Motivation! Where is it??

You know the deadline. You’ve collected whatever supplies you need to complete this project. You know you need to get it done, but you feel like you’re stuck: as much as you want to have it behind you, you just can’t get motivated to start it.

Instead of rehearsing excuses in your mind again (which not only keeps you in the rut, but deepens it), try these suggestions to stop spinning in your rut, and actually begin moving forward.

Immediate Actions to Break the Cycle

• Smile. It doesn’t matter if it feels fake. Your brain needs that burst of power. Smiling triggers the release of two happy hormones: dopamine and serotonin, which spur a chemical reaction of endorphins in the brain. These endorphins reduce stress and boost mood. Even a fake smile can trick your brain into feeling happier and more motivated.
• Get Moving. Stand up, do some stretches, or go for a short walk outside. Send that signal to your brain that you are now in action mode.
• Morning Sunshine. Your goal should be ten minutes in the morning sun to help clear brain fog, but also for the Vitamin D that both your brain and immunity need.

Use those ten minutes in the sun to focus and think: What is stopping me from starting this task? Is it overwhelming me? Is it an assignment I feel like I am being forced to do? Am I afraid I am not going to do it well? Do I lack the energy I need? Where do I start?

Understanding Your "Why"

Sometimes the key to fresh motivation is simply an understanding of the roadblock. If you are seriously stuck in a rut, think back to what motivated you for success in life in the first place.

Motivation is influenced both internally and externally:

• Intrinsic (Internal): Genuine interest, goals for personal growth, fulfillment, enjoyment, and curiosity.
• Extrinsic (External): Expectations of others (parents, employer), praise, money, rewards, or the fear of punishment.

I’ve noticed something consistently with students: if there is a pass/fail exam, that subject typically gets the least amount of study time. Even if it’s a subject of interest, the pressure is on to focus where high marks are required. Is it wrong to be motivated by marks? Of course not! Those marks are critical to achieving end goals.

Finding Your Baseline

Ultimately, you need to figure out your own baseline operational motivation. What energizes you? What makes you tick? Where do you want to go in life?

Whether I am a student, a parent, or an educator, a primary understanding of my motivation is critical. It’s the map that will ultimately help me reach my destination. Sometimes the best motivation is to simply recognize that this is something I must do to be able to move on to what I want to do.

If it isn’t going to move until you deal with it, SMILE! Stretch. Energize your brain with some sunshine, and START.