Written by: Nigel Edokpolo (Registered Psychotherapist- Qualifying)

When we think of motivation, we think of things that empower us to tackle everyday tasks or larger-than-life challenges. Movies and TV Shows are prime examples; whether it is Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Pokémon, or Rocky, there is an underlying message of what motivation means for that person and how it influences them throughout their experience. Take a step back while reading and think about what motivates you. Want fuels you in different areas of your life?

Motivation itself is not one-dimensional, as it is almost like a living person and can change from event to event and person to person. An example of this is students studying hard and working to become a doctor, one may do it for the money, but the other for prestige and title. Everyone has their own method of motivation, such as

• Money
• Success
• Status
• one’s future
• competition
• family
• loved ones
• regret
• pain
• aspiration’s

Motivation is something that can change rapidly, such as one day being motivated to go to the gym because you want to look good, wanting to look like a Victoria’s Secret model or wanting to look like a professional boxer and with only a couple of weeks you now want to continue. After all, you like the feeling of the changes within your body; now, your motivation has changed. Where does motivation come from the question mark and that is a tricky question because one could say that it comes from deep within us and our desires, another might say it’s from our environment in seeing what others have and another person might say it is the environment and the people around you that shape what your motivation wants to be.

There are points in our lives and even while reading this, you may find that you don’t have motivation. You find it hard to get out of bed, go to work or the gym, or even find pleasure in things you used to do, like hanging out with friends, playing video games, and spending time with your pets. A lack of motivation can stem from mental illness such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar and various other mental health concerns. If you’re reading this and you can relate to what is being said, what comes next might surprise you, but you do have motivation; it’s just currently that your other emotions are heightened, so it is difficult for that motivation to fuel you. If you are reading up until this part, yes, you could be an avid reader, but you could also be someone who was looking to help motivate themselves and if you are already this far into this blog, you’re already taking steps. Motivation doesn’t have to be that day when you feel better and can go and do all the things you love. Taking time for yourself builds up tolerance and building strategies to help position yourself where your motivation can allow you to get back to where you want to be. Below are some examples of what can help with motivation.

• Setting smaller ACHIEVABLE goals The row today. When we set one larger goal up for ourselves and we don’t complete it, it is natural to feel bummed out or upset about it.
• Breaking down goals. Instead of having one larger goal, as mentioned in the point before, break that down into smaller steps. In doing so, you will achieve your larger goal but just with more steps.
• Remembering baby steps count. Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit for doing the simple basic things such as going to work or walking the dog.
• Journaling. Making a note of achievements over a period of time can help you feel a bit more motivated; where if six days out of the week you weren’t able to accomplish your goal but one day you were able to, you’re able to look back and see that you were able to accomplish it at one point.

• Setting smaller ACHIEVABLE goals The row today. When we set one larger goal up for ourselves and we don’t complete it, it is natural to feel bummed out or upset about it.
• Breaking down goals. Instead of having one larger goal, as mentioned in the point before, break that down into smaller steps. In doing so, you will achieve your larger goal but just with more steps.
• Remembering baby steps count. Sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough credit for doing the simple basic things such as going to work or walking the dog.
• Journaling. Making a note of achievements over a period of time can help you feel a bit more motivated; where if six days out of the week you weren’t able to accomplish your goal but one day you were able to, you’re able to look back and see that you were able to accomplish it at one point.

Motivation is an important part of therapy, which is why there are several strategies for working with a lack of motivation. If you’re thinking, “It’s silly to go to therapy because I don’t feel motivated because other people have larger problems,” that is not true. That is a part of you that is trying to block the motivation. Scheduling A consultation, showing up to your session and just talking to someone are all forms of motivation for you to get back to the person you want to be.

QUOTE

It is the knowledge that I am going to die that creates the focus that I bring to being alive, the urgency of accomplishment, the need to express love – now, not later. If we live forever, why ever even get out of bed in the morning?

Passions and motivations change, which is normal, just like asking for a bit of help and having you rediscover old motivations and passions. If you finished reading this blog, I do hope you found a little bit, even 1% more motivation, to accomplish whatever you have on your mind.