A couple of weeks ago in my part one blog post on motivation, I asked the question, do you have to feel like doing something in order to do it? It was concluded, that in fact, you do not have to feel like doing something in order to actually do the action. It seems obvious, but so many people feel held back from taking the next step in life, or in their day, because they do not feel like doing it.

Motivation…just do it!

So, once you come to terms with the realization that you don’t have to feel like it, what do you do next? Well, I think Nike says it best…Just Do It! So, let’s talk about this in a practical sense. How do you get from the strong pull to not to something to actually doing it? First, there needs to be a mindset shift. You have to be okay with knowing the action may actually come before the feeling. Next, figure out what the goal is and your why behind it. The “why” needs to be strong enough to pull you through the lack of motivation. Then you need to make a plan. Next, and this is really important, take a look at what thoughts are interfering with you following through and how you can reframe those to help you move toward your goal instead of away. Lastly, evaluate what the reward or benefit might be if you follow through.

It may even be helpful to write this out, and I bet you will find the more you do this, the easier and more naturally your brain will start to think this way. You will be acting your way to a new feeling before you know it. If you need help taking these steps, contact us! This is something I help clients, especially those depressed or overwhelmed, practically work through in their every day life. It might even start with the goal of getting out of bed each day.

Remember, depression may be stealing your motivation so it will be harder to do things. Taking action will help.

Check out the video on acting your way to a new feeling.