Motivation/Inspiration: What drives you?

[Linus]

So I've been trying to get back my motivation I used to have a while ago. Lately, I've been feeling burnt and worn. Sometimes it's justified (working 60-80 hours a week, especially on the road); and sometimes not so much. I've been trying to figure out what it is that is holding me back (I know it's me but I'm not sure what "me" is doing to cause this). I still have desires to do my old long distance bicycle touring but I haven't been on any of my bikes for any consistent or long periods in the last 3-5 years. A couple of years ago I got into minimalist/barefoot running for a solid 3 months or so and then stopped.

And it's not just exercise. I'm currently under contract to write a technical certification book and have the worst writer's block at time. I stare at the page and get maybe one or two paragraphs (if I'm lucky) done. I've gotten about 40 pages done (roughly 2-3 decent starts on chapters and one that needs a lot more flushing out). My publisher wants this done by Jan 1, 2013 -- which may seem like a long ways away but, in reality, is creeping up fast (and will speed by faster).

So I think one of the things that I'm feeling is missing is motivation or inspiration. What do you do to motivate yourself on life (whether exercise, household chores, work, etc.)? What do you do to inspire yourself (could be religious, non-religious, visual or audio)?

As my sis says "Find joy y'all". So how do you find those things that create joy and the want/will to do more?

[Blaze]

Excellent thread Linus...
I. Like you, am stuck, not figuring what, where, or how to get out of this funk. Perhaps it's because work is stressful, or because I am using it as an excuse to not have a drive. But I will be watching this thread carefully because I need to get out of my funk also...
I need something exhilaration, I know I can't wait for anyone to save me, nor is there a magic pill. I have to find my balance, my inspiration, my desire...
I am so clever to cheer on everyone else, and I am good at pretending I am driven, but immediate people that know me. Shake their heads and say, your not fooling me... Soooooooo I need to get back to paddling, doing active things, and stop feeling sorry for myself. Even the gym isn't getting my full attention anymore. 2013 is right around the corner. Got to get moving.

I look forward to hearing what others do to get going... Signing up X_________

[Corkey]

Fear is the great motivator. My health was failing and the doctors weren't listening, I held it back. Then fear that I'm not getting younger and that if I didn't speak out and demand they do something, nothing would happen. I could not loose weight because there were fibroids that were sucking the life out of me.
Guess what? They're gone and nothing is holding me back but the years that have destroyed my joints. I'll deal with that and gladly.
Nothing will get in the way of my getting healthy ever again.
Find out your fear and listen to it, then change it.
You can do this Linus.

[girl_dee]

i have a few passions in my life and sometimes i lose motivation .... it always comes back but during the in-between i question myself.

i don't push it, i just wait it out, then before i know it i am knee deep in the fun again.

One way to stop myself from procrastinating is to make lists.. then try to stick to them, it feels great to actually complete the list at the end of the day.

[Just_G]

<-------Also burnt and having a hard time finding motivation!

I attempted to play pro tackle football and went to all the training camps until I hurt the posterior tibial tendon in the arch of my left foot. I was on such a roll with practice and was working on getting back in to shape...it was hard work, but with the motivation of the team, I was doing it. I wanted so badly to feel like I am a part of something.

Here I am 6 months later, my foot still bothers me, even after weeks of physical therapy. I cannot run without it flaring up, then I feel like I am back to square one.

I am trying to find a bike that I can afford and use as often as possible. I am wanting to do shorter rides on weeknights, then get with friends on Saturday mornings to go for longer rides.

I was feeling pretty down the last month or so and changed my diet to juicing 2 of my 3 meals and eating right at night. That did bring my energy level up signifigantly, but motivation to exercise was lacking. Then, I watched a video of athletes that are missing limbs or are handicap, and I thought to myself; what the fuck am I whining about? Pain in my foot after I exercise? Come on G!! I am thankful I still have all of my limbs, and I am thankful I have the ability to go out and do things that a lot of people cannot do.

I often wonder why I get in these ruts of LOM (lack of motivation)...I just have to push through it and drag my ass out of the house and enjoy my life...but I can't enjoy it from the recliner while whining about my foot!! It won't get better until I strengthen it.

Great thread Linus!! I do wish I lived closer to butch/trans community so I had some people to work out with and help in the motivation department!

[Linus]

So I was doing a little searching this evening (my office has a light that's gone out so no old fashioned writing tonight) and found this suggestion from one blog in regards to getting motivation back:

Read about it daily. When I lose motivation, I just read a book or blog about my goal. It inspires me and reinvigorates me. For some reason, reading helps motivate and focus you on whatever you’re reading about. So read about your goal every day, if you can, especially when you’re not feeling motivated.

I remember when I was at the height of my cycling that was in fact what I was doing: reading about how to lose weight, how to improve my cycling form, etc. I've been trying to get into that habit for running instead as I may try that for a bit (since it'll be easier for me when I'm on the road).

I know one thing I have that I'm trying to alleviate: too many things going on. Over the next few weeks one major project will be done and that will probably help. I found that actually scheduling my time to meet with a fitness trainer was the only way I could get some basic fitness in place. I need to push more beyond that.

Quote for the day:

Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb

[Hollylane]

Like Corkey, fear is a motivator for me.

My fear is based on the fact that if I don't get up and do these things today, I might not have that opportunity tomorrow.

Serious health issues have made me miss a lot of my life over the past few years, and it is uncertain whether some of them will return or not.

I'm not going to claim that I am always on top of my game. Right now, I am lacking motivation. I think it is because I can't do the physical activities I really want to do (still recovering from a recent umbilical hernia repair), but the reality is that I am slacking. There are other activities I could be doing to remain active in the meantime, so that I am prepared to do the things I really enjoy again when I am able.

I don't want to miss any more of my life because of lack of motivation. I have a bucket list, and I have things I am going to do. So, there are things I need to do every day to make these things possible. Having been inactive for a number of years, I have a lot of physical catching up to do.

The truth is, I am very proud of what I have accomplished physically and emotionally in the past year and some change. I have regained a lot of my strength and determination, and have participated in things I have been longing to do for years, and some that I have never done. But today, I could use some motivation tools and tips too.

I like this thread Linus. Just hearing from other people, and seeing my own words here feels motivating.

Read about it daily. When I lose motivation, I just read a book or blog about my goal. It inspires me and reinvigorates me. For some reason, reading helps motivate and focus you on whatever you’re reading about. So read about your goal every day, if you can, especially when you’re not feeling motivated.

And I really like the suggestion above. I actually do that now, when I need motivation for writing poetry. So, now I will make an effort to do it for all of the other things I plan to accomplish/experience.

[Bella~Vita]

After I lost my Mother in 2008 it became very hard to motivate. I keep telling myself my Mom wouldn't want me to become stagnate. I remember her saying surround yourself with positive people where you can learn new things.

I'm slacking right now, I joined the gym and for the past 2 weeks I have not gone. I hate doing things as of sort alone. So I kick myself in gear and joined and went alone. Yay, I faced my fear, but I retreated as my friend would say.

After talking with this person who has great strength and character and constantly doing his homework, I felt inspired. So now everyday I will try my best and do 1 thing positive in my life.

Hmmm, just got an idea ..... for a thread let's see if this can help us people . Can I get some feed back on the title? This is a positive thing, where we can be accountable for our goals.


~Kat~