Have you ever found yourself at the beginning of a new job or project, overflowing with passion, brimming with ideas, and full of unwavering determination? Fast forward a few weeks or months and you find your enthusiasm dwindling, your commitment fading, and your motivation nearly extinct. Why is it that so many of us lose the initial momentum?
Why does that spark of motivation disappear?
The answer is simpler than you might think: It’s not the lack of motivation that’s the issue, but a lack of commitment. I know that’s not a popular answer because it’s easier to blame others or circumstances for your declining desire to continue at the same level of excitement in the beginning.
The Initial Euphoria
The beginning of any new venture, whether it’s a fitness program, a new job, or a creative project, is often marked by a surge of motivation. The novelty and excitement make it easy to dream, to set goals, and to visualize the path ahead. Everything feels within reach and your resolve seems unbreakable.
However, when reality hits and the initial thrill starts to wear off, the demands of your goal become apparent. It’s at this point that your motivation tends to falter. So, understand this is very normal to experience.
The Reality Check
Let’s consider an example. You’re excited about adopting a healthier lifestyle. You’ve purchased your new running shoes, signed up for the gym, and stocked your refrigerator with nutritious food. But a few weeks in, the early mornings, the sore muscles, and the sacrifice of your favorite foods start to weigh heavily on you. You’ve hit your first roadblock, and suddenly, your resolution seems harder than you anticipated. We’ve all been there at some point.
What’s happened here? You didn’t lose your motivation. Instead, you’ve encountered the stark reality of commitment. When things get difficult we tend to rationalize or justify the lack of motivation. Why? Because we must have a reason to blame for potentially falling short.
The Power of Commitment
While motivation is the driving force that gets you started, commitment is the glue that keeps you stuck to your path, even when the going gets tough. It involves making a promise to yourself that you’ll see things through, regardless of the obstacles.
Commitment means maintaining your workout schedule even when you’d rather hit the snooze button. Your feet hurt? Doesn’t matter. It’s about sticking to your diet plan when you’re tempted by unhealthy snacks. It means persisting with your business idea even when you face setbacks. It’s about staying true to your relationship, despite the inevitable disagreements and struggles. Every single person suffers from this affliction. You’re not unique in this so all you have to do is adopt simple strategies to ensure you don’t stay unmotivated.
If you find your motivation waning, it’s a signal that your commitment is faltering. You’re not just battling external challenges; you’re wrestling with your internal commitment to persevere.
Reigniting Your Commitment
So, how do you reignite your commitment when you feel it wavering?
Revisit Your ‘Why’: When the journey gets tough, remind yourself why you started. Your ‘why’ is the reason you’re willing to invest time, effort, and sometimes, even discomfort. I find even mapping out what could come up to question our motivation. That way when it does happen you can say to yourself, “I knew this was going to happen and I am committed not to accept the excuse.”
Make a Daily Promise: Commitment is not a one-time deal; it’s a daily promise you make to yourself. You never get better in a day. It’s day by day. That means it’s committing to yourself and your word. It’s not about convenience or mood; it’s about unwavering resolve. Each day, commit to taking a step forward, however small, towards your goal.
Embrace the Struggle: Realize that struggles are not setbacks; they’re the milestones of your journey. They’re the test of your commitment. Isn’t that an interesting perspective? Each struggle you overcome strengthens your resolve and takes you one step closer to your goal.
If you’re feeling stuck, remember that growth is a constant of ups and downs. It’s not about swift progress, but consistent effort. It’s about not just dreaming big, but also committing to the hard work that brings those dreams to life.
Motivation is very temporary. So, as you embark on your journey of personal or professional growth, ask yourself: Are you merely motivated or are you truly committed?
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