I am sure you can relate to wanting to kick start a goal. At the same time, do you find yourself spending more time talking yourself out of doing “it” (that internal dialogue) than the time it would have taken to just do it? I know I fall into that trap. We create roadblocks, barriers, and obstacles, and then we beat ourselves up for not having “willpower,” commitment, motivation, and exceptional follow-through.
So, what can we do? Here is a technique that I use when my motivation or desire is waning even though I want this “thing” badly. I start to break the process down into mechanical, robotic steps! Yes, you heard me right. I try to leave no room for getting “out of it.”
So, for example, I was lagging on my exercise routine and needed to get back on track. Why? Because it is good for me, it makes me feel good, it is important to move my body, I need to exercise my muscles, it is good for my mental fitness, mental health and good for every aspect of my life. My reasons for wanting to work out are clear and critical to my well-being.
And this is what I do.
1. I lay out my workout clothes before I go to bed each night.
2. I select my workout on YouTube the night before.
3. I get up at 6 am, do my am routine, and have my cup of coffee.
4. I put on my workout clothes.
5. I have scheduled a 6:30 am time in my calendar for my workout and at 6:30 when my notification goes off, I start my routine.
6. After I have finished, I hug and high-5 myself for a job well done!
I know this may sound silly or simple, but it works for me. If I chunk out the steps and operationalize them, I avoid the inner critic that tries to get me out of it. What is something you want to focus on and how can you break it into small actionable steps to crush?
