As I have been working through many issues in the last two weeks since my Dad passed away, I have found comfort in a couple of quotations by John Maxwell. The two that have really made a difference are…
“The whole idea of motivation is a trap. Forget motivation. Just do it. Exercise, lose weight, test your blood sugar, or whatever. Do it without motivation. And then, guess what? After you start doing the thing, that’s when the motivation comes and makes it easy for you to keep on doing it.”“As you begin changing your thinking, start immediately to change your behavior. Begin to act the part of the person you would like to become. Take action on your behavior. Too many people want to feel, then take action. This never works.”
One of the things that kept my dad going for 94 years was his love of exercise. Ever since I was a little kid he would get up every morning at 4:30 and go ride his bike for an hour or two. He would even get up in the dead of winter, bundle up in two jackets and gloves and head out. His determination was amazing. I want this habit in my life.
My problem has always been that I don’t “feel” like exercising. It’s real easy to go back to bed and say I’ll do that tomorrow. I’m going to try Maxwell’s solution and just do it. It worked for my Dad. I’m going to “begin to act the part of the person you would like to become,” which in this case is my Father.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Hey… It’s cold outside…
About John Richardson
Author, Speaker, and Digital Media Creator. Personal Development Blogger. Ideas for Success!
I heard somewhere the phrase, “Take the actions, and the feelings will follow.” More often than not I’ve found this to be true. There’s very little constructive I “feel” like doing, but I’m glad I did it after the fact.
Thank you Jessie for the trackback, you have a very interesting site.
John
Thanks for the information on ADHD, Hoe. I work with quite a few special ed folks who work with this problem all the time. I’ll definitely point them to your site and also add a link on my blog roll.
Thanks!
John
I like your quotation Jeff. I am a big fan of motivation but there are some things that only good old determination can solve.
John
“When you strive to achieve anything there will always be something trying to block you. But you must always know that
you can either move it or go around it”
Angela Lewis
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing –
that’s why we recommend it daily” – Zig Ziglar
Would you agree with me and Zig?
In order for a person to do something, they have to wanted to do it, otherwise, not chance. they have to be motivated to move forward.