“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Unknown
Have you ever had something really important to do, but decided you were going to put it off because you didn’t feel like doing it? Of course you have, we all have, but there is also another approach to take with this situation, and it’s an approach that many people aren’t as familiar with. A coach I admire named Steve Chandler teaches that people are either “feelers” or “doers.” A feeler bases their decision to take action on whether or not they “feel” like it. Feelers tend to procrastinate. The doer on the other hand, takes action despite how they feel. Doers choose to take the next step and do what they know is important even if they don’t “feel” like it. They act their way into the state of mind they desire. It is similar to the saying “act as if.” When we put a smile on our face or decide to get active even when we’re tired, it shifts our attitude and emotional tone. I realize that it isn’t always so easy. Sometimes we really don’t feel like doing what needs to be done. So here are a few tips to get you motivated when you don’t feel like doing anything!
Get committed – 110%
Okay stop right now before you go any further and ask yourself how committed you are to what you want? Are you 110% committed? If you’re not 110% committed you won’t do what it takes. I would encourage you to take an all or nothing approach to this. You are either all in or all out. When you get fully committed, when you really really want it, you will get fired-up.
“Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.” – Stephen R. Covey
Tell yourself you “want to”
Have you ever felt the demands of obligations you “have to” do? Or maybe you feel more like you “need to” or “must” do things. What if you told yourself that you “want to” do something, or if it is more reasonable that you “choose to.” How would this change the way you feel about things? The emotional impact between “I want to” and “I have to” is monumental.
Start on a “rough draft”
Do something right now. Don’t focus on the outcome. It sounds irresponsible but most things in life require a rough draft. We don’t have to get the exact results we’re looking for right away. Learn to experiment. Test things out. Try something and learn what to do. Just get your body in motion and take action!
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but don’t quit.” -Conrad Hilton
Make it a game, have fun
Turn whatever activity you’re struggling with into a game, and make it fun! I don’t know about you but when something is fun I don’t have to talk myself into taking action. Look at a child for a great example of this. To children everything is a game. No matter what they are doing they find a way to make it fun. Turn your life into a game. Games are fun, life can be fun.
Elevate your state
What pumps you up! Seriously, isn’t there something you can do or experience that will get you in a more positive and creative state of mind? Get enthusiastic and connected to your mission. Get outside of your personal concerns and recognize “why” you’re doing what you are doing. What big inspiring reason can get you geared-up? What ritual or affirmations can shift your thinking?
Focus, focus, focus – Put on blinders
Yes the world is distracting, but that is why we have the power to concentrate. Make things more simple. Just do what is in front of. If you feel like you have too much to do, just do the one things at a time. Let go of what you’re not working on and stay focused on the task at hand. Well are you ready to get committed, have fun, and start taking decisive action? Don’t over-think it. Simply commit to doing something today that you have been putting off because you didn’t feel like it. You will feel better because of it.
