The other day I went to the doctor for an annoying chest cough that I’ve had for over a month that I just couldn’t seem to kick. The nurse and I were discussing the fact that I work out five days a week, one of them being with a trainer. She told me how she has wanted to lose some weight but that she just can’t seem to find the motivation to do it. I have been thinking about this.
Especially when living the special needs life, if you wait for motivation to strike, it may never happen.
This concept isn’t just for weight loss. It is for potty training your child who doesn’t understand the process. It’s for avoiding brushing their teeth because you get hurt in the struggle on a daily basis. It’s that doctor’s visit for your child that you keep postponing because you are dreading the visit and the meltdown it entails.
But it’s also for your own self care. Waiting for motivation to eat healthier? How about replacing your maternity clothes, even though your youngest child is four? Waiting for motivation to exercise?
Here’s the thing. Motivation is not a friend who comes over and knocks on your door and all you have to do is let them in. Sometimes motivation just doesn’t show up at all. But the difference between being a dreamer and being a doer, is showing up to what needs to be done, regardless of how you feel.
Think you can’t do this? You already do. If you have ever held a job, you showed up for work, motivated or not. If you ever attended school, same thing.
But just like the smell of coffee in the morning can motivate you to get out of bed sooner, you can build some motivation into your day to make it easier. Teachers do this all the time. They use sticker charts and individual and class rewards to help motivate their students. You can do this, too.
What helps you get going when you just aren’t feeling it? Here are some suggestions to kick start your thought process:
- shorten the task into smaller steps
- share the task with someone else
- reward yourself for a certain amount of times of trying, even if the goal hasn’t been reached (i.e. – you put your child on the potty five times in three days so you get Starbucks! Netflix! Whatever you decide!)
- Start where you are. Haven’t worked out in years? Decide that for the next week you will walk to the corner and back. That’s it. When you complete that add in two extra minutes a day. Build on this. It counts!
- Be careful who you compare yourself to. Sometimes when you look at someone who is deeply into their own process (marathon runner friend, we’re looking at you!), it can make you feel even LESS motivated. Use the people around you for inspiration but if this happens to you, find someone who is just a little ahead of where you are in whatever process you are trying to accomplish. Less intimidating.
- Forgive yourself for dropping the ball for whatever goal you wanted to accomplish. Now, pick the ball back up. TODAY. And keep going.
How do you handle things when you lack motivation? Please share in the comments below.
Want more? I have released a book! It is written especially for you to uplift you as a caregiver, soothe you, help you navigate and, most importantly, help you to be OK. Take a look!