Motivation is something that everyone struggles with at one time or another, especially me. Have you ever noticed that when we are in the flow, nothing can stand in our way, and at other times, with no apparent warning, ~ZAP!~ our momentum, our creative fire, our juice, is mysteriously gone. What the *&&%^^% happened?! Where did it go? How do I get it back?
So many of my clients and friends (including the 'friend' in my very own brain) report (in a whiney tone, I might add) that they know exactly what they want, often even exactly what to do to get there, but for some reason, the path to reaching their goal seems to be fraught with demons of the mental/emotional sort. Perfectionism, self-sabotage, low self esteem and self worth, victim mindset and ancient self-defeating mental scripts of all sizes and shapes get in the way, either before they even start, or somewhere along the journey. What's an ambitious person to do?
photo courtesy of jesus-is-savior.com
Well I'm glad you asked, because the other day, I got off my duff and wrote out a list of questions that you can ask yourself when you are in the midst of a 'motivation crisis', questions that may help you get to the root of what's blocking you so you can get back on track!
I will post them here, but you can also download them in .pdf format so you can print them out and keep them handy for emergencies.
Inspiration or anxiety? What's really motivating me?
35 questions to ask yourself before acting.
According to the Pain/Pleasure Principle, pain is a much greater motivator than pleasure. In other words, we are culturally hardwired to act faster and to do more to avoid pain than to gain pleasure.
But what about the underside of that pain or pleasure? Sometimes it’s just not obvious exactly what the pain is that is blocking us from a moving forward. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you feel stuck, or when your body is giving you cues that you are not acting or thinking in alignment with your integrity. (This disparity can come in the form of a stomach ache, a nagging feeling in your chest, a headache, butterflies in your tummy, stress, grumpiness, tension in your muscles, exhaustion, etc.)
Use the questions below as a guide whenever you are unsure about a decision or action. Remember, there is no right or wrong here, only what works and what doesn’t. Not all will apply, but try and allow the truth (your truth) to emerge. Ultimately, whatever ‘it’ is, it’s up to you.
1. Does my impulse to act come from within, or from the fear of going without?
2. Am I doing it for myself or for the approval of others?
3. Am I truly committed to this or am I acting in desperation? photo courtesy of aWomanVisible blog
4. Does my body say ‘yes’ or ‘no’?
5. If I had no fears in this situation, what would I do?
6. What is my first instinct?
7. Am I hiding, or am I incubating? (hint: if something hatches, you’re incubating!)
8. Am I making excuses, or is there a real explanation?
9. Am I avoiding something or am I taking good care of myself?
10. Is this the best decision for all involved?
11. How would I advise my child in this situation?
12. Is it guilt or a desire for freedom that is prompting this action?
13. Is it based on love or fear?
14. Can I live with what I choose?
15. Do I hold my breath or sigh with contentment when I think about it?
16. What is the bigger picture? How will this effect the whole situation?
17. If I could see the sound of my idea, would it be beautiful or ugly?
18. When I talk about it, do I feel confident or unsure?
19. If I let it go completely, would it come back to me?
20. If I let it go completely, would I feel relieved?
21. Does it inspire excitement or dread in me?
22. Do other people have a supportive or negative reaction?
23. Am I making someone else’s feelings more important than mine?
24. Am I being selfish or self-loving?
25. Am I ready to stand behind the consequences?
26. Is my perfectionism stopping me from starting?
27. Is it abusive or nurturing to myself and others?
28. Will it produce the highest and best outcome for all involved?
29. Is my overwhelm a warning or a tap on the shoulder?
30. Who am I trying to impress? Is it worth it?
31. Are my expectations realistic or fantasy?
32. Am I willing to admit this may not be the best idea?
33. How will I feel if it doesn’t work out?
34. What does my inner voice tell me?
35. If someone takes it from me, how do I feel?
OK, I have to admit, that following Wendy Piersall's effective system of 'match under your butt' motivation that she calls Monday Motivation, I set a goal last night with gorgeous and dynamite single-women-over-50-online-dating blogger Ellen from Wonderful Online Women Blog that I had to post to this blog by this afternoon, or the consequence would be that I would hand her a crisp, new $100 bill. Now I love my friend Ellen, 
but I have a kindred spirit relationship with Mr. Ben Franklin, if you know what I mean, and I want him for my very own, hence the pain theory is correct. The pain of losing 100 smackers was enough motivation to get me to post. I may have to do this more often!
Here's what Wendy says: (my edited version)
The premise of Monday Motivation is simple - tell everyone/someone (on your blog or in your life) what you plan on getting done. Then let them know what is your motivation for getting it done.
For Wendy, the public announcement usually is enough accountability. But for long to-do lists, she likes to throw in a little leverage - consequences - if she doesn’t get her stuff done. Whatever works for you, works for Monday Motivation! One week she announced that she would detail her husband's car if she didn't do what she promised, other times, there are cash incentives for non-compliance. It certainly has worked to motivate her to cross those pesky items off that to do list! Go Wendy!
Any other ideas for motivating yourself? I'd love to hear it!
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((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Jessica -:¦:-
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