Action Before Motivation
“Motivation” is elusive, fluctuating from day to day, and even from moment to moment. This is true for everyone, even elite athletes and high-flying executives.
If we sit around waiting for flashes of motivation to strike, we’ll likely never get anything done. But if we take it upon ourselves each day to do something - anything - that takes us a step closer to achieving a goal, then we’re on the right track.
Only action gets us where we really want, or need, to be.
A goal in itself won’t take action for you. When we accomplish something in life, it isn’t because of the way our goal sounded on paper. It isn’t because it was broken down just right, or in a perfectly specific way.
It’s because we did the things that led to the goal being realised.
Only action creates change. A good goal is just a tool. It helps. But ultimately, we need to do something.
Constructive Living
The essence of constructive living is finding the importance in everyday tasks and doing them with a sense of meaning and purpose.
When you’re stuck, ask questions like:
What could potentially move me in the right direction?
What would be a valuable activity to do, if I did it with my full focus and attention?
Whatever your answers are, start there.
Focus on Small Wins
Small changes can matter. They bring about consistent, impactful changes.
Some days will be easier than others, so those are the days to aggressively chase your goal. There will, of course, be other days when it will be harder to get going, but instead of giving in and citing a “lack of motivation”, just aim to do one, simple thing that brings you a little bit closer to your goal. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes. These small actions add up over time, and they also help you groove positive habits without feeling like too much work.
That is all you are in charge of. Putting in the work, even if it’s only 5 minutes on the days when life is moving too quickly and you really don’t have time. On the days where you do have more time, what can you do to take larger steps towards your goal?
It’s your consistency and commitment to small improvements that creates the opportunity for larger, more noticeable changes.
