
Flashes of motivation are not the problem. The problem arises when the flashes die and fiery embers cool. Our motivational fire turns to doubt and then ashes. We must fan those flames, keep them alive, throwing more combustible fuel on our dwindling flames.
|
|