Motivation is a bit of a fickle concept when you delve into its intricacies. It’s something we all understand to be positive, and certainly an advantageous trait to possess, and despite our best intention to keep the fire lit and maintain the motivation, slipping up and falling off the wagon is a lot easier than we initially realize.
It isn’t my favourite example to use because I personally don’t believe in their purpose, but diets are something that requires quite a bit of motivation. Most folks begin said diet with the best of intentions, aiming to adhere to its stipulations strictly and with dedication; after a period of time, however, we get slack in our mental commitment, and soon enough, we find ourselves completely giving up on the diet and gorging on 10 cheeseburgers.
I’m no motivational professional, but I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, especially in the context of fitness and athletics. I’ve been involved with sports for most of my life, and an expression that absolutely relates to athletics is ‘use it or lose it.’ So, if I truly don’t feel like completing a workout on a given day, as tempting as it is to say fuck it and try again tomorrow, I give myself a nice reminder of this expression and find myself getting my shit done – perhaps reluctantly, but still completed.
Accountability also plays into motivation. If we don’t hold ourselves accountable for a certain goal or aim we have set out to achieve, no one else, generally speaking, is going to; it’s on you to ensure you’re completing your goals and aspirations, and in addition to no one reminding you to do so, it is more than likely no one else is going to to the physical act itself for you, either.
Photo by Rachel Moore on Unsplash
ontheedgeofeverything 