Quite often, I search for quotes to help frame my mindset for the day. Attitude shapes attitude, after all. Today was no different.
It is easy to find “motivational” quotes. Try to find quotes on “motivation”. Google “motivation quotes”, and a long list of responses for “motivational quotes” appears. I love motivational quotes, but, today, I was specifically interested in motivation.
It occurred to me, however, that motivation is not driven by platitudes. Motivational quotes can help. I certainly have passed on my share of quotes by Zig Ziglar, Orison Swett Marden, Napoleon Hill, James Allen, John Wooden, et al. I appreciate these and many less famous writers (not to mention numerous unpublished friends, who inspire me). When it comes down to it, though, motivation can only be driven from within. Motivation is a choice we must make every moment.
I teach a course called “Exercise Motivation and Adherence”. I have been learning as I go, and am really just starting to figure out why some things have worked and other things have not. We talk some about theory, but I have more interest in the practical application. Theory directs us, but, practically speaking, it is only a reflection of reality. And the reality that has become increasingly clear is that no one is going to change unless they want to change. Lock them in a room with Tony Robbins, and they still aren’t going to change until they decide to change. And, once we decide to change, we still need constant motivation to maintain the new behavior. Change just becomes more stable with good habits.
When I get up in the morning, the first decision I have to make is what kind of day I am going to have. From there after, it is a matter of keeping the momentum—which is never easy.
Maybe some people make the decision to be positive more easily than me. Maybe they just are better at deflecting the negative forces that are seeking to deflect their path. For me, though, it is an opportunity that takes constant mindfulness and regular “resets”.
So, there are, seemingly, no great statements to teach me about motivation. Instead, I have to seek inspiration and keep reminding myself that I have made a choice to be positive. I have to be diligent, lest negativity grab hold. We, indeed, have a choice.
Carpe momento!