How Action Inspires Motivation

Let Your Actions Inspire Your Motivation

Motivation works best when it comes after the action has already started. If that’s the case, then what can you do to get motivated?

1. Start by doing something. Anything. Any action itself inspires motion.

How do you do that?

By using the momentum of a project that you're already engaged in, you're able to use your current forward motion to encourage you to keep going. It's the difference between the ‘carrot' and the ‘stick.'

In the old classic analogy, to move a donkey forward (donkeys being stubborn creatures) you have two choices. One is to use a stick. In this case, the ‘stick’ is the old way of motivating ourselves, where we try to force ourselves into action by throwing a lot of “You must do this now” statements at ourselves.

But in starting action first, we now switch over to the ‘carrot’ or the reward. This method of motivation is much more positive because you’re looking at the fact that you’re already doing something and asking yourself to keep going. Think, “Hooray for you, look at how much you’ve gotten done today, let’s see how much more you can do!”

I learned many years ago the idea of “Just Show Up”. For example, if you are someone that does not enjoy going to the gym then your first action step is just show up at the gym.

Once you walk through the door you can leave because you achieved your desired outcome.

Yet, what might happen for you is you might do some exercise. You may get on a treadmill or lift some weights. And if might feel good.

Then just show up again tomorrow. Over the next few weeks of giving the “just show up” idea a try you may in fact have created a new habit of going to the gym.

The problem is, sometimes action alone isn’t doing it, and we’re still forcing ourselves along.

That’s where the second method comes into play.

2. Act ‘As-if”

The idea behind this method is simple – you act like you’re already motivated, and amazingly, you’ll feel motivated. Act as if you are already on the road to improve your health and fitness.

It’s kind of like making yourself smile when you’re not happy, only to find out once you’re smiling that you’re feeling happier.

Together these two tools will motivate you even when you're not feeling inspired initially.

Remember that action is the key.

So, act first – the motivation will follow.

You’ll be amazed at the difference.

Share your thoughts in the comments. ​

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