Sustaining the New Year Motivation

Ironically, we’re starting this year and motivational blurb on a not-so-high note, so let's get straight to the point:

Motivation is fleeting. It’s never consistent for anyone. Period. No one is motivated 100% of the time.

We have all experienced this - it comes in short bursts of energy when conditions are near perfect. Our bodies feel great, low stress, great music/environment, and we love the workout that day.

You crush that workout, that project, or that goal. You feel on top of the world!

But, motivation can also drop like a rock when the conditions are rough. The body is sore, stress or pressure is high, we don't like the environment or have the energy, and the workout is brutal.

You skip that workout because you’re sore. You’re stressed from work so you give yourself an out into your cravings. You fall off. This is where most New Year's resolutions/plans fall short. This is why motivation is not a reliable source to keep you going for the long haul. It’s conditional.

However, there are some who seem to have this drive all year long. Why is that?

The ones who, day-in and day-out, seem to always be consistent and continue to reach their long-term goals are not pushed by motivation. They’re PULLED by something stronger.

Your purpose, or your why, draws from something deeper than our conditional motivation. It’s the root and emotion to why you must reach that goal. It can pull you out of bed early in the morning, even if you’re not motivated to do so.

When your body is sore, it pulls you through the warm-up and eventually the workout.

When stress is high, it pulls you through the project.

Over time, this "pull" grows stronger, and you develop a commonly overlooked quality -

Having set and written goals, affirming motivational posters, and sharing on social media is not enough. You have to know your purpose for that goal. Your why for continuing to show up must be strong!

So, here are a few tips to keep you going strong post-January motivation and throughout the year:

• Get clear on your purpose - your WHY. Remind yourself daily. This will pull you even when you don’t want to do it.
• Always have accountability. Set your accountability calendars with reminders. Invite a partner/co-worker in on it for added social accountability. Have someone external to be accountable to.
• Don’t forget to celebrate the wins!

When you start flexing that grit and show yourself you can work toward your goals even when you’re not motivated, you start achieving on another level! Let's get to work - we're just getting started!