“At some point, the pain of not doing it becomes greater than the pain of doing it.”
In other words, at some point, it is easier to change than to stay the same. It is easier to take action and feel insecure at the gym than to sit and experience self-loathing on the couch.
This is the essence of motivation. Every choice has a price. When we’re motivated, it is easier to bear the inconvenience of action than the pain of remaining the same. Somehow we cross a mental threshold. Usually, after weeks of procrastination, it becomes more painful to not do the work than to actually do it.
Now for the important question! What can we do to make it more likely that we cross this mental threshold and feel motivated on a consistent basis?
Motivation is often the result of action, not the cause of it. Getting started, even in very small ways, is a form of active inspiration. And that creates natural momentum.
You don’t need much motivation once you’ve started a behavior. After you start, progress occurs more natural. In other words, it is often easier to finish a task than it was to start it in the first place. BUT the key is staying consistent with the new behavior…. You must stick with the new behavior to make it an unconscious habit and routine…
Schedule your motivation! If your workout isn’t scheduled, you’ll wake up thinking, “I hope I’m feeling motivated to exercise today.”
Setting a schedule for yourself is simple. It puts your decision-making on autopilot by giving your goals a time and a place to live. It makes it more likely that you will follow through.
Stop waiting for motivation or inspiration to strike you and set a schedule for your habits
High achievers aren’t dependent on motivation or inspiration. but rather follow a consistent pattern and routine. Here are some examples of how you can apply ritual and routine to get motivated:
-
Consistent exercise: Schedule a time slot for the gym and make it the same every day.
-
Plan your events for the day: Know where you will be and what you will be doing every day so you make sure it gets done.
-
Start each day stress-free: Create a five-minute morning meditation ritual.
-
Sleep better: Follow a “power down” routine before bed.