[This morning I was thinking about how enjoyable it is to be excited at the beginning of something. I love the feeling of a new routine and fresh goals. I love researching about new habits I want to form and reading posts or watching videos from people who implement those habits. Something about it is so exciting and hopeful and gives me a rush. But lately that newness has worn off and I’ve been sitting with the fact that motivation is different when the sparkle fades. It’s less about excitement and more about choosing to commit to who I want to be on the days when nothing feels shiny. No matter how passionate I feel about something, the ups and downs are a guaranteed part of life.
For me, staying “motivated” comes down to remembering why I started in the first place. What I want for my life, my wellbeing, my personal growth, and the benefits it will bring to me and my family by extension. I’ve always been keenly aware that discipline isn’t punishment but rather a form of self-respect and the only true method for change and lasting growth. When I go through the motions and do what needs to be done even when I’m not feeling inspired, it always feels good to know that I am someone who follows through and prioritizes the forest over the trees. And actually that follow-through builds a confidence that feels just as good, if not better, than the initial excitement ever did. There is a huge amount of pride in being able to honestly say that I commit to my healthy habits no matter what I’m feeling.
It’s definitely helpful to always remember that the feeling of habit lull is normal and not a personal defect. I don’t need to feel fired up every single day to keep going. What I do need is structure, personal accountability, honesty with how I’m choosing to spend my time, and (what I’ve come to realize is most important of all) goals that are able to be achieved even when that fire is missing in the first place. Consistency has always carried me further than any burst of excitement ever could.]
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