More on motivation: it is a feeling, not a character trait
Sometimes there is an unwritten rule that if you are a high-achiever, you always have to feel motivated and excited about your goals, even in the day to day process.
Let’s break this down a little bit.
First, motivation and excitement feel great! When they are they, they help us take action towards our goals.
But, the reality is, they are feelings. That means it is normal for motivation to come and go in waves.
So, if you are the type of athlete who gives themselves a hard time on days they do not feel like showing up: permission to stop [see yellow box]
A lack of motivation is not:
a personal failing
a sign of inadequacy
You are still a valuable and worthy human being on days and in moments you do not feel like showing up.
Second… there are lots of little tips and tricks to create motivation when you need it!
Think about moments where you know you have a big project due but don’t know where to start, so you choose to procrastinate instead. These tips and tricks are for those kinds of moments!
Tip #1: SET SMALL AF GOALS
When I say small, I mean small. Literally, what is step number one to accomplishing the task? Sometimes this means disconnecting from your phone, getting out of bed, opening your computer, etc. Step number one. Can you accomplish that? Amazing. Once complete, take a moment to do a little internal celebration dance. And then figure out step two. Just the very next step. Nothing more. Setting these small goals helps get us started, which is often the hardest part, and it also takes away a lot of the overwhelm and panic of accomplishing a big task (even if the big task is something we’ve done many times). Give yourself a smile, dance, or high-five for each step accomplished.
Tip #2: CELEBRATE YOUR SMALL WINS
Okay, so I suggested this in the “set small goals” point. But it is important to highlight. Often, we wait until we accomplish the big thing to celebrate. Like, you celebrate high-school when you graduate. You celebrate another year of life with a birthday. But when you are a high-achiever, you deserve small celebrations every. single. day. just because. When you offer yourself these mini-celebrations, these moments of acknowledging yourself for showing up and trying, you keep the fire lit instead of chasing a light at the end of the tunnel.
Tip #3: FIND OTHER PEOPLE WHO GET IT
Being a high-achiever can feel very lonely at times. Why? Because other high-achievers, the people who would understand how you think, are also busy being high-achievers! But when you can connect with other people who get it, you feel a little more inspired to show up, even on days that don’t feel particularly exciting.
Motivation is complex (I have entire sessions and programs build for motivation!). While you do not need to feel motivated all the time, having tools that you can whip out in a moments notice, when you want to get stuff done, can make the overall process of accomplishing your goals feel more enjoyable (instead of daunting).
Much looooove,
Karissa
