How to create “Faux-tivation”
Ever look at someone and think … wow they have so much willpower? They must be such a motivated person to do this everyday… WRONG. Motivation is not a personality trait. It’s a feeling that comes and goes in us all. So on the days where you think “nahhhhh” and there is zero motivation there you can create motivation or what I like to call “Faux-tivation”. So here it is my list of how to create and nurture motivation or better still fake it till you make it:
Act opposite to how you feel:
Like I said motivation is an emotion, it comes and it goes. To have “Faux-tivation” you need to act opposite to your urges and act in line with your long term goals. Choose the behaviour that reflects your values and your objective. Once you practice this it becomes ingrained in your daily routine.
2. Plan your “Faux-tivation”:
Make a list of all the hurdles that could come up in moving towards your goal. Could be a list of past behaviour that has blocked you in the past. Now make a plan from that list of how you are going to overcome each of those blocks and create “Faux-tivation” in moments when you are feeling low on motivation.
WithEmily tip: Plan, plan, plan the less wiggle room you give yourself the more likely you are to not let yourself down.
3. Repeat, repeat, repeat:
The power of repetition cannot be overstated when it comes to motivation formation. By repeating desired behaviors consistently, we pave the way for them to become ingrained habits. Repetition not only strengthens neural pathways but also minimizes the reliance on motivation. Whether it's a daily workout, writing session, or any other goal, commit to the practice regularly. As the saying goes, "Repeat, repeat, repeat." Over time, these repetitions will transform into automatic, ingrained habits.
4. Treat yo’self:
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Setting and achieving milestones is an essential part of the journey. Celebrating achievements, no matter how modest, can boost motivation and contribute to the overall satisfaction of working towards your goals. So share, mark and celebrate hitting your milestones.
5. Annnddddd Rest:
No scrolling on your phone is NOT rest, I am talking about real rest. Going outside on a walk or closing your eyes for a bit of mindfullness. While consistent effort is vital for achieving our goals, it's equally important to recognise the value of rest and replenishment. A well-rested mind and body are more resilient, making it easier to navigate challenges and sustain long-term motivation.
I want to finish on a note as I reminder to listen to your body everyday. There are some days that just need to be more slow and that’s prefectly fine. More than that it’s actually perfect.
