We all lose motivation, it’s part of the course of human nature. We get distracted, we get defeated, we bored, we get sick, we get overwhelmed…
There are many motivation stealers out there and inside of us.
One that seems to be a constant in my life is getting sick. It seems that I just start to really get going on a goal or project when I get sick. I have to stop everything and spend 2-3 days resting and out of commission.
It’s just enough to derail my motivation, my momentum, my enthusiasm, and my progress. I don’t get sick a lot but when I do it’s always when I’m at the beginning stages of some real momentum to bring change into my life.
That’s exactly what happened one weekend last month. I was making progress on the project that I’m working on, I was making real progress on my new fitness routine, I was making some real progress in other areas of my life as well. Then, wham!, I got sick and spent the weekend on the couch unable to do much of anything.
Once I felt better I was discouraged because the motivation train had been thoroughly derailed and I felt like I would have to start over at ground zero on everything that I had made so much progress on.
Do you want to know what the real problem was?
The Real Problem
The real problem was that I had lost the key to staying motivated.
I had completely lost sight of my “why” – the reason that I do what I do. There are different why’s for different goals, the why for my fitness routine is not the same as the why for my business even though there is some overlap.
Without the why there is no motivation. The tasks at hand seem tedious, overwhelming, boring, pointless, etc. What is the point of bothering with all of the steps in the plan if you don’t have your why in front of you to motivate you.
You Must Embrace Your Why
It’s one thing to have your why, to know what it is and keep it in mind but it’s another thing altogether to embrace your why.
What does it mean to embrace your why? You need to be in touch with it, you need to involve your senses, you need to keep it alive.
It has to be so real that you can see it, feel it, touch it, taste it, hear it, live it. No, not literally in most cases. You will need to use your imagination to get there. You will need to spend time picturing yourself living your why. It needs to become so real that living without it is not an option – then and only then will you be 110% motivated.
You have your goal, you have all of your senses on your goal, you won’t stop until you get it!
Practicals to Bring Your Why to Life
Get a magazine and read articles and look at pictures that will inspire you.
Collect pictures and create a vision board to look at daily.
Find something that you can do daily to bring that dream closer to a reality.
Talk about it with someone who shares a similar goal.
Write out a narrative of what it will be like when you attain your goal.
Join a forum for people who are already living the dream and read what they have to say about the life and about what it takes to get there.
Do whatever it takes for you to bring your why to life!
What does it mean to you to embrace your why? What do you do when you lose motivation? Share in the comments and if you found this helpful please retweet, share, and vote! Thank you!
To Your Success,
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Hi Stacy,
You are spot on: “Without the why there is no motivation.” This is so true and whenever I start to feel my motivation slipping away, I think about why I am doing something. I think about my goals and dream. I think about where I want to be and then I take a fresh look at the steps that I’m taking to see if they lead there.
If they do then my motivation returns.
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Hi David,
It sounds like you have a great strategy for bringing back your motivation! Thank you for sharing it!
Stacy
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You got it, Stacy- and the trick is to keep it burning. That’s one of the great reasons to post your vision, mission, and goals where you see them each morning and throughout the day! Keeps the motivation fires churning.
BTW- great photo! (I emulated that once, unintentionally. I was taking what I thought was a fantastic picture of my (then) wife and I on top of the Shenandoah, using a tripod and a timer. When the photos were developed, I saw a backdrop like yours with the two of use shadowed in the foreground. I guess the camera knew we were just a ghost couple….)
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A. invites you to read… I promise I did NOT bribe Hajra!
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Hi Roy,
That sounds like a great photo! I wish that I could take credit for this photo, I found it on flickr. The link to the original is at the end of my post.
Stacy
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Great post Stacy! It is very important to focus on your personal why. Just wanting to make more money isn’t enough. You have to have a deep burning desire. Maybe you want more time with your family, or maybe your dream is to travel, what ever it is, it must be all consuming.
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Micah,
So true that money isn’t a big enough reason, even if we do want more we need to look at why, what it will help with!
Thanks for sharing,
Stacy
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Hey Stacy… could not have said it better myself. I have been threatening to write on the ‘why’ for a while as we discussed when we first met.
It’s so important. To be honest I went through a dip too… then I snapped out of it because I re connected with my why…
Staying in the mode does wonders. I find that feeling ‘well’ definitely is an asset.
I have been trying to get my rest and more exercise too… as well as I have been remembering to eat.
I feed my kids very well and healthy, yet I overlook my own need for nutrition sometimes. Time goes and I realize it’s lunch time and I haven’t had anything but coffee.
silly really, so I’m on a whole new routine.
As for you… I frankly don’t know how you fit everything in with your children and the daycare. I am also in tune with how easily we get sick because of our little ‘germ spreaders’… (the kids)!!
I pick everything up from mine. I should have a very strong immune system after all I have fought off!
Loved the post Stacy… I believe you and I have the same ‘why’ in many ways!
Jayne
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 8:46 am
Hi Jane,
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Great point about how we have to take care of ourselves, it’s so true!
How do I fit everything? I’ve learned how to take advantage of the bits of time as they come! I also try to get up early to get stuff done and I take advantage of nap time too!
Take care,
Stacy
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Agree with you Stacey it’s essential to be passionate about what you are doing. If not you lose motivation.
Whenever I really want something I always get it. If I think maybe, then maybe.
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 9:06 am
Hi Catarina,
Good point about our focus, I find that when I *really* want something and I’m very determined and driven it usually happens. Maybe doesn’t produce anything.
Stacy
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Girl you got that right! Knowing your why is the key to staying motivated, even when you do get down. Whatever you need to do to keep that way, do it.
I have a vision board hanging over my desk and it’s got all of my why’s on there. Yep, it looks me in the face every single day, even when I don’t feel like working. It’s definitely a real motivator, that’s for sure.
Thanks for this and glad you shared this with us. For those that lose their way, this is how to get right back on track.
Adrienne
Adrienne invites you to read… See How Easily You Can Start Building Relationships
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Hi Adrienne,
Thank you for sharing! I have a vision board that I try to look at daily but I found it difficult to capture my ‘why’ onto images so it doesn’t get to the heart of my why. I received a magazine this week that inspires my why, I think I will use images from that to create a new one!
Thanks,
Stacy
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Stacy, aloha. As you know from my posts, I am a big believer in knowing your WHY and staying focused on it. If we “forget” our why, it is all to easy to forget to take the steps necessary to achieve what we want.
Interestingly enough, I was reading one of Ryan Biddulph’s posts yesterday and he said that each hour, on the hour, he stops and visualizes his WHY for 5-10 minutes. Stacy, can you imagine how powerful that is? No wonder he is doing so well and growing by leaps and bounds.
Though I had not heard of that technique, Stacy, it could well be a good one to implement. Even if you don’t do it every hour, you could have set times during the day. If you start to “slip,” you could up the number of times you are doing it What do you think?
Stacy, throughout the day I do reflect on why I do what I do and it oftentimes comes up in conversation. Since I note nightly in my Gratitude Journal, oftentimes my WHY shows up in there as well as I give thanks.
Well done, Stacy, on a very important topic. Aloha. Janet
Janet @ The Natural Networker invites you to read… Blogging is Personal Development on Steroids by Janet Callaway The Natural Networker
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Hi Janet,
I hadn’t seen that post, thank you for sharing the technique! It does explain why he is able to get so much done and stay so positive!
Take care,
Stacy
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That’s a greta point Stacy. It has to do with losing focus. It’s that feeling of doing something for the sake of it rather than for a given goal.
I also think that when we feel we are back a ground zero, it produces a false sense that nothing has been achieved. The point to remember is that we are ALWAYS moving forward, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Thinking about that point, life is never a backward step. All experiences are usful if we choose to see it that way.
Hmmmm. no there’s an idea. Write about the non existance of “backwards” Gonna save that for later!
Marty invites you to read… How to overcome blocks to reading
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Stacy Reply:
May 6th, 2011 at 10:09 am
Hi Marty,
I like the way that you think, I’ll have to keep my eyes out for that post! I’m reading a book right now where the author refers to his “sideways years” referring to his lack of growth. It’s called Today We Are Rich and it’s free on kindle (it was earlier this week!)
Take care,
Stacy
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I find myself getting derailed all the time. And it’s usually illness for me, too.
While my current situation has left me unable to focus or work on some of my goals, there have been plenty of other things I’ve had time for and simply haven’t done. That’s unacceptable. I can do better. Thank you for your tips!
Karen Peterson invites you to read… Back to the Grind
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Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Hi Karen,
I’m so glad that my tips have helped you out!
Take care,
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
interesting that you’re getting sick when you propel yourself to next level. Of course, I can’t tell exactly why that is. Well, what we tell our kids when they have their kids’ diseases and flus, even fever: Your body gets stronger because it builds resistance and antibodies. This might not always be medically correct, but it definitely helps them and us. Most people know that fever is a good sign and that you shouldn’t fight it unless it’s really high.
So what could that mean for your situation: As you grow, your inner world outgrows its former limitations. Could it be possible that this process is reflected in your physical body ? Thoughts are things.
So there’s definitely no need to feel discouraged after a weekend of the coach, on the contrary: Feel empowered and encouraged. It’s how you interpret that incident.
It goes without saying that we have to be careful: If you’re really exhausted, then it’s a whole different story.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend invites you to read… Relationship Building Through Networking With Bloggers And Leaving Quality Comments
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Hi Oliver,
You bring up some interesting points! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, thank you! I’ve never really stopped to think about why I tend to get sick whenever I start to make progress or growth with something. There are times when I tell myself, “NO, I am not getting sick” and then I start to feel better. You’ve definitely given me some food for thought!
Thanks,
Stacy
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Napoleon Hill page it all. To stabbede, you must have a strong burning desire. Nothing in life can be what it is if that function is not there. A strong burning desire and a strong reason is why people succeed and why people make it in life and business.
Keep it rolling Stacy. I love your post!
Tim
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Hi Tim,
Thank you very much!
Take care,
Stacy
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“Join a forum for people who are already living the dream and read what they have to say about the life and about what it takes to get there.”
this is a very good idea because you’re sure people are not telling fake stories as they have no interest to do so on a forum.
Ted@Souris ergonomique invites you to read… Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4
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Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Hi Ted,
I have found that to be very true in the forums that I have joined. It’s very inspiring but at the same time I do get the dose of reality when people share their difficulties too.
Stacy
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Stacy,
I can relate to the motivational issues, as I’m sure most other writers do. Other life responsibilities take up so much of my time, that it’s sometimes difficult to stay focused and on track. I have a very unusual work schedule which keeps me out of the blogging loop for days at a time.
The ‘why’ factor for me is the goal I’ve set to accomplish something. The ‘why’ is what motivates me to get to the keyboard and write that next article. And that is ‘why’ I keep on keeping on despite all those obstacles.
Matty
Matty invites you to read… Weight Loss
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Hi Matty,
Life can definitely get in the way of our goals! All we can do is give it our best, whatever our best is. We can’t compare to what others are doing because they aren’t in our shoes!
Take care,
Stacy
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Just the blog I needed to read, thank you Stacy.
I have been building towards realising a dream for the last 6 years or so, it evolves every few months or so, but finally I have developed an entry level that I feel that I can manage.
But still there times of lack of focus and complete demotivation.
I get overwhelmed by the whole at times which doesn’t help and the way I cope with that is to remind my self how to eat an elephant, not literally I hasten to add. Of course the only way it would be possible is in small chunks.
Motivation is very difficult to maintain when working in isolation, so easy to come down stairs with good intentions only to be “distracted” by something else that takes on an exagerrated importance.
So now I need to re affirm my WHY, my raison d’etre for the whole project, start re reading my Passion List and get back into focus, after all no one else is going to do it for me.
Again a big thank you
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Stacy Reply:
May 7th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Hi Jacqui,
Thank you for sharing! I especially like how your example of eating the elephant, in small chunks. You certainly can’t do it in one bite!
Take care,
Stacy
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Hey Stacy,
To me too getting sick is a big hit. All my plans go waste and the biggest challenge is getting back online
However, recently I am adopting a little strategy that has two very little components but count a lot:
1. I allow time for unexpected happenings in my schedule or when I fix deadlines.
2. I take care of my health regularly. Even with a slight sign, I get alert and make things up.
Cheers,
Jane.
Jane@Make money blogging invites you to read… 301 Redirect for passing Page Rank How about URL shorteners
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 9th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Hi Jane,
It really is hard to get back into the swing of things after being sick. I find that I get sick just as I’m starting to create a new habit, and those first 30 days are so important to making the habit stick.
Great point about taking care of our health!
Thanks,
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
Awesome post. I agree with you, it is very important to know “why” for your business.
I think i don’t need any extra motivation, because people around me, keep me motivating…
!
Thanks for sharing this interesting post! Enjoy your weekend. !
~Dev
Devesh invites you to read… 6 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Niche
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 9th, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Hi Devesh,
That’s great that the people around you keep you motivated! You’ve got the right people in your circle of influence!
Stacy
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Nice post Stacy. Just knowing the “why” is already a big deal!
When I was starting out years ago I always see to it that I always get reminded of my goals. I’d post them at the ceiling so that I could see it every time I wake up. I would post them at the back of the door so that I would get reminded every time I go out of the house etc…
But then… pure discipline would really help us in this endeavor.
Marco Lee invites you to read… Claim Your New Life!
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 9th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Hi Marco,
That reminds me of a story I heard about the guy who wrote those Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I heard that he put a dollar bill on his ceiling but had written a bunch of zeros on it so that it looked like a million dollars. He apparently looked at it every day until he reached that goal!
Stacy
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Great post Stacy, there should always be a why to everything you pursue in life that’ worth pursuing. Interesting post again thanks.
Samantha Wright invites you to read… 10 Ways To Get More Traffic From Twitter!
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Stacy Reply:
May 17th, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Samantha,
It’s so easy to lose sight of the why when we get focused on the whats!
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Staci you a a inspiring person you remind me of my sister she is also very positive and very helpful to others…where you a cheerleader and very involved at your college? Well anyways I love the tips on staying motivated!!
Valerie invites you to read… Weight Watchers Canada Online Coupons
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 23rd, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Thank you for the compliments! No, I never was a cheerleader. I do hold a blue belt in taekwondo and I was active in my psychology club on campus.
Stacy
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Hi
I can really relate to this. Its a brilliant post and very thought provoking.
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Stacy Reply:
May 23rd, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Thank you, Carol and I appreciate the thoughts that you shared in the group too!
Stacy
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Bang! Bang! Stacy! You got it in one there…
Brilliant post.
I see this so often that people misunderstand motivation (or just don’t agree with my view of it
)
If we are not constantly reminded of “Why” we are doing things, we get distracted and lose momentum.
I have a little strategy to share with you if you like. I use it with my clients who are going through big learning curves.
Basically, I ask them to write down their 3 biggest reasons WHY they need to make the changes.
Then I ask them to write each one of them at the top of a separate A4 piece of paper and then build on each one of them – keep asking yourself the question WHY these factors need to be met. Really to build those motivating factors as big as possible.
The thing is, I have found there is a pure equation for success, particularly in making personal changes and it goes like this :
Motivating factors > (are bigger than) Challenges you will face = you will walk through any challenge.
Motivating factors < (are smaller than) Challenges you will face = you don't move forward.
Keep up the great work
Cheers
PH
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
May 27th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Hi Paul,
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing your strategy, that sounds very powerful! It’s definitely something to try!
Thanks,
Stacy
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[...] It’s Monday and that means you need lots of motivation today! Read Grow with Stacy’s key to staying motivated and how to really use it. [...]
Hey Stacy,
Sometimes people get their motivation back from their defeat or mistake, they try to prove people wrong that’s why they bounce from losing to do better and show people Very nice message in your article Stacy.
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[...] to day doing what needs to be done and not much more. We may be apathetic at best and depressed and unmotivated at [...]
[...] The Key to Staying Motivated [...]
[...] It needs to fit into your “why” [...]
I feel it is also essential to divide that main goal in as many small goals (or tasks) as you can, and make a plan to get each and every one of the small tasks done.
When it comes to staying motivated, if you don’t know exactly what you have to do next in order to reach that awesome big goal you have, you’ll lose a lot of time on useless things. Stay motivated and focused! Make plans!
Andrew invites you to read… Staying Motivated 101 – Secrets to Never Lose Your Motivation
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