In this episode of the Becoming You podcast, I discuss how anyone can find more of that elusive secret sauce to conquering whatever you set your mind to: motivation.

Before I hop in, I want to set the stage by making the claim that motivation is a myth. We all believe that motivation gives us the energy to get started on something. That’s an illusion. It’s just not true.

Motivation does not create momentum. Action creates momentum.

Motivation is an internal feeling that we all want—and expect—to get as a signal that we are ready to do the thing. We believe that, if we are motivated, we will be able to see our task to the end and give it our very best.

With all that setting the stage, what is the key to motivation? Where do we find it? The following are four methods to becoming more motivated today.

METHOD #1: Invest your time, energy, and money into it.

I’ve personally found that I’m way more excited and way more motivated to do the actual work when I have invested my time, my energy, and, most of all, my money into the endeavor.

When you’ve invested all three of these factors, your motivation will skyrocket.

I’m currently undergoing a six-month breathwork facilitation program that I spent money to get involved in, and we’re expected to show up every single Monday for an hour-and-a-half lecture online, do one-hour calls with a peer every single week, submit homework, and attend a live breathwork session.

That’s four-to-five hours of work every single week for six months. Do I have the motivation to go every single week? No! Many times, I have to show up at inconvenient times. But guess what? I’m motivated because I’ve sunk time, energy, and money into this program. I’m going to keep showing up till the end.

Give yourself full permission to go all-in on what sets your heart on fire.

METHOD #2: Have a trusted person keep you accountable.

We need to be held accountable for whatever goal we set for ourselves, no matter how big or small that goal may be—whether we’re looking to lose ten pounds in two months or start a business online.

As humans, we hate disappointing people. We want to be respected and accepted.

Even if it pains us, we will show up for the thing we said we would show up for, as long as somebody is checking up on us.

METHOD #3: Find a community.

Where would naturally you push yourself harder? Working out by yourself at home, or working out in a group setting?

When we see other people, in real life, in close proximity, doing and saying the things that we believe in, or overcoming obstacles similar to our in real-time, it lights a fire under us. It inspires us. It helps us get motivated when we fail for the tenth time.

METHOD #4: Start—and keep going—with why.

“Start with why” is such a common refrain, but most of us continually forget this foundational principle.

Keep asking why until you reach the crux of your goal, which may happen after seven whys, maybe more, maybe less. In this case, a few of many ultimate answers might be, “I want to feel free in my body,” or “I want to be around to see my grandkids,” or “I want to feel proud of myself.”

Learn more about me and my coaching services:

Free resource: 10 Ways to Spark Your Self Love Journey

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