Have you ever thought about why it is so hard to do the things we know are good for us and that we want to do? Why is it so hard to start and stick with things like an exercise regime, a healthy diet, even cleaning and other projects around the
home that we seem to keep putting off?
Motivation has alot to do with it. Motivation helps you to intiate an action (activation), to keep going despite obstacles (persistence) and determines how vigorously you will perform
the task (intensity).
But as we can all attest motivation is not a static thing. It is affected by various factors. For example, your motivation to perform any given task can change with your mood, level of fatigue and with changes in your priorities
and values.
To stay motivated enough to actually start and stick with any task here are some simple steps:
- Remind yourself of why it is important to you. If a task/goal is no longer important and relevant to your values
you won't feel the urge to pursue it.
- Set realistic attainable goals
- Make a schedule for performing the task i.e. make firm commitments, it helps to concretise your intentions