The Beautiful Side of Life
(because life keeps going even when it's crazy...)
"I'm so unmotivated"
Self-motivation is our internal drive to keep going, even when things are tough. But what do we do when our self-motivation is stuck in the mud?
This is another one of those "I-wish-I-had-a-magic-wand" things ... if I could just hand out self-motivation like candy, trust me, I would.
What I can tell you is this ... IT MATTERS. It's a quiet day where it seems like there is nothing going on? IT MATTERS! You're battling disappointment and discouragement? TODAY STILL MATTERS! Your goals seem so far away that what does today matter? IT MATTERS!
I can't say it enough. It matters. Today matters. You matter.
The majority of times motivation is a head-shift. Maybe the circumstances around us don't change, but our attitude and outlook changes ... and that changes everything.
I realize the world is crazy, but I also want to remind you that the world is still spinning. And as long as you woke up with breath in your lungs this morning ... your life has purpose.
How self-motivated are you? Take the quiz to find out!
Ok, I'm unmotivated ... now what?
I'm keeping this list crazy simple because I want it to be something we actually DO. Lists and strategies are great, but if all we ever do is read about it, it doesn't actually benefit us. Even if you take one item off this list and start incorporating it into your daily schedule, that's a step in the right direction!
1. Create a keystone habit (see the video above!): A keystone habit is "a small change or habit that people introduce into their routine that unintentionally carries over into other aspects of their lives." Simply put ... do SOMETHING different. Wake up and make your bed. Normally do school in your bed? Get up and sit at the table. Dedicate 15 minutes that you won't look at your phone (not even if it dings!). Exercise. Pick one thing that you are going to incorporate into your day that is different than your usual. When you start your day by adding one simple task, it creates a domino effect on the rest of our day.
2. Set small goals for your day: Keep them simple and write them down. Having a checklist gives us a visual aid that we are accomplishing something, and checking things off that list becomes really satisfying. Make a new list each morning of what you would like to accomplish for the day. Stay consistent.
3. Take care of your body: Drink water - eat healthy foods during the day - move your body! This stuff is all basic, but it's so important. Our bodies need fuel to function. Not much time between classes? Do some jumping jacks ... do a plank ... walk a lap around your house. Little breaks are better than no breaks at all!
What's my Word?
(And for all 7-12th graders that want me to send them a reminder ... complete the form below giving me your name and your word!)
I posted this video on a previous newsletter ....
Want a little extra help figuring out where your motivations lie? Writing often helps us make sense of a swirl of emotions going on inside of us, and helps us make sense of why we do what we do. Take the one-week motivation journaling challenge!
A healthy reminder:

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