In Part A, we talked about looking for motivation in all the wrong places.
And of course, where to look instead.
Part B addresses the other aspect of Motivation: the feelings.
The trap of Motivation, Part B: you need to feel motivated to do the things
Here’s an unpopular opinion: you don’t need to feel motivated.
There, I said it. I’m a coach, I’m all about tapping into meaning, and purpose, living a fulfilling life, etm.
(side note: I recently discovered etm and I’m in love It’s Latin, literally is “et merda” and means “and shit”. Now I did not learn that in Latin class – although I did write Xmas carols in Latin. Oh my god, that was all sorts of weird and fun. Anyway, this is just from the urban dictionary, and I love it)
I’m a coach, and I’m saying you don’t need to feel motivated to take action.
There is nothing wrong with being fed up and doing it.
By being annoyed and doing it.
By saying “oh alright then” and huffing, then doing it.
Because then at least you are doing it.
Here’s a personal example: writing my weekly newsletter.
It matters to me, it’s something that I regularly want to do. And I often fall into the trap of “waiting to feel motivated to write, before I start writing”.
This invariably fails.
Yes, somedays I’m feeling inspired and full of ideas just at the right time (my allocated writing time). But more often than not, my inspired moments are when I’m out on a walk, in the shower, or actually coaching.
I cannot write at those times because, well, I’m busy doing something else.
Instead, I use the Nike tagline: just do it.
For me, that literally means opening Asana, going to the current week, and starting writing.
Whether I feel like it or not.
Some days I connect to inspiration quickly.
Some days I read through the last posts, stare out the window a bit, and then start writing.
Some days I’ll create multiple pieces, others just one.
On all the days that I open Asana, I write.
I create a post.
Every. single. time.
This has never failed.
And motivation? Well, it starts to form as I write. It shows up. Every single time.
You don’t need to wait for motivation, you can just do the thing.
So get your grump on, own your frowny face, and just get started.
Here’s the caveat: that the thing you have no motivation for right now is something that you actually want to do. You just don’t have the motivation right now.
This post is part of my special Coaching Tips Series. This series was inspired by my clients and the core themes in their challenges. When we can apply these tips, we bring a lot of ease into our lives and step into our leadership. Want to talk it through with me? Call me and let’s make a Game Plan together.