We hear about motivation and getting motivated all the time - in business, at work, school, sports… But in reality “motivation” is not what you should focus on or be after as the primary way to do what you want to do, or to accomplish what you want to accomplish.
Ever felt super motivated after hearting a “motivational speech”? Those graduation speeches from famous actors, business people, and public figures that circulate on the web come to mind… How about those motivational seminars or presentations by some super inspirational “life coach” who comes to your office and spreads all the energy and “feels” that make you want to RUN out of the conference room and start transforming your life immediately? How about the motivation you felt after reading an awesome, inspiring book?
Have you actually acted upon those “motivations” and made a meaningful change in your life as a result?
I suspect the answer is “no”. Or maybe yes, partially, for a little bit. Why do you think that is?
Another question, from a different angle. Have you heard people say “I just am not motivated” or “I can’t find the motivation” as a reason for not doing something?
What you need is ACTION
Well, as it turns out, what you really need is… action. That’s right. You need to start doing something. Once you actually do something, you will naturally get the internal motivation that will keep moving you forward, that will push you to your next action, then the next, so that you are moving towards your goals.
You don’t need to have a full plan. You don’t even need to know exactly what your outcome should be. Have you ever heard the saying that you have to be willing to lose sight of the shore to discover new continents? Many times the path you follow will form as you start walking.
And the action you take can be very small. In fact, it should be small, because then it will be attainable and executable. And then you go on to the next one.
Ok, that’s great, but how do I take action?
Just do it. Try not to over think it. Start doing something, anything!! Here is an example, if you want to complete a workout but are not feeling “motivated”… change into your cycling gear and fill out your bottle! Try it!
