What’s your motivation?

Have you ever thought about why you do what you do?

It's interesting to explore what leads us to do the things we do. Both the things we like about ourselves and the things we're not so proud of.

Where does the desire to do them come from?

Many of my habits have been developed over a lifetime. I do them automatically, without thinking- but where did they start? If I sit with that thought, I often realise I've been shaped by what parents, teachers and siblings have said and done from an early age.

Sometimes I find myself avoiding situations because in similar situations I've found myself embarrassed or feeling out of my depth. 

Take embracing new technology, for example. I find myself resistant to embracing AI because I don't understand it, I don't want to look or sound foolish when discussing it and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

Other habits- like exercise, are easy for me. I enjoy exercising both in the moment and the long term results of regular exercise.

There's two forces at play here.

Sometimes I do things to avoid something. Moving-away motivators like guilt, shame, fear or anger.

Other things I do are in the pursuit of a better life. I'm drawn towards them.

Both types of motivators are helpful, but I believe it's a lot more fun to find motivators that pull me towards a positive outcome, rather than repel me away from a negative outcome.

Finding the motivation to give up cigarettes may start with avoiding cancer and premature death, but hopefully it also includes living a better quality of life. 

When the two motivators work together, behavior change can be much easier- and enjoyable.