3 Unexpected Tips To Get Your Motivation Back

Motivation seems to be one of those tricky words that fall into the same category as willpower. I’ve debated and questioned if it is a limited resource just like willpower and the more we rely on it, the more we expend it. Or is it like a muscle that the more you use it, the more you can build it to stronger and longer proportions.

We all know what motivation is – the drive that causes us to act by creating movement, growth, and change.

It’s also what we can lack – feeling frustrated or stuck in our current situation. The messy middle and in between of knowing where you want to go but not being in reach of it. We see the goal, the habit we want but now the bigger question is how can we get the motivation to get it done.

Because goals don’t just fulfill themselves.

Today on the podcast I interview Jenni Hulbert who is a holistic fitness expert and top rank wellness advocate with doTerra. I’ll be asking her what motivation is, if it’s something good to rely on and how we can use motivation to reach bigger goals in the new year.

Make sure and listen to the podcast and stay tuned as I share three unexpected ways to get more motivated.

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is it realistic?

I find myself asking that question a lot lately – is this realistic? I think so many of our “big” ideas, goals and dreams are someone else’s. While I do believe that we can achieve the impossible, do the unrealistic, I question if there is a different way,  a way that only comes from a deep desire giving us the motivation to press on.

But at the same time, I think so many of our goals and habits stem from what we think we “should” be doing rather than what we “want” to be doing. Which leads to needing an enormous amount of willpower and motivation. But what if we could change that and drive motivation from doing things that we want? That’s the kind of motivation we’re talking about, and I have three ways to get more of it.

1. Learn more about it

The more you learn about something, the more you love it. In psychology, this is called the mere-exposure effect. It’s a psychological phenomenon by which people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them.

We are more likely to sink into a heartfelt love for something the more we know about it.

Tip #1

Which brings up tip number one to increase motivation – learn more about it. What is it that you want to reignite in your life? Is it a love of good wholesome food? Or a love of running? Is it a love of reading? Start learning about the art of healthy cooking, or new running postures. Maybe you rent a movie that sparks the interest back to reading the book.

Start learning about what it is you’re after, and maybe that will spark your motivation. Re-ignite a fire inside of you.

2. Make it enjoyable

I’ve always said you’ll never do what you don’t love. Of course, there are obligations that we have to do, but even those have an underlying level of love. Like I don’t love to pack my kid’s lunch every morning – but I love my kids.

Tip #2

What I’ve found to be true – if you don’t love it you’ll never do it, at least long term. That’s why I think tip number two in gaining more motivation is making whatever you’ve set out to do more enjoyable. Where there’s a will, there’s a way to do that. Somehow, someway you can take anything and make it better.

Instead of trying to walk or run on your own – you enlist a buddy. Aren’t walks always more fun with good company? Maybe you create meal prep days with your family, or you dream up new ideas with a co-working coffee date. Or you hate running but you love yoga – do more of that.

If you’re like me, you hate lettuce but know that a good amount of other toppings like chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, salami, and a hearty ranch dressing can make it enjoyable.

Add your own spin, your own character to make it more in line with who you are. I guarantee the more you enjoy it – the more likely you are to stick with it. I mean, why do we go to the movies, get a massage, go on dinner dates? Because we love them.

3. create a pre-game mentality

The most important part of any task is starting. If you can’t get motivated in the beginning, then you’ll find that motivation often comes after starting. That’s why your pre-game routine needs to be incredibly easy to start.

Think about the hardest part of running – probably lacing up those tennis shoes. But once you get out there and feel the effects of finishing it wasn’t ever that bad. The hardest part is always starting, and that is true whether you’re working out, eating healthy, journaling, praying, reading, whatever it is you’ve set out to do.

Tip #3

One easy way to make starting more natural is to create a pre-game routine. Just like athletes do – it’s a way of preparing the mind making the following decisions more natural. A pre-game routine is going to be a little bit different for everyone, but a good example is working out. Even outside of slipping on your gym clothes, fill up your water bottle, write out your workout and visualize how you’ll feel when it’s over.

Prepare your mind with patterns of physical movement.

The combo is a winning success in gaining motivation. Trust me – it takes a lot more willpower to muster up the strength to get excited about working out in the warmth and comfort of your bed. It’s much easier when you have gym clothes on, water bottle filled, a workout prepped, and your mindset can follow.

Get into the habit of doing the pre-game even if you don’t make it all the way to the “game.” It’s prepping your mind, changing your thought patterns and making it easier the next time you repeat the process.

rhythms

It’s all about your daily rhythms. I talk about them a lot, but they are a critical turning point in change. They are the things you do on a regular basis – an overflow of who you are. And knowing these rhythms can lead to healthier rhythm development.

Think of your daily rhythms like brushing which often stimulates the urge to floss.

What daily rhythms can you add to your life to stir, spark or evoke the drive to complete a nourishing rhythm? Start making a list – it doesn’t have to be long just a couple things will do and watch as you stir up more motivation. Which is contagious.

want help

Want more help creating healthy rhythms and planning for a new way of life? You need to purchase a Nourished Planner. The one tool created specifically to help set habits, goals, and dreams and actually reach them without ruining your life.

The motto is helping you to plan so you can get out and live. It’s our mission to end schedule shaming and help create a system that works for you. Inside the Nourished Planner you have all the tools to do just that. Get a Nourished Planner and start reaping the benefits right here.

Not sure planning is your thing? Take this quiz to find out what your planner personality is.

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