How to Spark Motivation

How to get ourselves in motion can be difficult, if you’ve been used to leading a lethargic lifestyle. Simply getting up from the couch and washing the dishes may feel agonizing, when the habit has been watching T.V. or playing a video game. This was the topic of the group this past week.

How do you get your butt in motion when the habit seems sometimes too difficult to break? My question is, what is the benefit of getting up and taking action?

Unfortunately, we normally get motivated by pain. If something is going wrong with the body, then we kick into high alert and would run a mile if need be. At my Master’s degree graduation ceremony, Dr. Bernie Segal wished pain upon us all. With a pain-filled life, we would probably accomplish much more in our lives. Though, without the pain, and in the habit of being entertained, why bother? Without pain, what else gets you on your feet? Hearing complaints by others?

I asked myself, what gets me motivated and it boils down to goals and the commitment to achieving those goals.

I learned years ago to follow through on the commitments I’ve made to myself. Once I determine I will do something, I need to follow through on the commitment, or else I will sabotage myself. This honoring of myself also pertains to honoring others. If I tell someone, I will be attending their party, knowing full well that I don’t want to go, then when the party is going on I feel bad. This is when I sabotage the friendship and my own relationship with me. Therefore, I am honest with people. If I don’t want to attend a party, I will tell people I cannot be there. No excuses, it just isn’t something I can work into my schedule.

Being impeccable with your word is one of the four agreements if you’ve ever read the book. Being impeccable with your word to yourself will push you forward in your life. Once you’ve said it, then do it. If you plan not to do the dishes or exercise then at least be honest with yourself. This leads back to your motivation.

 

 

If you have health issues, and you need to exercise, take medication, and get the needed sleep, you can either choose to take care of yourself or experience your body deteriorating. Then if you don’t choose to care for yourself, what are the reasons why? What is more important than you? Other people? Well, if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for others.

The question is why would a person abuse drugs? On some level people know that the substances are bad for the body and brain, still, they are getting something out of it, so they use. If by chance you took the ultimate care of your body, then how do you think your life would change?

This has become a big topic as of late in our groups. As people move away from the substances and start eating better, exercising more, and having a better attitude about themselves, they feel different, and it can be confusing. Imagine being stoned for the past ten years and suddenly waking up. No longer is the world the same, our friends the same, nor having the same rituals of using, now we are in a raw state with ourselves. Do you even know this person? Do you even care?

Without working on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels simultaneously, the work we do to change ourselves can put us out of balance. Working on improving our relationship with ourselves can be the motivation we truly need. How happy are you not using? How great does it feel to find yourself having clear thoughts? In our program, we start the day with self-appreciation. This is where we appreciate the efforts we are making in our lives. Have you ever done this before?

To get off the couch, make a commitment to yourself. We call this setting an intention. For example, “My intention is to tidy up my home.” Then take the action steps to do so. You may find you’ve taken out the trash, cleaned, and put away the dishes. Next, praise yourself. “That was awesome, me!” Yep, self-praise feels uncomfortable at first, but how often do you beat yourself up? It is okay to balance this out, your whole self will respond.

Once you get into the habit it is easy to walk into the house, see something that looks out of place and pick it up. Kudos to you for doing so.

As for me, I made a commitment a long time ago to walk at least two miles a day. I shoot for 10,000 steps but 7,000 makes me feel proud. Whether I feel like walking or not, I show up at my hiking place, park my car, and ask myself if I am ready to go. 95% of the time it is yes, though there are times I don’t walk, and that is okay. I am easy with myself. If I don’t want to do something I don’t push myself. I am not into being perfect, I just try to do the best I can. My intention is to always treat myself with dignity. I do have to admit that I love keeping track of my steps because it reminds me how much care I am putting into myself.

These are just a few suggestions. If you have any more, please make a comment.

Compassionate Care is Always Available

There are many more tools and strategies you can use in your pursuit of happiness. Here is where we come in. Contact us at Basic Steps Mental Health and let us support and educate you on this journey back to your loving heart center. Imagine living a heart-centered life, regardless of what is happening externally. We’d love to be of help.

For 25 years, Dr. Scott Alpert, the clinical director of Basic Steps Mental Health, has treated over 7,000 people with mental health and addiction problems, using a Psychological approach that mixes and matches ten of the top approaches used in the industry. We are here virtually and in-person to help you get through this COVID-19 pandemic and many other difficulties you may be experiencing.

May you have good mental health.