What's your motivation?

Between KCMetromoms and Google Adsense, I got the point real quick ... I need to be blogging about motivation today. Why? Because I have NONE! So, I am hoping with writing about it, it might magically appear.

I will be starting a new series on Mondays called .... bum, bum, bum ... Motivation Monday. This (like many others) is the one day that I really have a hard time getting myself to do anything.

I have a motivation strategy .... I just have a hard time following it *laugh*

Step 1: Answer the question "why?"
 The question you must ask yourself is "why?" Why must I get up? Why must this be done? Why do I not want to do it? For some people, it is money. They have to get up to get to work and work pays the bills. For others (like me), the answer is children. If I do not get up, then the children will destroy the house, be late for school, and so forth.

The question of why it should be done, may not always be as easy. The reason is we may be doing something for reasons that are not necessary. You may feel you need to do something just to impress someone. There are a lot of possibilities, but if you can answer the question, then you often will find your motivation.

Finally, ask yourself why you don't want to do it. Are you tired? Are you burnt out? Are you just being lazy? I wished I had asked myself this a long time ago. I feel that the last two years may never have transpired if I did.

Step 2: The Force
The biggest part of getting motivation to do something is to fight the force. When you sit down, you have the law of inertia working against you. Things that are in motion, stay in motion. Therefore, if you get started on a project, you are more likely to finish it. Something I am supremely guilty of is taking a 5 minute break, getting on Facebook, and it is an hour later. I have been getting better and doing work while I am on the computer. Those times are fleeting as my girls love snuggles and book reading.

Step 3: Reward Yourself
When you accomplish a task that you were procrastinating or having a hard time building the motivation to do, reward yourself. After working out, reward yourself with a sweet healthy snack (popcorn or a small rice krispie treat). After working all day, reward yourself with a good book or a television show. There are many ways you can refill that energy cup and make it easier to keep up the routine.

So, as I am typing this, I am getting the motivation to write a few articles while my little girls nap. That will free me to spend some time cleaning their room when they wake. What helps spur your motivation?