Need a Push? Gotta Give it to Yourself :)

Motivation.

We all have it.  We all lack it at times.  It varies from day to day.  And more often than not, we all wish we had more.  True, deep down motivation does not come from external sources.  We determine it on our own.  We set our own goals, our own timeline, and ultimately decide what is important to us (and use that information to drive our motivation).  Yes, maybe we feel more motivated by coaches, parents, a boyfriend or girlfriend, etc, but real, lasting motivation ONLY comes from WITHIN.  Don’t let me lead you to think I am saying we don’t need others to help motivate us, keep us going, or help us to be better individuals.  We are human and absorb so much strength from the people around us.  So that’s not what I’m saying.  But think about what motivates you, what drives you to be better.  I guarantee it’s not stemming from an external source, but from the internal “wanting” you have to achieve.  

Once we recognize and accept this is when we’re able to reach in and pull out the strongest form of motivation – the kind that we create on our own.  

Think about the last time you wanted to form a new healthy habit or take a step in a direction that would improve your health.  Say you wanted to start eating a nutritious breakfast every day.  Or you decided you would get up early and get your workout in before work, or go straight after work __days/week.  Or you wanted to finally GO to that spin class you’ve been meaning to try.  Or go for a run in the park instead of confining yourself to the monotony of your gym sessions... 

Whatever the case may be, WHO ultimately decides whether you follow-through?  Whether you make a decision to change or try something new that will lead you in a direction of an even healthier future?   

No one other than yourself.  

Those people that care about us are the people we need to lean on to hold us accountable, to give us the extra push when our internal motivation is lacking, and to be proud of us when we accomplish something great!  

But it’s not others that give us pride for developing motivation, being action-oriented, and achieving our goals – it’s our internal drive, wanting, and self-satisfaction that make us proud to achieve something great.  Something that means a lot to YOU, personally. 

To piggy-back on this topic, I read an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G article the other day about “the happiness factor.”  We all know it FEELS great to feel happy.  But there’s also lots of new supporting evidence that happiness is beneficial to our HEALTH – for morbidity (disease risk), survival of illness, and longevity of life (and quality of life for that matter!).  What else is happiness good for?  Lowering blood pressure, cortisol and inflammation.  Reducing risk of developing heart disease.  And (whadayaknow?!) happiness leads to positive moods and emotions which broaden your horizons and build your social, physical and intellectual skills… all which lead to success.  SUCCESS?   

Oh, as in you have a goal… and you accomplish it.  

Now, we’ve gone full circle!  Motivation.  Happiness.  Success.  And everything in between. 

I’m not going to continue with a “lecture” on how to be happy… but think about some core values, like the ones set by IDEA: inspired service, doing the right thing, exercising your happiness, appreciating everyone, learning and thriving, and setting the standard.  YOU are in control of your life.  You make the decision on how your day(s) will unfold; no, we don’t have control over our surroundings, but we sure as hell are in control of how we react and let them affect us.   

Focus on positivity.  Practice it.  A lot.   

Before too long, you’ll be surprised how much that will be reflected back to you by the people around you.  

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained." - Daddy

What motivates you?  What makes you happy?  How can you combine them and be successful – in your mind, life, heart?  Where there’s a will there’s a way.  And as my daddy-o always says, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”  So why not try?  What’s the risk – other than your very own HAPPINESS?  

Always your FAN,
Maggie XOXO

These 2 munchkins make my life happy :)
And to clarify any confusion, yes Riley is the boy (on the pink blankets)
and Bailey is the girl (on the blue). They go where they want!! :)