Motivation
Usually I write about topics that interest me, or what I feel other readers should know. Each week I ponder on something fresh and new to offer my readers. I feel a deep obligation to our community to inform, motivate and support.
If I am using The Monticello News to channel my convictions, it would be irresponsible if I didn’t address childhood obesity periodically. There is nothing that pains me more than a child or young adult that has been plagued with weight issues.
To make a real difference, I decided to ask a teenager for advice regarding content that would be meaningful to a young person. I asked what prevents them from being satisfied with their weight and level of fitness. Without hesitation, this teen explained that it had to do with a lack of motivation.
It made me begin thinking about what motivation means. Where does it come from? How do you get it? Is it inherited or is it a learned behavior?
In psychology, motivation is defined as the process that initiates, inspires, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Sid Savara, an expert on teaching people how to improve their lives, gives eight tips to help you get motivated. A few of those tips resonate with me because they are realistic, sensible and relevant.
The first tip is to find your mantra or slogan. I love this. Pick something short that will lift you up when you are in a slump. It can be a Bible verse, something you’ve been told that you remember or a quote from a book. Savara says, “You are what you repeatedly do,” or in this case what you repeatedly say.
My favorite tip from Savara is to do less. I’ve preached this before. Not only will the stress of taking on too much eventually kill you, it doesn’t allow for emotional down time. If you continue to give of yourself without replenishment, you will give out.
Lastly, Savara suggests you know your peak moments. If you know that you lack motivation after a full day at work, then you must plan for exercise in the morning. Best said in a book by Michael Bungay Stanier, Find Your Great Work, “this is a moment of me at my most essential, me at my most authentic and best.”
Although you can find a plethora of information about motivation; these few tips are simple and sensible and can be applied to any goal you wish to achieve.
Lead by example. Sometimes this is more effective than talking. Let your children hear your mantra, see you prioritizing time for yourself and observe you at your best.
For more information on getting out of a motivational funk go to http://sidsavara.com/personal-development/how-to-get-motivated-tips.
If you have questions or comments for me, e-mail me at suzannemcginnis@me.com.