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 Post subject: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 5:28 am 
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I am suffering from a complete absence of motivation. I may be depressed, but I don't feel particularly sad or mopey. I want to do better for myself, but the enduring inspiration for doing so can never seem to be found. When I have a mentor or someone behaving like a drill instructor, I do well, but that's obviously not the same as having my own motivation. And how can you get this done?


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 2:24 pm 
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What are you lacking motivation to do?
The GIA courses?

What do you love to do? How do you spend your day?


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:40 pm 
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I do not think your a lone sole right now in these feelings.
For me I have to try and take myself away from things I am doing everyday that keep me in a slump.
I find changing the start of your day with something you like to helps.

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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 4:10 pm 
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A lack of motivation is normal around now. We've had a tough year.
Mild depression: possibly. Again far more common than we realize.

That's why I asked if there is anything you really look forward to doing. I started making bread several months ago and I look forward to wrapping up the loaves in festive ways and giving them to friends and neighbors while they are still warm. That makes me really happy.

I have been forcing spring bulbs and growing plants in every room.

As long as a task brings a smile to my face I go for it. Everything else goes to the bottom of the list.


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 4:49 pm 
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For me, learning new things is a huge motivator.

What is it you are trying to get motivated to do?


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Fri Jan 08, 2021 7:16 pm 
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1bwana1 wrote:
For me, learning new things is a huge motivator.

Exactly!
My sourdough, my bulbs, sewing clothes for friends....I can't tell you how many Youtube videos I've watched.


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Mon Jan 11, 2021 5:07 am 
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I was reading a "willpower" book because I was trying to find out the same thing that you were looking for. It turns out that your willpower works like a brain muscle, and the more you exercise it, the more you use it, so the easier it is to get yourself to do things you don't really want to do.

Being rational is one of the first rules. Don't set objectives for yourself that you can't keep up with. Know the difference between what you want and the concept of something you want. For starters, I like the idea of being a surfer chick, I hate cold water, and it turns out that I'm pretty fuckin scared of the ocean. I tried to start surfing and it never worked out because I knew I was just slightly inspired as much as I wanted it to happen, because the thought of it was a lot better than actually doing it.

The second rule is that you are not attracted by any extrinsic incentives. Almost always, the targets should be intrinsically driven. Do not attempt to move your major/job, for instance, to something you think other people would find amazing. You would never be naturally inspired to succeed and, thus, most likely to fail or be unhappy and not be able to accomplish any other goals. The drive would come naturally if you really enjoy what you do and continue to do it.


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 Post subject: Re: how do you motivate yourself?
PostPosted: Sun Jan 17, 2021 3:37 pm 
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1bwana1 wrote:
For me, learning new things is a huge motivator.

What is it you are trying to get motivated to do?


I agree a lot with this thought. Just finding something that I personally love and am curious about gets me moving. In 2020, I got back into baking and learned to make new desserts, plus I started my GIA courses. Both have challenged and inspired me (and also helped keep me sane, haha).

Do something that you love, no matter how small, and keep building upon that.

Also, I find that getting some time outdoors helps me to feel better when I start to feel too blue or irritable while in quarantine. Strolling around my neighborhood and feeling the sunshine and air does wonders.


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