38 | Where Do You Find Your Motivation?

This is the third and final part of our mini-series looking at questions around the theme of change. In the first episode, we explored the signs and signals that tell us something has changed or is ready to change. Last time we thought about how to take change from a hypothetical possibility to an embodied reality. In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, we are thinking about maintaining motivation when we're in the messy chaos of change.

You know what needs to change. You've chosen how you'd like to approach this season of change. But how do you stay motivated when the initial surge of energy is absorbed into everyday life again?

These ideas came out of our Haven Theme Kota at the start of September. They are not all relevant and appropriate for everything and everyone. But some might stir new insights and open up horizons so that more creative options can occur to us down the line.

What Is Motivation?

Motivation comes in different shapes, sizes and from a range of sources. It's a feeling, an energy, an inner spark. But it's also something that comes from external sources. It grows in connection with other people. It is broader than our individual energy and will.

When The Motivation Wears Off

At the start of the summer I had a painful gout attack. My motivation to do whatever it took to avoid it ever happening again was very strong. It helped me identify some habits that I could tweak to hopefully lessen the chance of future attacks. But a few months on and my motivation has shifted. I can remember that it was painful, however, I can't sense the pain directly. The urgency has dissipated because it has moved from my body.

There is a sense of freedom in this because I am choosing rather than reacting. But there is also a chance that I forget about the changes I wanted to make. So, how do we stay motivated when that urgency wears off? That's what we're exploring in this episode.

Micro-Motivations

In our discussion, we talked about a few micro-motivations that we can build into our awareness in everyday life. These are simple ways to stay connected with possibility and our reasons that underpin the direction we want to move in.

Glimmers

Deb Dana talks about these small points of sparkle that give us a surge of positive energy. Momentary connections with something outside or within us make us feel a sense of wonder, calm, or excitement.

Even if the change feels scary and big, we might find glimmers in it. Even if the change is unwanted, maybe there is something within that has prompted a feeling of connection and gratitude.

Physical Cues

We can use physical objects that remind us of the journey we're on, or things that keep us calm and connected along the way.

Certain textures, smells, or tastes might give us a kick of motivated energy and connect the present with the future we are forever moving towards.

Quick Wins

We can use simple prompts that remind us to do something that connects us with the bigger picture. For example, write three words about what you can see, hear, and smell in this moment. Or take a photo of whatever is to the left of you. Or take three slow breaths as you wait for the kettle to boil.