With so much going on in our lives, the everyday grind can sometimes seem monotonous and boring. Today I’m sharing Real Life: How I Find Motivation in my everyday life.
My baby sister recently visited me for a few days. After spending some time with us and my girls, she took off to start an adventure, going back to school for her master’s degree in a foreign country. And I have to say she left me feeling so proud, inspired and motivated.
She took the leap, took the plunge, packed up her life and is giving this a real shot. Did I mention how proud I am? Not only because she is my sister and I love her but because this is hard to do. Not everyone can find the drive to take action when we want more from life. Because in truth, it’s really hard.
I’m a sucker for stories of people taking big risks, making big life changes, packing up their lives, moving, starting a business, and just going for it! For me it’s the ultimate sign of adventure. And although I am no stranger to big life changes (like quitting my cushy corporate job to be at home with my kids, moving to Minnesota for a job), I sometimes have to remind myself that finding motivation in everyday life is just as important.
We don’t all live wild lives. Most people have 8 to 5 jobs, kids, houses, mortgages, yard work, bills, errands etc, etc. But more and more I think the key to being happy, engaged and present is being able to find motivation in the day to day stuff.
Now I can only speak for myself and what inspires and motives me. But just like I’ve found inspiration in my sister’s journey, maybe you and I can relate in some way.
How I’ve found motivation lately:
1. Finding inspiration
I am inspired by my family and friends. These are the people who strive to teach others, help others, better themselves even when it’s scary, work hard to provide for their families, and dare to take risks to follow their dreams. Sounds cheesy but I’m so lucky to know a pretty amazing group of people who truly inspire me to be the best version of me.
I also do my best to follow inspiring people via social media. Adventure seekers, travelers, masters of their crafts, rock star moms… people who are seizing the day.
2. Finding the why
This is easy to say, hard to do. But I like to start with asking “what is my reason for doing this?” Why is this important to me?”
My inspiration behind this blog, my tennis lessons and making meals for my clients is simple: I really truly love cooking and teaching others. My passion is to feed or help others feed their loved ones with great homemade food. And similarly I truly love sharing the sport of tennis with my students. That’s what inspires me to work hard even on the long hard days.
3. Leaning on my strengths
I think it’s easy to forget about our strengths when we are so focused on improving weaknesses. Sometimes the best way to stay motivated is to lean on your strength because these are the things that make you feel proud, strong and confident!
Before staying at home, I did not feel like I was able to showcase my strengths at my corporate job. These days I’m working my butt off to do what I love and find daily excuses to use my strengths! And although I’m no super star nor changing the world, I feel extremely motivated and happy to continue honing my strengths as a cook, teacher and mom.
4. Do what feels good
This one isn’t always easy, especially if you hate your job or parts of your job (like we all do). But it’s so important to feel good about some part of your day. That good feeling makes any task enjoyable and helps spark motivation.
For me, I feel best when I’m cooking and caring for others. Even though some days, I exhausted and just want to take a vacation, at the end of the day I feel good and satisfied with the work I do.
5. Do something I like
We normally hear “do what you love.” But really how many people LOVE what they do? I advocate that kind of liking what you do is pretty darn good. And if you truly hate what you do, take the plunge, opt for change.
Before starting SPS Meals, I needed a change. I felt a bit in a rut and like I needed to follow my passion for cooking. And let me tell you it was scary! But now being on the other side of the leap, it was worth it.
6. Talking it out
Anytime I feel unmotivated, uninspired and in a rut, I talk it out. With the hubs, my girl-friends, my mom, my sister… talking it out is so helpful. Even if nothing comes of it and no action is taking, talking things out helps to spark inspiration and sometimes even motivation. Plus it just feels good to vent.
7. Pairing up
Sometimes it’s easier to do things together than solo. Finding motivation to run, do yoga, meditate, socialize or eat healthier, these are all things that are great to do with a buddy. Whenever possible I love pairing up to tackle something new and scary.
For example, I recently chatted with a bestie about trying to mediate. I’ve never done it and have no idea how to start. And because this is something that I can see myself trying a few times and quitting, I definitely want to pair up and do it together. Strength in numbers, right?
8. Making time for me
Finding me-time helps me stay motivated in other parts of my life. Eating well, running/walking, chatting with friends, seeing family and traveling, all help me stay mentally, physically and emotionally healthy which in turn helps me stay motivated in my everyday life.
9. Look for the extraordinary
Day to day life can become so routine and mundane if we let it. Some weeks the girls and I seem to do similar things and it’s easy to feel unmotivated and uninspired. Those are the moments that I try to look deeper and find the positive on our lives and activities.
Marveling at how much my kids have grown and changed, finding gratitude in our day to day grind, getting excited for my work, celebrating the small stuff, making a special dinner, planning a date with the hubs. These daily moments are special, you just have to open your eyes and see it.
10. Doing it for me
I’m the first one to admit that a lot of what I do, I do for others. It seems like 90% of my day involves doing things for others people. Deep down, however, I find that spark of motivation and drive to follow my heart for ME and only ME. Because I truly want to do the things I do everyday. Because I want to do what makes ME happy. Because I love MYSELF. And because I’m 100% WORTH IT ❤️
What motivates you? What are things in your day to do life that inspire and motivate you to do great things?
Originally posted 2018-07-28 22:43:21.
Mina says
Valerie says