Have you ever had a day where you just couldn’t seem to get started? The alarm goes off, and yet there you are; ready to take what seems like the huge step of getting out of bed. I’ve certainly been there wondering… What is this about? So, I decided to do some research and self-exploration and came to this conclusion that I want to share with you in the hope that it will help you change your perspective on motivation.

There are many myths surrounding motivation or the lack thereof.

Let’s start with some common questions:

1. How am I motivated?

2. How am I motivated?

3. Why am I not motivated?

The myth: The false premise underlying these questions is that you lack motivation or that you have to do something special to motivate yourself. In fact, you might believe that some people are blessed with the internal source of motivation that flows within them.

The truth: The reality is that you already have all the motivation you need. Motivation is an endless renewable resource that exists in you. It doesn’t end, they can’t take it away from you, and one person doesn’t get more than the other.

The myth: Lack of motivation is the problem. It is the cause of not doing things.

The truth: Lack of motivation is the symptom. A deeper understanding of self-awareness is required to find the true cause of not doing it.

Think about that for a minute. Your next question might be if you already have all the motivation you need, what’s the problem? The answer lies in your emotional intelligence (EQ). How are your EQ scores in the areas of self-awareness and self-management because these two areas are driving your motivation? While I don’t know the specific answer to this question for you, I would venture to guess that the problem may be that you are unconsciously choosing how and when to apply motivation.

Example 1: Every day you get up and play video games. Your friends and family say that you lack motivation. In reality, you are showing an enormous amount of motivation but you are showing the motivation in your desire to play videos and not in the areas that others have decided are most important.

Example #2: You go to work every day. She rarely misses work because she understands 1) the return she gets from going to work and 2) the importance of her role in the work she does. you are motivated go to work.

honest talk: Instead of having a lack of motivation, consider that you are applying your motivation selectively. That could be perfectly fine. It really depends on you and what you decide is important. Emotional intelligence is about being self-aware and that includes being honest with yourself about what you really want versus what you say you want.

It is important that we begin to apply motivation situationally. As the example above shows, no one is always “down” just like no one is always “up.” Compartmentalizing when you’re motivated versus doesn’t allow you to better understand what’s contributing to your lack of motivation.

So how can you help clear up the noise around motivation? Evaluate the three key areas below, and you may find that you simply need to adjust where you put your motivational energy.

Three (3) easy steps to understand and manage motivation (CUF):

#1 – Clarity– What task or area of ​​your life requires motivation? More importantly, why is this important? What will be the impact for you? How will it affect others? Whenever you feel discouraged, clarify the purpose of this task. Is it for you or is it done to satisfy others? Get clarity on the purpose and benefits of why this specific task or area is important. This “why” becomes the fuel for your tank. It helps you stay focused and picks you up when you’re ready to fall. Your “why” is the main reason for completing this task, so do it right! If you find that this isn’t really something you want to do, that requires a different conversation with those who hold you to these expectations.

#2 – Emergency– When do you want to do it? Is it important that I do this in the next 2 weeks, in the next 2 years, or in the next 10 years? Be very clear about this part. To build compelling momentum for change, you must have a sense of urgency or human nature will take over and we will continue to do what we always do. After all, what’s the rush? This is the theory behind Mel Robbins’ 5 second rule. You create the urgency for change and then don’t take the time to make excuses and back down. 5-4-3-2-1… do it!

#3 – Focus– Now that you understand the that and the when, now comes the how. The way to get moving is by changing your focus. Simply put, you get what you focus on. If you want to do something, just focus on it. Move it to the top of your priority list. Actively think about it, start planning it, start doing it, don’t allow yourself to be distracted and review it daily. Also, it must somehow fit into your routine. If not, it will feel like putting a square peg into a round hole…it just won’t work. Finally, create systems of accountability and partners so you can’t get off the hook. If this is really a priority for you, make the time and space in your life, accept the positive, and do it.

There are hundreds of other strategies that I could list here. However, I believe in keeping things simple because sometimes it’s the smallest actions that create extraordinary results.

As you progress, always remember… you are not lacking in motivation, you may just be lacking in the application of it.

Until next time, all the best to live your most amazing life!

round

The Dream Life Coach

Turn up my EQ, quick!