Let's Get MOTIVATED!
I'm sure it is safe to say that we all could benefit from being a bit more motivated. No, not the motivation we get from knowing our paycheck is coming on Friday. The one that is totally dependent on each of our own selves...Internal or intrinsic Motivation.
You may be thinking about all of those times you wanted to start exercising or eating right, going to therapy, making a doctors appointment, or even a project around the house and just didn’t have the energy or motivation to get it done. If you were, don’t feel bad. We have all been there! With the current pandemic only making this more difficult, we decided to create a simple 5 step intrinsic motivation starter kit. Over the next week, join us in adding some of these tips into our daily lives and seeing what we can accomplish!
Visualize
What positive changes do you want to see? What do they look like? What are some steps you can take to get there? You wouldn’t sign up for a triathlon and compete the very next week without training. Visualization allows us to mentally practice what it is we want to achieve. Set yourself up for success.
Take a break
Phew…good work everyone; time for a break! Seriously, take one. You work too hard! You probably have heard of the “Work to live or Live to work” debate. Liife is not all about work or doing things for other people. Do something for yourself such as, taking part in outdoor activities like hiking the Lehigh Valley Gap or walking through downtown Bethlehem (with a mask of course!). Yes, self care is that important.
Self-reinforcement
Try making a list of things both big and small that you enjoy. Keep this list handy because every time you meet a short-term goal, you can refer to your list to pick your prize! Rewards can be material things or activities. The best reward is one that brings you closer to your goal, like a new pair of running shoes if you are tying to be more active. It’s important to reward yourself only when you’ve earned it, and to match the size of the reward with the size of your accomplishment. This is important because you would quickly run out of reinforcers if you bought yourself a new car for raking leaves. We always want to be working for and towards something.
Stay healthy
For most, you have complete freedom over how we eat, sleep, and exercise. Opt to eat healthier, keep a sleep routine, and get regular exercise. No one really accomplishes much when they are hungry and sleep deprived.
Just Do it!
Ok, we are at the end our list. If everything else so far has not worked. Then definitely do this one. Just do it!! Procrastination is, and always will be, a thorn in the side of motivation. Think about the relief and satisfaction you will feel from completing a goal. Use your internal motivation to earn rewards, not regrets!
Good luck and let us know how you do!
If you are in need of assistance finding resources such as shelter/food- please call 211 to speak with a resource specialist for free.