The Motivation Myth

Your success will depend almost entirely on how well you can motivate yourself.

Consider: this a self-motivated but otherwise average person will always outperform a genius who can’t get going. When it comes to achieving any goal, having a propelling reason behind why you want to accomplish it is the number 1 key to success. However, if your motivation is purely for external rewards to buy big things, validation, recognition and success, no matter how hard you try you will never find happiness.

You will be forever running away from feelings of not good enough, unworthiness and not-enoughness rather than running towards the very best version of you.

External Motivation

External motivation is the desire to gain a reward or avoid an adverse outcome and it is driven by an outside/ external demand obligation or reward.

Here are a couple of examples of external motivation.

• You complete a 10km fun run solely because you want to beat your friend’s time and show you are better than him.

• You decide to start your health and fitness journey because the doctor told you you should lose weight or you will have to take diabetes medication.

• You work overtime on a project with a strict deadline because your boss has told you there is a cash bonus if it’s completed on time.

So what do you think happens to the runner who beats his friend's race time, the guy who needs to lose weight because his dr told him so or the hard worker driven by financial reward?

They succeed in their challenge, collect their prize and forget about it. Do they learn anything?

Maybe?

Do they continue with the hard work, and training and push through when things are tough?

Unlikely.

Are any of these familiar?

The young woman who feels alone and desperately wants a boyfriend. Struggles with her self-esteem and feeling worthy because she believes she is fat. Spends hours on social media comparing herself to others and eventually decides to compete in a bikini competition because she sees the other girls looking amazing on the but also just how many likes and comments they get online.

Or the guy who is depressed and struggles with his self-image so he starts his own business. He thrives on getting positive feedback and validation from others, success and recognition. But deep down he feels empty inside because he never really believed in himself.

Using motivation to kick-start 

The majority of us start a health and fitness goal start by chasing an external reward.

I want to lose 5kg, I want to fit into my size ten clothes, I want to look great at the beach.

This translates to I want more attention from the opposite sex, I don’t want to buy a new wardrobe or I am seeking validation from friends and family.

It can also mean moving away from discomfort, eg not being teased, and being able to sit comfortably on a plane.

All studies show that whilst moving away from pain, chasing validation and likes is a great way to get you started validation from others burns bright and fast, but extinguishes quick.

So what is the answer?

Doing something for you.

Striving toward being the best version of yourself.

Intrinsic Motivation AKA Self-Motivation

Intrinsic motivation aka self-motivation involves engaging in a behavior because it is personally rewarding; essentially, performing an activity for its own sake rather than the desire for some external reward.

Studies show intrinsic motivation is more likely to produce long-term behavior change, and lead to more personal fulfillment.

Intrinsic motivation is also linked with your values and having a powerful why.

When your ‘why’ is great enough, your conscious and subconscious mind will help you to align your actions in accordance with achieving your goal.

Having a powerful why will give us the determination to overcome any setbacks.

Ask yourself why do did you work out today or yesterday or last week?

Skip past the I want to look good naked and dig a little deeper.

Is it to be a better role model for your kids?

Is it to lead a long happy healthy life because you have seen so many others struggle and suffer as they age?

Is it that being able to create some space and time for yourself makes you a better wife, mum and friend?

Is that that feeling confident in your skin means you feel more able to speak up at work?

Is it that you realize you're not living up to your potential, your letting your standards for yourself slip in all different area of your life?

Is it that you know deep down you have so much more potential to give?

Take a moment now to ponder what is your why, why do you show up, even on the days you don’t want to. Maybe it's not in the gym, but at home or at work or in places where you need to motivate yourself?

The secret to limitless motivation

We all have an internal drive to be the best version of us. If you want to start the ball rolling and tap into that limitless motivation I encourage you to take some time and answer these questions?

If you could imagine yourself 6 months into the future living your healthiest life what would you be doing every day?

If you could take one step towards being the best version of you right now, what would that step be?