We get motivational quotes all the time.
We see them everywhere.
We use them to inspire us to action.
In Verywell Mind they describe motivation as “…the guiding force behind human actions.”
We are always looking for things that “motivate” us.
We are always looking for inspirations that “motivate” us.
We look for motivation to move us to our goals.
Our
Weight loss goals
Career goals
Business goals
Life goals
But sometimes
we use motivation against us;
we use lack of motivation as a reason to not take action.
What happens if we don’t feel motivated?
In the past when we were in our caves, our brains knew to find motivation (motivational triad) by
- seeking pleasure;
- avoiding emotional pain; and
- preserving energy.
Seeking pleasure would motivate us to go out and connect with others.
Avoiding emotional pain would motivate us to seek comfort.
Preserving energy would motivate us to stay alive.
But today the motivational triad no longer serves us as it was designed.
Instead, it drives us to inaction.
It drives us to inaction because
- we have access to so much pleasure now, we over seek it;
- we don’t process negative emotions because we want to be happy all the time; and
- the lack of energy drives the lack of action.
Instead, today we are motivated by
- delaying pleasure;
- embracing emotional pain; and
- generating energy.
Yes, it would be great if we could start every day motivated. But sometimes we don’t.
- Sometimes we must get up – even if we don’t have the motivation.
- Sometimes we must go to work – even if we don’t have the motivation.
- Sometimes we must do our daily tasks – even if we don’t have the motivation.
We get up anyway.
We go to work anyway.
We do our daily tasks anyway.
Knowing, that tomorrow is another day.
P.S. Do you have obstacles keeping you from moving forward and taking action? Are you looking for a change? Do you want someone to guide you through your journey instead of DIYing it? Join me on a call and learn how thinking differently creates different results. Reach out to schedule a call and learn how we can work together. Contact my office 305-445-0477 or email me at emy@coralgablescounseling.com.
Resource: Brooke Castillo, The Life Coach School