Day 18: Motivation

"I need to get motivated!"

This is a phrase we use a lot in general in our society.  We want to feel pumped, excited, filled with power and energy, and ready to take it all on.  Motivation is amazing for moving you forward on tasks you already want to do.  Hugely so!  It is big on getting those thoughts flowing and making you feel empowered.

Here's the thing: Motivation won't make a thing happen. That's on you.

Yup.  I said it.  I won't go as far as Mel Robbins does and say that "Motivation is bullshit" but I certainly will back up hers, and multiple scientist's, finds that motivation without a rising action....worthless.  Actually, I personally feel like it can be more damaging because then, when you don't follow through, you are even more let down because you got excited to do the thing.

Excitement and a mental kick in the pants: awesome.  Following through: priceless
(Yes.  I just used a MasterCard commercial quote.  Let no one say that I am not influenced by advertisements)

See, motivation will only get you 1/4 of the way.  The way it helps is when you couple it with ACTION.  That's part of why the 54321 method works so well.  It takes your "hemming and hawing" out of it and sparks physical action towards your goal.

So if it's only 1/4 of the deal, why I am I devoting a blog day to it?

Because it WORKS when used correctly.

Hear me out.

When you use motivation to get that first bump of mental energy, when you are starting a change or still in the hard habit-forming phase, you can do more and keep yourself engaged.

I feel like I need my hands to talk on this one....

ok, so all that being said and explained... here are some mini motivators for you, along with a few links to videos I have found incredibly helpful in keeping me going and sparking that fire:

Yup, gonna start with an Albus Dumbledore quote.  Because a lot of motivation has to do with our internal feelings.  And depression will kill motivation like an arachnaphobe killing a spider.  Instantly and violently.  With a few swear words on the side. So before you get into big motivators, I want this to sink in.  Happiness is there if we look for it.