The thing about life is that, sometimes, you find yourself in a season where you lose your drive, your mojo, well let’s call it what it is, your motivation. Ironically, given the title and essence of this blog is ALL ABOUT freaking motivation, that didn’t keep me immune to losing it.
For me, in this current state of the world, it has been increasingly challenging to figure out what I am motivated to work on. It feels selfish, at times, to be working on myself: my self-care, my fitness, my weight loss, but some days it seems like a very right time to do so. I am also wanting to ensure my children are educated well and not just at school, but on kindness, equity, equality, empathy and empowerment. This, on top of wanting to be motivated in my work, both personally driven (like my blog) and in my work place where I am afforded the opportunity to help others and support them through challenging times. But dang it, that’s A LOT on this mama’s plate, and you know as well as I do, that what I mentioned above, isn’t even half of it. The weight of expectations is real and rather than being motivating, it can truly leave one feeling parallelized.
Ok, so now to the good stuff. What I am I going to do about it?! So, first things first, I’ve recognized that I WANT to and am READY to take next steps toward reinvigorating my motivation. If you aren’t there yet friend, that’s ok. If you’re trying and you are thinking you can’t do it, well that’s where you are wrong. You, my friend, are capable of ANYTHING. Here’s one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard, and it can apply to just about anything in life…
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Arthur Ashe
How good is that?! And how simple?! Guys, I’m obsessed with this concept. If you have a goal, a dream, a hobby or maybe even a deadline that’s looming; circling like a hungry shark in a stormy ocean, get to work. You don’t need to wait until you’ve lost 5 lbs, or you get the right equipment, or you go back to school, or you get a raise. Work NOW to get there. You will never regret working hard to get where you want to go. You won’t look back and wish you hadn’t started rooting for yourself and watching yourself rise to the occasion. You WILL, however, find greater confidence, reach for even bigger goals, become the person you KNOW YOU ARE inside your heart, and dang it, you will feel so proud.
I realize that I am totally running off on a self-help/positive self talk tangent here but the thing is that I KNOW this feeling first hand. I know how much better I feel when I pour into the goals and dreams I have for myself, my life, my family. I lost over 100lbs about 8 years ago and many days I felt selfish for leaving my then babies, to go for a run or to get a workout in or meal plan and prep. I felt selfish for putting myself first. But the kicker is, that by INVESTING in ME, I am giving THEM so much more. I am giving them a mom and giving my husband a wife who is fun, playful and HEALTHY. I gave myself permission to understand the true meaning of self worth and self care. IT IS NOT SELFISH! IT IS NECESSARY! Say that out loud with me right now! Self Care is not Selfish! LOUDER!
Alright, so now that you are pumped up, let’s tap into what you’ve got. What is ONE thing, one goal, that you really have your eyes on? Let’s look at one. Once you have it, write it down. Next, listen to the incomparable Mr. Arthur Ashe and start where you are. Right now.
If you need help staying motivated, or want more fuel for your motivation fire, here are 5 things you can do daily to get and stay motivated:
- Chart Your Progress: use a journal, calendar or whatever is a tangible way to watch how far you go!
- Find Your People: find a friend, group or support team who can help you stay accountable and are like minded in the pursuit of your goal.
- Start Now : I keep saying it, but really START NOW, no excuses.
- Make it Enjoyable: You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to find JOY in the process. This can be difficult at first, but you will get there.
- Be Patient: Good things, the BEST things, take time. Breathe. Keep working hard. It WILL happen.
Now, you’ve got some tools for the proverbial motivation toolkit and you’re ready to go! I want to hear all about it so check me out & tag on Instagram or Leave a note here on the blog! Also, if you subscribe to my blog, I will send you a FREE motivation checklist printable via email! DON’T MISS IT!
As always, cheering you on from the sidelines and working hard on my own goals too! Cheers!
Momday Motivation 