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“Ugh, I gotta get up,” I said to myself as another episode started within three seconds of the last one ending…without my permission. “Alright, I’m gonna go get some work done after this episode.” Of course, the episode ends on a cliffhanger that leaves me more motivated to find out what happens rather than go send emails. “Alright, when I figure out what happens, I’m gonna turn the TV off.” Geez, why am I still on the couch three hours later?

The Decision Train

There are going to be days when you really don’t feel motivated to do anything. Motivation sucks because we rely on it too much to get things done, which means when we don’t feel motivated, we don’t get anything done. Or, we need help to do it. On days when you feel like doing nothing, you can actually bypass your brain’s “need” for motivation so you can get things done regardless of how you feel. 

It all starts with a concept referenced as The Decision Train. The Decision Train goes like this:

Feelings → Decision → Action

People who have trouble getting things done because they lack the motivation, follow this train the way that you see it above. They wait until they feel like getting the task done, which leads them to (eventually) decide to do it and, finally, take action. 

Top performers instead, skip the feeling part of the train and go straight to deciding to get the task done. By doing so, they take action faster and, as a result, get things done faster. Now, this is more than a roundabout way of saying “just do it”. 

“Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experiences, stupid people already have all the answers.” – Socrates

Another way of looking at this process is by using another variation of The Decision Train:

Inspiration → Motivation → Decision → Action

Inspiration is described as, “The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something.” Motivation is described as, “The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” So, in this decision train, the “Feelings” part is inspiration and motivation. People will wait until they feel mentally stimulated to get something done, which leads to motivation. The motivation serves as a reminder of why they wanted to get the task done in the first place or, in other words, the incentive(s) they would gain from completing the task. This leads them to, by the end of this long train, decide to take action and eventually take it.

By cutting out the feeling—the “need” for inspiration and motivation—you can decide to take action first. After having completed the task, the sense of pride you feel from having followed through on the decision—the mental commitment—that you made to yourself builds motivation to complete another task. To say this another way, taking action builds momentum that leads to the motivation to take more action.

Start Getting (Really) Motivated Today

That being said, no one is born a top performer, which means that you may need inspiration and motivation (the Feelings part of the train) to serve as a nudge every now and then until you can fully adopt this approach to productivity. So, for starters, inspiration is your WHY. It’s your purpose—your mission. By discovering and getting clarity on the mission that you’re on, you can more easily inspire yourself (as well as others on the same mission) to action.

As far as motivation, these are referenced as the Four Areas That Drive People: Advancement, Individual, Madness, and Purpose. People motivated by Advancement are motivated by reaching new heights (getting that next promotion, reaching goals as a team, and so on). People motivated by Individual, view and utilize their personal goals as their most effective source of motivation (achieving a certain lifestyle, gaining recognition, reaching full life security). People driven by Madness are driven by factors like opposition, competition, proving others wrong, and other unconventional elements. Lastly, people driven by Purpose are motivated by making an impact, helping others, being apart of creating change, and other drivers of that nature. 

You can leverage both of the elements of inspiration and motivation to become more productive, more focused, and a step closer to becoming a top performer. When I was struggling to stay motivated, I started by recognizing my WHY and all of the incentives I would gain from the achievement of my goals. 

“If something is important enough, even if the odds are stacked against you, you should still do it.” – Elon Musk

When I would come across any task that I didn’t really feel like doing, I would ask myself if they would help me achieve my mission—my purpose—or not. I would ask myself if getting that task done would help me get the motivating incentives I was working toward. If the answer was no, I would cut it out of my to-do list. If the answer was yes, I would make the decision to go do it and start working before I could talk myself out of it. Make that same decision to go and achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself and you’ll be scratching off your goals in no time.

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In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining an active lifestyle can be a challenge. However, finding the motivation to stay active is crucial for our overall well-being. This article aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips to help individuals unlock their motivation and establish long-term habits for staying active and healthy.

Setting Clear Goals

Begin by defining your fitness goals. Whether it’s improving cardiovascular health, losing weight, or gaining strength, setting clear and achievable goals will provide a sense of direction and purpose. Break down these goals into smaller milestones to make them more attainable and trackable.

Finding Personal Meaning

Discover your personal motivation for staying active. Reflect on the positive impact exercise has on your life, such as increased energy levels, enhanced mood, or better sleep quality. Connecting physical activity to the things you value most will help fuel your drive to stay active.

Embracing Variety

Combat monotony by incorporating a variety of activities into your routine. Engage in activities that you genuinely enjoy and experiment with new exercises or sports. This not only keeps things interesting but also challenges your body and mind in different ways, preventing boredom and promoting long-term adherence.

Building a Support System

Surround yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Join fitness classes, sports clubs, or online communities that share your interests and goals. Being part of a community fosters accountability, provides encouragement, and creates a positive social environment that can significantly impact your motivation.

Tracking Progress

Monitoring your progress is an effective way to stay motivated. Keep a record of your achievements, such as the number of workouts completed, increased weights lifted, or miles run. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small, as they represent your dedication and progress toward your goals.

Rewards and Incentives

Create a system of rewards and incentives to reinforce your commitment to staying active. Treat yourself to a massage, a new workout outfit, or a relaxing day off after reaching specific milestones. These rewards serve as positive reinforcements and help sustain motivation during challenging times.

Mindset and Positive Self-Talk

Cultivate a positive mindset and practice self-compassion. Understand that progress takes time and setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Focus on your achievements and strengths, and replace self-criticism with positive self-talk. This shift in mindset will boost your motivation and resilience to stay active.

Accountability Tools and Apps

Utilize technology to your advantage. Numerous mobile apps and wearable devices can help track your workouts, provide exercise routines, offer reminders, and even connect you with others pursuing similar goals. These tools can be invaluable in maintaining motivation and tracking progress.

Incorporating Exercise into Daily Routine

Integrate physical activity into your daily life. Find creative ways to stay active, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking to nearby destinations, or scheduling short exercise breaks during your workday. By incorporating exercise into your routine, it becomes a natural and non-negotiable part of your lifestyle.

Continual Education and Inspiration

Stay informed and inspired by seeking knowledge about fitness and wellness. Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that focus on health and exercise. This continual education will not only expand your understanding but also provide ongoing inspiration to fuel your motivation.

Creating an Inspiring Environment

The surroundings in which we engage in physical activity can have a profound impact on our motivation. Seek out environments that inspire and uplift you. A prime example of how a great atmosphere can motivate players is Links Golf Club. With its stunning landscapes, well-maintained fairways, and friendly community of golf enthusiasts, Links Golf Club creates an environment that encourages players to stay active and passionate about the sport.

Finding motivation for staying active is an ongoing journey. By implementing these strategies and cultivating a positive mindset, you can overcome barriers, maintain consistency, and unlock the drive to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Remember, motivation comes from within, and the rewards are not only physical but also mental and emotional well-being.

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In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, finding the motivation to work on your career is crucial for long-term success and personal fulfillment. However, staying motivated can sometimes be a challenge, especially when faced with setbacks or a lack of direction. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to reignite your passion and drive. This article will guide you through five powerful ways to find motivation and unlock your full potential in the pursuit of a thriving career.

Clarify Your Vision

To find motivation in your career, it’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Take the time to reflect on your goals, both short-term and long-term. What do you envision yourself accomplishing? By painting a vivid picture of your desired future, you create a compelling reason to work diligently towards your objectives. Write down your aspirations and refer to them regularly as a reminder of the bigger picture, fueling your motivation and helping you stay focused.

Set Meaningful Milestones

While having a long-term vision is important, breaking it down into smaller, achievable milestones is equally crucial. Set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals that align with your career trajectory. These milestones provide a sense of progress and accomplishment along the way, reinforcing your motivation. Celebrate each milestone you reach, as these victories will boost your confidence and drive to continue moving forward.

Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your motivation. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and uplift you. Seek out mentors, join professional communities, and engage in networking events where you can connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about their careers. By surrounding yourself with motivated individuals, you will gain fresh perspectives, receive valuable advice, and feed off their positive energy.

Embrace Continuous Learning

One of the most effective ways to find motivation is to adopt a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning. Invest in expanding your knowledge and skills by attending workshops, taking courses, or pursuing additional certifications relevant to your field. The process of learning new things not only enhances your expertise but also instills a sense of progress and curiosity that fuels motivation. Continually challenging yourself and acquiring new knowledge keeps your mind engaged and ensures that you remain at the forefront of your industry.

Cultivate Self-Care Practices

Finding motivation is closely linked to taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make self-care a priority by incorporating activities that rejuvenate and energize you into your routine. Engage in regular exercise, practice mindfulness or meditation, maintain a healthy diet, and allocate time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy. When you take care of yourself holistically, you cultivate a strong foundation for motivation, resilience, and sustained career growth.

Reaching for the Stars: Embracing Ambition in Your Career Journey

Aiming high is a crucial aspect of finding motivation in your career journey. Dare to dream big and set ambitious goals that push your limits. Whether you aspire to climb the corporate ladder, start your own business, or secure high paying restaurant jobs in renowned establishments, having lofty aspirations ignites a fire within you. Embracing ambition not only fuels your motivation but also propels you to take calculated risks, seek out new opportunities, and continuously strive for excellence. By aiming high, you create a compelling vision of success that inspires you to work diligently, overcome obstacles, and ultimately achieve the extraordinary in your career.

Motivation is the driving force behind meaningful and fulfilling careers. By clarifying your vision, setting meaningful milestones, surrounding yourself with inspiration, embracing continuous learning, and prioritizing self-care, you can unlock your inner drive and find the motivation to excel in your career. Remember, motivation is not a constant state but a skill that requires nurturing and maintenance. Stay focused, be persistent, and never underestimate the power of your own determination in achieving professional success and personal fulfillment.