Verily, finishing tasks and projects is really really satisfying. The work, however, requires perseverance, focused efforts, and diligence to meet the end goal. Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to do. Life happens. We get distracted and side-tracked more often than we expect. In short, we need to find the laser-like focus and the will to get things done. This is where discipline comes into the picture – doing what you have to do, even when you don’t want to do it.
Discipline requires you to show up daily even on your not-so-good days, for sure! Over time those patterns will reinforce in your brain and make it easier to do the work. All you have to do is to find a little nudge of motivation to start. The rest of the motivation will be fueled by the momentum –the momentum that, when built, helps you stick to the end.
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Now the question arises: how to start? How to find that little surge of motivation to start? The easier and fun way to find motivation is to incorporate exercise into your routine. Feeling low? Start jumping or dancing. A brief and brisk walk can help you clear your mind from undesirable or unimportant thoughts. It can also align your focus on the important agendas. Not feeling like going outside? Do some push-ups. Even a small session of push-ups can work wonders. How? They are easy to do and require less effort to start. The improved circulation following push-ups is enough to kick dopamine and serotonin into your system which enable motivation to escalate.
Push-ups can serve as a great starting point when you are about to start a long working session. Whether it’s studying or writing, push-ups improve focus, boost mood, and set the tone for upcoming (even, strenuous) work. Likewise, meditation sessions are also very helpful. Learn to sit still and entertain the passing thoughts, good or bad. Neither force them to stay nor avoid their passing. Learn to embrace how to process the unwanted thoughts and how to sustain the welcoming ones.
Want to make it more motivating? Listen to a motivational lecture while working out. A motivational speech such as “It’s Possible” by Les Brown proves effective in awakening your spark. Besides encouraging you to ‘take action’, a motivational speech inspires you to think differently. When you hear from great people how they overcame external or internal challenges, you get to learn how great you can be which you never thought you were capable of doing. This paradigm shift, as Tony Robbins says, enlightens your soul and stirs your potential.
Lastly, remember, every great ambition is accomplished by a series of small steps brought together. No matter how massive your goal may seem, you have to stay focused on the desired outcome. You have to overcome the fears; ‘Is it possible? Am I able to do this?’ and direct your focus on “how can I do it effectively”? Leverage the power of exercise and little bouts of workout such as pushups, to boost positive energy shifts. Indulge in meditation and mindfulness practices to get clarity of thoughts so you can direct your efforts in the right direction. You are blessed to have control over making choices. Don’t let your thoughts govern your choices and decisions. Use disciplined efforts to choose and manifest what pushes you closer to your goal destination.
References
⦁ https://www.tonyrobbins.com/stories/coaching/changing-your-mindset/
⦁ Richard, M., Christina, M. F., Deborah, L. S., Rubio, N., & Kennon, M. S. (1997). Intrinsic motivation and exercise adherence. Int J Sport Psychol, 28(4), 335-354.