Motivation seems to always dry out at times. With all these resolutions set at the new year, it seems like a constant battle to be able to maintain what you set out.
Truth is, who needs a new year to start a healthy habit.
I think there is a difference between 'having motivation' and having 'self-discipline'. When you're motivated, you want to do what you're doing, but when you're disciplined, you'll just do it without question regardless of how you feel about it. We must also consider this - discipline starts with motivation, but how do we get there?
Motivation starts from within - usually inspired by many things. Common things that inspire me are my friends, Tedtalks as well as seeing improvement in my own work. It's up to you to discover more and during that journey you'll meet something that inspires you.
'ATP' (energy) is essential to catalyse your motivation.
No, this is not a science blog - (I'm just a nerd trying to be smart...) Follow these 'ATP' steps I have come up with to help self-motivate.
Appoint your reasons WHY
After reading Simon Sinek's bestselling novel - 'Start With Why', I was enlightened by how we can apply this to real life. The book is written from a business perspective, however you can interpret it in a way so that it applies to you. The idea is if you start with why you are setting this habit/goal, it'll make it much easier to carry the task out. Think of the bigger picture essentially - find out WHY you are doing what you are doing. Only then you can think of your 'How' and 'What'.
Here's a link to a Ted talk to summarise this beautiful concept.
Take Action NOW.
Let every new day, be a day where you start fresh. No matter what has happened in the past -it's new slate. Simple ways to take action now:
1. Prepare.
Unfortunately, organisation is going to be key to whatever your new goal is and if organisation is your goal, then you are already getting there! To prepare before hand will allow you to allocate time effectively.
Let me give you some examples. If your goal is to go to the gym twice a week - have your gym gear ready the night before. Make your first step getting the gym gear on and see how you feel. You'll almost definitely go to gym in your swanky gear. Or if your goal is to study more effectively - draw out a revision timetable/ revision plan, set up some active recall planning. *blog post to come soon about active recall revision techniques.
2. Just Do It
This is probably the most difficult to do. No-one said it was going to be easy. Keep your distractions at bay - check out my other blog post 'How To Stop Procrastinating' for some revision tips if that is your goal.
Practice continually.
the idea of 'quality over quantity' has been around for a while now, but have you ever considered 'Quantity until you get to quality'. Known youtuber, ThatMedic introduced this concept and it stuck with me. The idea that practice makes perfect. It's better to give the task a go and get it wrong, then learn from your mistakes rather than being anxious and not trying at all. This approach stems from Carol Dweck's famous publication of 'Growth Mindset'.
Here's a short video to explain what I mean...
At the heart of all things, this blog has hopefully outlined the importance of 'Why' before the 'How' and 'What'. On another note, I have recently realised while revising for my A-levels, top students get the higher grades because they understand why 'stuff' happens. Thus, allowing them to apply the knowledge accurately and get the marks. While on the other hand, students who memories the textbook are unlikely to get that 'suggest' question right. Look out for new blog posts on revision techniques!
Good luck my friends,
You've got this.
Simone.
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