Motivate Yourself
The first step to getting motivated is to motivate yourself. Don’t depend on anyone or anything to motivate you. That is when the excuses creep in. Instead, motivate yourself. Inspire yourself. Set your own standards.
Would you do it for $500?
There are so many things throughout the course of the day that I don’t feel like doing, but in order for me and my family to survive, be healthy, and successful I have to do them.
Making dinner sucks. Folding laundry sucks. And, the dishes are never ending. But, the need for survival and order in my life is greater than my desire to stay in bed.
Plus, I know there will be immediate consequences to not doing all of those chores. If I don’t do these basic chores, our food, clothing, and shelter needs will not be met.
Sometimes the consequences of not doing what I know I need to do aren’t short-term. And, that’s why it is more difficult to do them.
If I don’t get out of bed early and go to the gym, it doesn’t seem to matter. Nothing really changes.
I just want to eat ice cream and watch America’s Got Talent.
But, alas, I have #goals. And, a family of five.
That’s not to say I never let myself do anything fun, but if I’ve committed to let’s say three lifestyle changes for a certain period of time and I start rationalizing why I actually don’t need to do them, I stop and ask myself, “Would I do this if someone gave me $500?“
Uh, yeah. If someone paid me $500 to get my ass to the gym, you better believe I’d have my freaking camo leggings on in .0002 seconds and I’d be in the weight room kicking ass and taking names.
Instead of the usual, ridiculous, rationalization that I might tell myself… “It’s Tuesday and it’s a nice day. The gym will be too crowded and I won’t be able to get a spot anyway. So, I’d better stay home. I’ll go tomorrow.”
Is my health and are my goals worth more than $500?
Yes. Of course.
Staying motivated
Once you get motivated, the challenge often becomes staying motivated.
Surrounding yourself with motivated people that will hold you accountable is always a good idea. Just don’t depend on them for your motivation.
Give yourself a “mock” short-term consequence that motivates you on a regular basis.
Keep a journal, a list, or log to track your progress. Be consistent to create solid habits.
So, what are your goals? Are they worth more than $500 to you?