MOTIVATION (Definition from Bing.com)
1. giving of reason to act: the act of giving somebody a reason or incentive to do something
2. enthusiasm: a feeling of enthusiasm, interest, or commitment that makes somebody want to do something, or something that causes such a feeling
3. reason: a reason for doing something or behaving in a particular way
4. psychology forces determining behavior: the biological, emotional, cognitive, or social forces that activate and direct behavior
I will freely admit that most days I have very little motivation to do anything. I wake up way too early, pack lunches, make breakfasts, struggle with my kids to get dressed and brush their teeth and then throw on my coat and slip-on shoes and drive them to school. Luckily, they are old enough that I don’t have to get out of my car and walk them into their classroom. I come home, pour myself a hot cup of coffee and sit down with my computer. I check emails, Facebook, Twitter and then sit at a blank screen wondering what I’m going to write about. Before I know it, the morning has turned into the afternoon and it’s almost time to pick up the kids. My lack of motivation has made me unproductive for yet another day.
Sound familiar?
There is nothing I hate more than ending my day with the same to-do list that I started with. I kick myself wondering why I wasn’t more motivated to actually get anything done. Motivation is an easy word to define, but an incredibly hard thing to obtain. I have, however, gathered a few things over the years that WILL make me motivated to get off my butt and DO something.
Shower
Sounds silly, doesn’t it? When I was a new mother and up all night rocking a crying baby, the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I made sure I took a shower every day. Now I know plenty of moms who go for days (dare I say, weeks?) without showering, but it wasn’t something I could do. A shower starts my day. And yes, I would take that baby into the bathroom, sit the baby carrier down on the floor and get in that shower whether the baby was screaming or not. Because I’m the kind of person who NEEDS a shower. Water wakes me up, energizes me and makes me more motivated.
Clothes
I definitely notice a lack in motivation on the days when I don’t get fully dressed. I’m not talking sweatpants or yoga pants here… I’m talking full-fledged pants, tops, bra and shoes. Come on people… put the damn bra on, you’ll feel ready to face the day. The days I hang out in my “casual” clothes, I find I am much less likely to run to the store, do a load of laundry or sit down and write a fabulous blog post. When I’m fully dressed and presentable, I feel like I can handle anything that comes along. I also feel more professional. Which in turn means I get more work done. Which actually means I want to get more work done. Motivation!
Talking
I know most of us moms spend our days alone. It’s not very motivating. I’m totally guilty of avoiding the telephone at all costs. I hate picking it up, dialing it, having to hold a conversation with someone. The technology age has wiped out any interest I used to have in talking to my girlfriends all night long. Just text me, why don’t you? But in reality, it’s the days (and specifically, mornings) when I actually talk on the phone to one of my friends and/or business associates, whether it’s personal or a conference call, I find it energizes me like nothing else. I actually love collaborating on projects. I love the flow of ideas. I love brainstorming. Being a WAHM or a SAHM doesn’t often lend itself to that very much. I need to get out of the house more. I need to expand my circle of people who I really DO want to do business with. I’ve been so fortunate to have some incredibly talented business people in my circles and this MOTIVATES me like nothing else.
It really doesn’t matter WHAT your motivation is… but the fact is, we all need something that motivates us. What motivates you?
Very well said. I love the shower but will admit that I am one of those people who does not always make it a priority (if I workout though, I definitely will though).
It’s amazing how low on the priority list you can make yourself in the effort to get things done for other people.
I like your list. I need to find my own motivational list that is simple, do-able and will make me feel productive rather than want to hide in my bed, on my couch or behind my computer.
Sometimes a shower helps me; sometimes getting dressed helps me. The biggest thing that gets me going is having someplace to be (besides the desk down the hall). During the week, I’m “stuck” going to work; but I find that on the weekends, if I don’t have something planned/somewhere else to be, I will dawdle away the whole thing!
Naylahknee says
Lord I just blogged about this - motivation. Showers are always energizing! Really right now, I have no idea where my motivation is. Probably off frolicking with my skinny. In sure it will turn up some time in the near future.
Wow…this post completely resonates with me! As I read and synthesized what you wrote here, I realize I have the same Motivation “triggers”. Thanks for posting this - I printed it and am hanging it up where I work. 🙂