Introduction: Understanding the Motivation Struggle
Everyone encounters motivation issues at some point. It’s a common challenge that many of my clients face when they reach out to work with me. They often say:
- “I just don’t have the motivation to stay focused and committed to my goals.”
- “I want to get up and work out, plan, and prepare, but I can’t seem to bring myself to do it.”
- “I know what I need to do, but I don’t know why I can’t make it happen. It’s very frustrating.”
- “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
Motivation can be elusive, showing up one day and disappearing the next. Many people struggle to understand why they lose it and how to regain it. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
The Real Issue: Motivation Isn’t the Problem
Here’s a little secret: Motivation is not the root issue. In my years of coaching, I’ve discovered that real, sustainable, and impactful change relies on three core ingredients.
Real Sustainable Transformation Requires These Three Core Ingredients:
1. True, Clear Desire
To make meaningful changes, you need to have a precise understanding of what you truly want. It’s essential to distinguish between what you genuinely desire and what you think you should want based on external pressures or societal expectations.
When clients first meet with me, I ask them to articulate their goals. Many are surprised to realize they don’t fully know what they want. Often, there’s a deeper longing beneath their surface goals. Identifying this deeper “why” is crucial because a compelling reason is necessary to stay the course, especially when motivation wanes.
Unfortunately, most people don’t spend much time thinking and visualizing what will be possible for them and what their life would look like once they’ve achieved their long-held desires. Instead, they spend more mental energy focused on their current circumstances which are causing them suffering. This doesn’t help move the needle forward.
Instead of focusing on your current challenges and suffering, visualize the possibilities and the life you’ll lead once you achieve your goals. This shift in focus can propel you forward.
2. Belief in Yourself That it’s Possible
Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Believing in yourself is critical. Without this belief, the journey toward your goals and maintaining motivation will feel like a constant uphill battle.
By choosing not to believe in yourself, you create an inner opposing force that counteracts any progress you make. You gain an inch and then slip back two. This is not conducive to sustainable goal achievement.
To achieve sustainable success, cultivate a strong belief in your ability to reach your goals. This belief acts as a driving force that keeps you moving forward.
3. Willingness to Figure it Out
Willingness is a game-changer. It’s the difference between succeeding and not. It’s the commitment to solving problems and overcoming obstacles regardless of the circumstances.
When motivation is low and old self-sabotaging patterns resurface, it’s your willingness that will keep you on track. Having a deep-rooted, ingrained willingness is basically an agreement you make with yourself, set in stone, that under any and all circumstances you will figure it out – no matter what. It’s a non-negotiable.
This is not to be confused with willpower. It’s important to differentiate between the two. Willpower often falls short, while willingness is a powerful force that drives you to find solutions and persist through challenges. This concept is a central part of my teachings in Sacred Body School.
Transforming Inner Dialogue When Motivation is Lacking
Let’s take this one step further. When motivation dips and you’re fighting to regain it, what does your inner dialogue sound like? Many people experience negative self-talk, such as:
- “Here we go again, slipping back into old habits.”
- “I knew I couldn’t do it. Why even try?”
- “I always end up back here. It’s such a waste of effort.”
- “I’m such a failure.”
This self-talk can lead you down a rabbit hole of self-doubt and discouragement. Recognizing and addressing these patterns is crucial. Your mind is an extraordinarily powerful tool, and when you learn how to use it correctly, you become unstoppable.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, motivation is often misunderstood as the sole driver of success, but it’s actually supported by deeper factors: a clear desire, self-belief, and a willingness to persist. By identifying what you truly want, believing in your ability to achieve it, and committing to figuring out the obstacles, you can create lasting change and overcome the frustrations of inconsistent motivation.
Join Sacred Body School:
These are core teachings inside of Sacred Body School, a group coaching program designed to help you transform your relationship with yourself, heal your relationship with food, build confidence and self-esteem, cultivate a more supportive, positive mindset, and reach your goals with ease.
I’ve witnessed clients make incredible transformations over the years in this way. If they can do it, so can you! I believe in you and know you’ve got what it takes to make the big changes you want in your life! It’s one of my greatest joys to be by my client’s side every step of the way. I believe in your ability to make significant changes and am excited to support you on this journey.
Overcome your challenges and unlock your full potential. Click here to learn more and enroll in Sacred Body School.