STOP Chasing Motivation: Do THIS Instead for Lasting Change
One morning I received a call from one of our clients on her seventh cycle of chemotherapy.
She was exhausted and said, “Luke, I don’t think I can go through this anymore. I’m not motivated.”
I told her, “You don’t need motivation to endure chemotherapy. What you need is to remember the immense value of your family — two young daughters, your husband waiting for you at home, your parents who are still alive. By focusing on the value of these relationships, you’ll find the inspiration to keep going.”
And, she found the inspiration to persevere through her treatment.
Do you really need motivation?
I have always received these messages:
- Luke, how do I motivate myself to go to the gym?
- How do I find the motivation to endure my chemotherapy cycles?
- How can I motivate myself to work on my relationship, to deal with my in-laws, or to overcome issues with my spouse?
These questions are quite relatable for many of us. We often seek motivation, but the word itself is misleading.
Over the years, various cultures have ingrained the notion of motivation into our psyche. From online videos to motivational speakers, we’re taught that these sources will spark the drive we need.
But here’s the hard truth: Motivation is momentary and unreliable.
Let’s understand the illusion of motivation.
Think about it. How many times have you watched a motivational video or listened to an inspiring speaker, only to feel a temporary surge of energy?
- You might hit the gym for a few days or eat healthy for a week, but soon, that motivation fades out.
- You find yourself searching for the next boost to keep you going.
I’m not against motivational speakers—I motivate a lot through what I do.
However, I always stress the importance of moving from motivation to inspiration. The difference is profound.
Here’s why: Motivation has a shelf life, inspiration doesn’t!
Let me explain.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been fascinated by the subconscious mind, learning extensively from Dr. Bruce Lipton, a pioneer in epigenetics, a stem cell biologist, and bestselling author of The Biology of Belief & The Honeymoon Effect.
He’s been my mentor and his teachings have profoundly impacted my coaching and belief system over a decade of practice.
Learn from Dr. Lipton himself: Watch Decoding Epigenetics and Mastering the Subconscious Mind to Program our Genes
The key takeaway is simple yet powerful: Any lasting change starts in the subconscious mind.
- Want to hit the gym regularly? That decision must first be solidified in your mind.
- Want to improve your health? It all starts with a mental commitment.
Watching someone online might get you to the gym today, but without deeper mental conditioning, you won’t sustain that habit.
So, value what matters!
Here’s a thought-provoking statement: “We prioritize what we value.”
It’s as straightforward as that.
- If work dominates your life, it’s because you’ve assigned it significant value.
- If you’ve skipped workouts for a series binge, it’s because you valued the series more than your exercise.
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about understanding our priorities.
- For instance, if you claim you don’t have time for your loved ones, it’s not just a time management issue.
It’s about what you’ve prioritized and valued more in that moment.
How to move from motivation to inspiration?
Again, I repeat, to make lasting changes, prioritize what truly matters.
If you love your work, channel that same energy towards your health and relationships.
What is it that work gives you—recognition, appreciation?
Identify what’s missing in other areas and address it.
People often get attached to work, substances, or other distractions because they lack deeper attachments.
Understanding this can help shift your focus towards more meaningful connections.
- We often chase extremes—cutting out sugar for a month or setting drastic fitness goals. Instead, aim for balance.
- Make small, consistent changes. Enjoy a treat occasionally and then get back on track. Avoid the pitfalls of extremes.
The summary
- Identify what you value: Reflect on the most important aspects of your life. Write them down. This could include your health, family, relationships, and personal growth.
- Assign high value: Actively assign value to these areas. Understand why they are important to you and how they contribute to your overall well-being.
- Make conscious decisions: Prioritize actions that align with these values. For instance, if you value your health, make time for regular exercise and healthy eating without needing external motivation.
- Communicate and connect: Maintain open communication in your relationships. Ensure that even when disciplining, you do not withdraw love or basic emotional needs.
- Reflect and adjust: Regularly evaluate your priorities and actions. Make adjustments as needed to ensure that your daily habits reflect your true values.
Move from seeking motivation to finding inspiration. This shift in mindset can transform your approach to life, health, and relationships.
Are you tired of chasing motivation?
Let us help you shift your mindset from seeking momentary boosts to finding enduring inspiration.
Set up a one-on-one consultation with our integrative team of life coaches. They specialize in goal setting and achieving them.
Reach out to us at 1800 102 0253 or write to us at consults@lukecoutinho.com.
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