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Motivation is a powerful tool that can prompt us to do things we either don't want to do or for whatever reason don't feel we are able to do (whether that is true or not). Case in point, I didn't want to sell my house, but the motivation of a better life in Bend was my motivator, and it had to be strong because I adored my house. Or on a smaller
scale, finding motivation to complete the daily to-do list, or live healthy when it comes to our eating and fitness choices.
I'd like to focus on the small, everyday motivations that can enhance our lives as no matter where you live or
what stage you find yourself in life, feeling productive at the end of the day is a priceless feeling. In fact, it is in feeling productive, a sense of completion, that gradually our confidence builds within ourselves and we begin to realize we can build an amazing life even if it's not within arm's reach at the moment.
Even when your life is running smoothly and no significant strife if occurring, it can be difficult to get everything done that we'd like to do. Now, I'm not trying to share ways to complete the longest "to-do" list, but rather completing tasks that so long as we adhere to them regularly can yield amazingly wonderful results whether it be with a small business, building a respectable
reputation, establishing a strong bond in relationships, etc. These tasks may be items that nobody else will notice but us, for example, the food we choose to eat, the thoughts we allow to whirl around in our minds, the choice to tackle a few items of a long-term project long before it needs to be done, but they are tasks that eventually yield significant results that play a large role in the quality of our lives.
What I've found that works for me is to dangle a carrot. The carrot might come in the form of time to read without interruption, taking a favorite hiking path with my dogs and not worrying about how much time it will take or it may be as simple as watching a favorite show that has been taped. Whatever it is, having the
self-discipline to not indulge until I've done what I need to do, provides double the satisfaction when the task is complete. Not only is my job done, but I also get to revel in the prize.
Recently, one of my prizes has been paying for and
attending either a yoga or pilates class at a studio here in Bend. What I will do is set myself the tasks that I need to complete, outlined my days and jobs that need to be done, and if I am able to check off the to-dos as previously outlined, I hop on my MindBody Connect App and sign up for a class. Right now, that is truly like eating chocolate. My
enthusiasm for this particular carrot may wane in the coming months, and if it does, I'll find a new motivator, but the intent is to reward yourself, and ultimately, in the end, it's a twofer.
Whatever type of carrot you choose to use, make sure it is one that is beneficial as well as enjoyable.
Speaking
of enjoyable, this week's Decor Insipration was a favorite of readers as it spotlights a magnificent, yet cozy estate in Provence. And speaking of beneficial, ridding our lives of toxic people is a very good idea which is why it was the topic of this week's episode on The Simple Sophisticate.
As the final few weeks of August are enjoyed, I hope you are able to look back fondly over the past few months and smile with satisfaction, knowing you reveled in your time to relaxed, but also are excited about where the upcoming fall season will take you and your loved ones. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.
