Motivation: A Verb, Not a Noun

In the realm of personal growth and achievement, the concept of motivation is often misunderstood. We tend to treat it as a static noun, a mythical state of being that we must wait for or chase after. However, as Jim Kwik, the renowned memory expert and author, eloquently puts it, "Motivation is a verb, not a noun."

This simple yet profound statement shifts our perspective on motivation from a passive, elusive entity to an active force that we can cultivate and nurture through our actions. Too often, we find ourselves caught in the trap of waiting for motivation to strike, convincing ourselves that once we feel inspired, we'll finally start that project, pursue that goal, or make that change we've been putting off.

The truth is, motivation doesn't work that way. It's not a magical switch that gets flipped on; rather, it's a cycle that feeds itself through consistent action. The more we take small, consistent steps towards our goals, the more motivated we become to continue on that path.

The Trap of Waiting for Motivation

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I'll start exercising when I feel more motivated," or "I'll tackle that project once I'm in the right mindset"? This mindset is a recipe for procrastination and stagnation. By waiting for the perfect moment of motivation to strike, we're essentially giving ourselves permission to remain inactive indefinitely. The reality is that motivation rarely arrives without effort. It's a by-product of taking action, not a prerequisite for it. When we engage in the very activities we seek to pursue, our motivation naturally increases as we experience small wins, build momentum, and witness our progress unfold.

Doing Motivation: Small Steps, Big Impact

The key to cultivating motivation lies in taking small, consistent actions – what Jim Kwik refers to as "doing motivation." Instead of waiting for a burst of inspiration, start by breaking your goals down into manageable, achievable steps. These small wins serve as catalysts, fuelling your motivation and propelling you forward. By consistently taking small, manageable actions, you're training your brain to associate those actions with progress and achievement, which in turn amplifies your motivation.

Celebrating Small Wins

Another crucial aspect of "doing motivation" is celebrating small wins. When we acknowledge and appreciate the progress we've made, no matter how seemingly insignificant, we reinforce our sense of accomplishment and build confidence in our ability to achieve our goals. Imagine you've set a goal to read more books. Instead of berating yourself for not finishing an entire book in a single sitting, celebrate the fact that you read a chapter or two. Each page turned is a step closer to your goal, and acknowledging that progress, no matter how small, will fuel your motivation to keep going.

Overcoming Obstacles

Inevitably, there will be days when motivation wanes, and obstacles arise. It's during these moments that the power of "doing motivation" becomes even more crucial. By maintaining a consistent practice of taking small actions, even on days when you don't feel particularly inspired, you're building resilience and reinforcing the habit of progress.

Remember, motivation is not a constant state; it ebbs and flows. By committing to consistent action, you're training your brain to associate those actions with progress and achievement, even when motivation feels elusive.

In the pursuit of our goals and dreams, it's easy to fall into the trap of waiting for motivation to strike. However, it's something we actively cultivate through consistent action, small wins, and a commitment to progress.

By embracing the concept of "doing motivation," we empower ourselves to take control of our journey. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, we create that moment through small, achievable steps. Each action we take, no matter how seemingly insignificant, fuels our motivation and propels us closer to our desired outcomes. So, the next time you find yourself waiting for motivation, remember that it's not something to be chased; it's something to be cultivated through consistent action.

Take that first small step, connect with me, celebrate your progress and watch as your motivation grows, propelling you forward.