The Motivation Myth

My Monday started with me desperately trying to find what I wanted to wear in my closet 10 minutes before having to leave for work. Then my alarm went off; I woke up from that dream and actually started my Monday. You'd think that the black dress pants with the attached purple fanny pack would have been a clue about it being a dream - but no. 

I pulled myself out of bed, said good morning to my husband and dog and proceeded to get ready to go on my Peloton. I exercise before work 4 out of 5 workdays of the week, and some mornings take some more convincing. Today, as I dragged my half-awake butt downstairs, I negotiated with myself about the type of class I would do and the level of effort I needed to put in. But, as I strapped my shoes in and clicked on a Cody Rigsby class, I felt a glimmer of motivation.

On days that I struggle to exercise, I try to anchor into gratitude for having the means and ability to move and strengthen my body. Sometimes that's still a tough headspace to get into. These mornings benefit from just starting to move, to go one minute at a time, until my head catches up with my body and remembers why I do this.

Just by pure chance, I also chose a ride focused on enjoying the movement, doing what felt right to my body and having fun - ignoring the leaderboard. It was exactly what I needed for a Monday morning that was initially lacking motivation. By the end, I was breathless and feeling accomplished. Take this as a reminder that if you wait for motivation to show up, you're going to be waiting a long time. I believe that the way we often perceive motivation is a myth. It will not just appear and drive you forward. Motivation needs to be sought after. It arrives alongside a starting effort, sometimes referred to as Behavioural Activation. Identify the initial steps that are manageable for you, and as you pursue those cursory goals, motivation and energy will return. 

October 04, 2021