It gives me such a great feeling to accomplish something. It doesn’t matter what it is, big or small, the “feel good” feeling is still the same. Like last week. I went to the gym five days straight and it felt wonderful. I also completed a writing assignment I wanted to get done before heading out of town. And lastly, I finally closed the book on some projects at work that had been lingering for weeks. Three major accomplishments. One happy Stacey.
Rather than pushing myself to get it all done, I allowed myself to be pulled towards the direction I wanted to go. You see when I think about the difference between “pushing” and “pulling”, I have two very different reactions. Pushing forces me to focus on all the effort it will take to accomplish my goals, while pulling points me towards the benefits of accomplishing my goals.
When I push myself the dialogue in my head goes something like this:
- “Oh boy, I don’t feel like it, but I gotta get up this morning to get to the gym”
- *A sigh* “I guess I’ll turn on the computer and try to come up with something to write about”
- “I don’t know why I keep dragging my tail on this project, but it’s gotta get done so let me dive in”
When I pull myself or allow myself to be pulled or drawn towards the end results, the dialogue in my head goes something like this:
- “Walking first thing in the morning makes me feel good and I can start the day off with a clear head”
- “I can’t wait to finish this article because I know it will encourage and inspire my readers”
- “I’m looking forward to getting back to the office to start on some new projects”
Do you see the difference? Can you feel the shift in the energy between pushing and being pulled?
Keep this in mind the next time you need to be motivated to take action. Rather than expending tons of energy pushing yourself to do something, get inspired by the enjoyment you will experience from taking the steps that will lead you to your goal. Focus on the things that are pulling you (drawing you) towards that awesome feeling of accomplishment.
- Think about how wonderful it feels to take action
- Think of the relief you will feel once the task is completed
- Think about the pleasure and excitement you will feel from accomplishing that which you’ve set out to do
Pushing is exhausting. Instead allow yourself to be pulled towards your goals with purpose and pleasure as your focal point.
Your Turn To Share
What do you want to motivate yourself to do? How will you allow yourself to be pulled towards the direction of accomplishing your goals?