What do you do when you feel stuck and unmotivated?

Spring has sprung! It’s time for clearing clutter, dusting off the golf clubs and getting outdoors. As a coach, many people hire me to motivate them to get on track with their performance or health and wellness goals. It could be an athlete that has lost their drive, or a person who has hibernated all winter and needs a kick start to get fit.

What is motivation and what are some things that motivate people? Motivators could be money, fame, happiness, security, winning or many other things. Each person is motivated differently. Studies have shown that motivation is not up to the individual. Humans are products of genetics and their environment. Our behaviour is dictated by our biological makeup and it is a product of our experiences and what they have taught us. To help clients with motivation I create strategies with them.

Here are some motivation strategies:

• Push the boundaries
Identify a weakness or roadblock preventing you from performing or achieving what you want. Think about what will happen after you change or remove it. Close your eyes and imagine yourself achieving success. Get excited!
• Experience Success
When learning something new break down the process. Start with something simple i.e. getting out to the driving range and practicing with your favourite club or going for a 20 minute walk. Master that and then move on to the next step. Do the easy pieces first and let yourself experience success.
• Change your thinking
Are your thoughts supporting or sabotaging you? Reflect on achievements you’ve had and think of what thoughts were in your head at that time. Re-create or develop positive statements that encourage you to achieve your goals i.e.”I can do it.”
• Get involved and participate
If you are part of a team, take some ownership within the team or if you joined a group, volunteer and help out at meetings or events.
• Find motivated peers
Surround yourself with people who are motivated, positive and want to accomplish great things. Create a support system so when you need some encouragement and help getting back on track they are there for you. Hire a coach!
• Remember your dream and desire
Stay focused and if you stray, revisit what you want to accomplish or achieve and reconnect with it. Envision success and how that will make you feel.

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