Have you ever had a goal you wanted to achieve, but couldn't seem to muster up the motivation to take action? It's like trying to get out of bed on a Monday morning, but the bed feels like a warm hug from a loved one. Let's face it, getting what you want and feeling like doing the work are two very different things. But fear not, my fellow procrastinators, the secret to success lies in consistent action, regardless of motivation levels; (this is key because you need to stop expecting success to include motivation along the way.) How to bridge the gap between goals and results? Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage, and let's get to work.
It's common for us to have ambitious goals and aspirations, whether it be a successful career, a healthy lifestyle, or meaningful relationships. However, even with the clearest vision of what we want, the process of taking action can seem daunting and overwhelming. Many of us have experienced the feeling of wanting to achieve something but feeling unmotivated or unsure of how to get started.
The reality is, motivation or intrinsic pull to perform a behavior is not a prerequisite to accomplishing your goals. While it certainly helps to feel motivated, the most successful people are those who have learned to take action regardless of their motivation levels. In other words, they understand that getting what you want and feeling like doing the work are two very different things.
One reason for this disconnect between goals and action is that we often overestimate the importance of motivation. We might believe that we need to feel motivated and inspired before we can start taking action. However, this mindset can be counterproductive because motivation is a fickle and unreliable emotion. It can come and go, and waiting for it to strike can lead to procrastination and inaction.
Instead, it's essential to cultivate a habit of taking action consistently, regardless of our motivation levels. This means showing up and doing the work, even when we don't feel like it. It's not always easy, but it's necessary if we want to bridge the gap between our goals and results.
Another reason for the gap between goals and action is that we often focus too much on the end result rather than the process. We might become fixated on achieving a particular outcome, which can create pressure and anxiety. When we focus too much on the end goal, we can overlook the small steps that lead to success. The process of taking action is often where the most significant growth and learning occur.
To bridge the gap between goals and results, it's essential to shift our focus from the outcome to the process. This means breaking down our goals into small, actionable steps and focusing on the daily habits that will help us get there. This doesn’t mean the “perfect step” it means the smallest possible movement toward the goal. When we focus on the process, we can build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment that can fuel our motivation.
When we're faced with a long to-do list or a complex project, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We start to worry about all the things we need to do, and we may even feel paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of the task at hand. It can be powerful to recognize that overwhelm is simply the result of placing too much focus on future tasks, instead of focusing on doing the one important thing that is in our control and at hand. When we're overwhelmed, we're essentially trying to control the uncontrollable, which only leads to more stress and anxiety.
The key is to focus on what we can control, and that is the present moment. By breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and focusing on doing just one thing at a time, we can alleviate overwhelm and make progress towards our goals. When we stay present and focused on the task at hand, we can avoid getting lost in the endless possibilities of the future and take meaningful action towards achieving our goals.
Achieving our goals requires consistent action, regardless of our motivation levels. We must learn to bridge the gap between what we want to achieve and the actions we need to take to get there. By cultivating a habit of taking action and focusing on the process, we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way and achieve our dreams. Remember, getting what you want and feeling like doing the work are two very different things, and success comes to those who are willing to put in the effort, even when they don't feel like it.