Understanding the Struggle: Finding Your Motivation

Sometimes, we find ourselves struggling and lacking motivation. It feels like running on a treadmill, trying to catch up, but you just can't seem to grab hold of enough motivation to get to the finish line. You're not alone!

1. The Struggle for Momentum: We've all been there – procrastinating, getting sidetracked, and doubting ourselves based on past experiences. The big question is: why are we doing what we're doing? Sometimes, it's this uncertainty that trips us up.

2.  Believing We Deserve Success: Here's a twist – sometimes, deep down, we don't believe we deserve what we're after. It's like secretly hoping things will work out while doubting they ever will. Let's shift that mindset!

3.  Seeking External Validation: It's easy to look everywhere but within ourselves for approval. But real validation comes from within. Who is it that you want to connect with on a deeper level?

4. The Anxiety of Reaction: Reactive behavior can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction. Focusing on proactive actions that align with our values brings contentment and a sense of accomplishment.

The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'

Our problem begins here: We don’t know why we do what we do. From here, it unravels. We don’t believe we deserve what we need. This is an unhealthy perspective while secretly hoping to get what we desire. And lastly, We look everywhere but inside ourselves for approval and validation of our achievements. 

Why do we do what we do?

We don’t believe we deserve what we need. 

We look everywhere but inside ourselves for answers and validation.

"Zen in the Art of Archery" is a book written by Eugen Herrigel that explores the connection between the Japanese martial art of archery. In the book, there is a significant passage that discusses the relationship between the sword and the swordsman. The author reflects on the idea that in the practice of archery, the archer becomes one with the bow, arrow, and target. Similarly, in the practice of swordsmanship, the swordsman must transcend the conventional dualism of self and weapon. The passage emphasizes the importance of a harmonious unity between the swordsman and the sword, suggesting that mastery is achieved not through mere technical skill but through a deep spiritual connection and a state of oneness with the instrument of combat—the integration of mind, body, and spirit in pursuing mastery in any art or discipline.

To gain accurate results in any field in life, we need to take the skills we learn and connect them to our intuition. As he says, if the soul of the warrior is not connected and we are not activating from within, we operate off reaction rather than action. This can higher anxiety, create sleepless nights, and more because our success is dependent on the response rather than noticing if we are genuinely content and satisfied. 

Taking Accountability for Desired Results

In our journey towards personal and professional growth, understanding our motivations – the 'why' behind what we do – is crucial.

Make a list of why you do what you do. This exercise isn't just reflective; it's about taking accountability for the results you want. Consider it like solving a math equation – every part needs to add up to make sense. Ask yourself, "What do I want in return for my efforts?"

Remember, results come from putting in the work, and if we're not seeing them, it might be time to reevaluate our approach or amp up our consistency. It's not about whether we deserve success or not; it's about choosing what's important to us and going for it. What's on your list?

Refining Our Approach to Achieve Desired Outcomes

As we wrap up, consider our actions and goals, like using a washing machine. We expect clean clothes, right? But what if the clothes don't come out clean? Maybe it's time to switch up the detergent, use a different setting, use hotter water or a deeper soak. Just like tweaking our washing routine, sometimes we need to adjust our approach in life and work to get the results we're aiming for.

It's all about figuring out the why's and the how's and making the necessary changes to align with our goals. Remember, consistency is our best friend here. It's like the regular spin cycle that ensures we're on the right track. By staying consistent and reassessing our methods, we can ensure our efforts lead us to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.

Once you understand WHY you are struggling, you will find Motivation.

Esther