Action Before Motivation?

I often have people asking me about how they can motivate themselves more. They want to know the magic program that will instantly give them the motivation the need to get up off the couch and do something to reach their goals. Whether it’s to lose 5lbs, run a marathon, or finish a learning course, they don’t feel the motivation they need to start, or continue, on the path toward their goal.

As I delve into the conversations with them further, I often find they are stuck in a routine, as most of us are. They get up everyday, drive the same way to work, do the same thing all day, drive home, make dinner, watch TV, go to bed at the same time every night and wake up to start it all again.

When I hear these answers, my response is always the same. Sometimes, action needs to come before motivation. It may not be the motivation that you’re lacking, it may simply be that you are trapped in a routine that isn’t allowing you to achieve your goals, or give you a fresh perspective.

If this all sounds familiar, don’t panic! Anyone can create the action needed to get motivated. Start by changing your routine. You’ve probably heard me saying this before, right? Do something different. Drive a different way to work. Get up a few minutes earlier and go for a walk. Bring something unique for lunch. Go home a different way. Anything you can to change your routine. By making the choice to take action, you will generate motivation anew, and you will be able to make a fresh start on reaching those goals you so desire. All it takes is a little action to generate the motivation.