Hey there, beautiful soul! Ever find yourself on the edge of a ‘what’s the point?’ breakdown, staring down your goals like they’re mountains you can’t possibly climb? Oh, I feel you.
Let’s go on a soul-searching expedition into the very essence of what drives us—our motivation, our grit, and that often elusive mindset. You know, that spark that makes you leap out of bed, shouting, ‘Today’s the day I stop dreaming and start doing!’
This is not about superficial goals like ‘losing a few pounds’ or ‘feeling good for the ‘Gram.’ Finding your ‘why’ is more than just scratching the surface; it’s about reaching into your core and discovering what really pushes you to make a permanent shift in your life. This goes beyond temporary excitement or superficial desires.
Ready to transform the way you approach your goals and keep your motivation high even when the going gets tough? Keep reading and don’t forget to listen to the complete episode to get all the juicy details. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one! 🎧👇
My Story: The Power of a Strong “Why” in Motivation
Let’s get real for a sec. A few years ago, my relationship with sleep was, to put it mildly, toxic. I had all the knowledge, read all the books, but still couldn’t manage to catch enough Z’s. I chalked it up to “just how I’m wired,” despite the red flags—like nodding off the moment I sat still. It wasn’t until a jarring brain scan at Amen Clinics and a heart-to-heart with Dr. Daniel Amen that my perspective took a 180. The scan revealed alarming levels of toxicity in my brain, fast-tracking me to Alzheimer’s and a heap of other health woes. It was a serious wake-up call, no pun intended.
And here’s the kicker: my “why” shifted in that instant. I’d been feeding myself a narrative that I “couldn’t” change my bad sleep habits. But now, it was no longer about me; it was about my family—my kids, my husband. With a why that strong, 17 years of bad sleep habits unraveled. Two years later, a follow-up brain scan showed not just improvements but literal age reversal. So, what’s your “why”? Until you connect with it deeply, motivation is going to be an uphill battle. Trust me, finding your true “why” is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. 🌟💪
How “Why” Fuels Your Motivation
Benjamin Franklin’s famous saying, “You can do anything you set your mind to” has been echoed across the corridors of time. But the real question here is, how do we keep our minds set? The answer lies in the strength of your “why,” much like a curious two-year-old bombarding their parents with an endless string of “why” questions. If you’ve ever been around a toddler during their “why stage,” you know what I’m talking about. Eventually, the “why” questions cut to the core of the matter—emotional connection and love. When your “why” is rooted deeply enough, it propels you to accomplish your goals, even against the most daunting odds.
Losing Weight and The Intricate Weave of Motivation
A conversation I had with a woman wanting to lose weight unfolded a multi-layered “why.” It wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about projecting a healthier version of herself to attract healthier relationships. When you dig deep, often, you’ll find that the motivation to change doesn’t stop at surface-level reasons. It goes way beyond that, right down to the desire for transformation, for leading a life filled with better, healthier relationships.
Unlocking Your Inner Potential
Sometimes it takes pushing a little further to reach the foundational “why.” For this woman, it was the realization that she had a wealth of untapped potential, creative ideas, and dreams that couldn’t materialize unless she took better care of herself. Recognizing her intrinsic worth, she found a compelling motivation to prioritize her own well-being, not just to win favor from others, but to make her mark in the world.
The Identity Shift
For two decades, I was the person teaching a 5:30 AM fitness class. It had become a part of who I was. But a revelation led me to give it all up. You might think it would be devastating, but it wasn’t. That’s because my “why” had shifted. It wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about my family. Your “why” doesn’t have to be centered solely on you; it can be a loved one, a cause, or something else you deeply care about. The key is, it has to be powerful enough to drive you to make those hard choices.
The Custom “Why” Blueprint
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motivation. Just as diets aren’t universally effective, your “why” is uniquely yours. It can vary from person to person, shaped by individual experiences and aspirations. To find it, you must dig deep, ask the tough questions, and align your actions with it. Your “why” is the emotional engine that keeps you going, enabling you to make lasting changes and overcome obstacles.
Planning for Setbacks: The Roadmap to Sustain Motivation
Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Setbacks are inevitable. What sets the successful apart from the unsuccessful is the ability to get back up and keep fighting. Your “why” can help you develop the resiliency to withstand those punches. Whether it’s a friend bringing home unhealthy food or an emotional trauma that tempts you to revert to old habits, if you’ve thought about potential setbacks and crafted a Plan B, you’re ahead of the game.
Pen to Paper: Writing Your “Why” and Your Comeback Strategy
I’m a staunch advocate for putting thoughts on paper. Take some time today to identify what setbacks might look like for you. Draft your Plan B. Sketch out your comeback. By getting it down on paper, you’re not just making it real—you’re making it actionable. You’ll be well-prepared to face life’s curveballs, and most importantly, you’ll know how to keep your motivation burning even when the going gets tough.
Trust me, once you know your “why,” not even a punch in the face can keep you down for long. You’ve got this, and I believe in your ability to find that unshakable motivation.
And hey, if you’re still struggling to find that spark, you won’t want to miss episode #665 of The Chalene Show.
