Motivation & Seasons
Oxford Languages defines motivation as “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way” or “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.”
Most of us tend to think of the latter. We believe we should always WANT to do something especially if it’s something we’ve always done or it’s good for us. But what happens when this feeling fades? Should we really rely on motivation to get things done?
Staying motivated is easy when doing what you like and are interested in. We’re also inclined to stay motivated when starting a new habit or hobby. Think about new year’s resolutions.
People are excited and look forward to implementing their resolution. The first few weeks or months go smoothly fueled by genuine ambition. More often than not, there comes a time when they don’t feel like doing said resolution.
That is okay and normal. It doesn’t mean you aren’t dedicated, strong or determined. It happens to everyone.
Motivation is fleeting. It is not smart nor practical to solely rely on the feeling. There will be times when you need to act anyway.
This is where the difference in individuals lies: Keeping up with a habit or routine even when you don’t feel like it.
“Motivation is garbage.”
Why Does This Happen?
Motivation is a feeling just like happiness, sadness, anger, joy, confusion, etc. Feelings come and go. They also depend on a lot of variables.
There’s this idea of “seasons.” No, I’m not talking about the weather or time of year. I mean chapters in your life.
Some moments are easier than others. There are times in our lives when we are swimming in plans and to-dos. Other times, we just feel overwhelmed and not ourselves.
Embrace this. Go with the flow. Honor these moments and seasons.
There may come a time when you “just don’t” feel like lifting. You rather move your body through yoga flows, walking, bike rides, running, etc. Lean into that.
Rather than being hard on yourself for not wanting to lift or even forcing yourself to lift, listen to what’s calling you. This will foster motivation by doing what you WANT to do. You’ll ultimately feel in alignment instead continuing to create friction.
There’s a difference between not wanting to do something out of laziness (lack of motivation) and truly, at your core, not feeling like doing something (for whatever reason at that moment, it does not feel in alignment).
What Can You do?
When it’s coming from a place of laziness, let’s chat about two things to overcome said feeling.
First, keep your dopamine levels in a regulatory state.
Dopamine plays a major role in our motivation pathways. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscience professor at Stanford University, states that in the absence or even at low levels of dopamine, people can still experience pleasure. However, when too low, the ability to pursue or willingness to pursue pleasure or goals diminishes.
A lack of dopamine leads to a scarcity of pleasure which does NOT promote motivation. And this means? It means we won’t put in the effort toward our goals, wishes or dreams.
He articulates that quality sleep and non-sleep deep rest are examples of ways to promote a healthy reservoir of dopamine.
Second, use Mel Robbins’ “5 Second Rule.”
She raves about taking action before feeling ready. The biggest mistake people make is relying on and waiting for motivation. Using her five second hack will take you from having a bias toward thinking to having a bias toward action.
In moments of hesitation, fear or self-doubt, there’s a brief pause where you can choose to shift your energy. Do this by counting down from five. When you get to one, do whatever it is you’re pushing off.
Don’t feel motivated to get off the couch and go for a walk?
Count down — 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Jump up, put your shoes on and get out the door.
This doesn’t always work or become a habit over night, it works over time. True, lasting change takes time and effort. You have to take the steps and action even when you don’t feel like it.
This is another opportunity for you to become the driver of your life. You know what you want to do. YOU have to choose to get there. Give yourself moments of grace when needed, but don’t lose sight of how powerful you truly are.