The obstacle is the path.
Whether we feel it is not the right time or link it to emotionally challenging times, the truth is that we always face some hurdles when one wants to take that step forward. It can be time-related, having other priorities, or other circumstances that one defines as not moving into these much-desired, life-changing directions.
And in many cases, where new paths are inked down into one’s to-do list, the word motivation often springs to mind.
Enough definitions are going around that define motivation, linking it to biological, emotional, social, or cognitive forces. It connects to driving one’s self in preparation for turning new corners and mentally geared to achieving that goal. The right mindset, the right time, wiping some slates clean to get one’s focus in check (be it extrinsic or intrinsic).
We plan we schedule, we think, we research, we reschedule, we set goals…and we wait until we are motivated.
New Year’s resolutions are one of the most common promises made during the year when these pledges find their way out in public. Crossing the 31 December – 1 January mark clearly has for many a magic to it that leads to think, write down, shake on it, or pinky-swear that things will be different on a personal/emotional level for the next 12 months. In many cases, the same things turn up when we, again, reach another New Year.
By now, more than 95% of these pledges are vaporized without anyone breaking a sweat.
Why are these dates so intertwined with setting new goals? Why does a large part of humanity wait for the New Year to make that move and announce that changes are coming? Are the word New Year and motivation connected like Siamese Twins?
Motivation can be good, but it is not the driving force. If one waits to feel motivated to commence, then one will never reach a goal. You can plan, write down, buy the equipment needed, and schedule what you like, but you will not move forward.
Motivation is temporary. One day, you are filled with it and during other days, it is lost in translation.
Motivation does not lead to action. Action leads to motivation. The magic word here is action.
To achieve goals is to push forward persistently and continuously is having the zest, willingness and ability to go over, across and through obstacles. Maintaining a level of endurance to move ahead despite what difficulties may arise is the main driver.
Even if it is for 5 minutes a day, changes will come when done consistently without relying on motivation.
Motivation will come after you have taken that actual first step. Yes, the word ‘must’ suddenly has a powerful meaning in this context. And before you know it, those 5 minutes turn into 10 minutes, 15 minutes…
And why wait for the New Year? Waiting for motivation? Time will catch up on you after going through a festive week and going back into your routines. Just look up the number of gym memberships going up in January and how many will expire after a few months, waiting to go through the same cycle 12 months later.
Why not start now? Action is and remains the driver that will catalyst motivation.
I will never have New Year’s resolutions. I started my health journey when I felt it had to be done, and this included taking on new courses, studies and setting clear goals. My goals are connected to my daily actions and practices and done consistently.
Don’t let motivation be the decisive factor in reaching your goal. Action speaks louder than words.
When doing it now, do it consistently, and all it takes is 5 minutes.
Don’t wait. The time will never be just right | Napoleon
