I wonder what motivates the Amish to work so hard. Can you think of a group of more industrious and disciplined people? What inspires them?
I recently read on Facebook: “So much to do, so little desire to do it.” The words struck me because although desire is a good jumping-off point, it can’t accomplish a task. Many of us want a beautiful garden, but we don’t prepare the soil or select the plants. Others wish to learn to quilt or knit, but never bother to gather the supplies or take their first lesson. Desire without action is not enough.
I’ve a busy day ahead. I imagine the chores awaiting me. Empty the dishwasher, then refill. Never ending laundry to be sorted, washed, and dried. I may have shirts still not folded from the last load several days ago. They’re draped across a chair – alas, not fresh from an Amish clothesline.
At the top of my must-do list today is writing a blog post, but I have no dynamic, sizzling ideas. A walk would activate my thoughts and senses, yet I have no desire to move into action. Know the feeling?
I recall cajoling our sons into finishing their homework. We tried punishment and reward without success. What worked best? I think in the end, their own volition once they discovered what their goals were and realized they had the power to reach them. They both grew into responsible adults and immediately jumped into the workforce without their parents on their case.
My husband, a man who sets his alarm for 4:10 AM, is the epitome of motivation. His goal? To be first at the gym when the front doors open. He is more disciplined than anyone I know. Among other things, he’s a motivational speaker! If you are not sure of what a motivational speaker is or how they can help people in all different areas, you can learn more over at sportsspeakers360.com if you feel like you may be in need.
The word inertia comes to mind. I think of Newton’s first law of motion. A body at rest tends to stay at rest … Something like that.
How do you propel yourself into motion when you’re not in the mood? Motivation or Discipline?Do you have one trick to share with me? Please leave a comment and enter to win this lovely Amish-made Folded Star, from Lancaster County, PA, to be used as a centerpiece or wall hanging. Plus a signed book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, its sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada.
For me exercise is the big hurtle. I keep repeating 1 Corinthians 9:27 while driving to the gym, sitting in the car trying to talk myself into leaving, and even when walking inside.
“I beat my body and make it my slave…” As odd as it sounds, it’s empowering to realize I hold the power to force my body to do something it doesn’t want to do.
A terrific strategy, Jennifer! I’ve used all kinds of methods to trick myself into exercising, but none as good as this. Thanks to writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Since I have a bouts of depression sometimes motivation is terribly hard to achieve. Sometimes I try to think of the end result and how wonderful that feeling is and that will get me moving. Other times I think about the pleasure something will give my hubby when I actually complete a goal. Sometimes I let the depression win and sit down with a book, and I need no motivation to read, except the storyline and wonderful characters to make that happen. Books solve everything.
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading, Connie! Too bad books do not solve everything, but they sure are a lovely distraction. Envisioning of the end result and the wonderful feelings that come with it are certainly an excellent strategy. Also bringing your husband pleasure, lucky guy. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
For me I think of how I can leave an example for my chrildren and family, because we are a shining star for the next generation. what we do they follow so with every decision and move I make I ask myself is this something that will improve or make their life better and if I can answer yes I proceed.
You sound like a marvelous parent, Cherese! If only more mothers thought and acted as you do, the world would certainly be a better place. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh, to find that elusive “it”, the thing that will motivate me to act on my goals – consistently and long term.
Keep searching, Marie! Step number one is to decide upon a goal, then proceed in small increments. Some people make life look easy, but that’s an illusion. It takes commitment and hard work. I’m wishing you success! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My motivation comes from an imprinted saying within me ….”A place for everything, and everything in its place.” When I keep that in mind, I sense a continuity with the past, the present and the future. This saying applies for me to “everything” within my power to control…things, emotions, conversations, etc.
You sound like a very intelligent and thoughtful person, Karen! Thanks for writing and sharing your wisdom. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to make achievable goals, reward myself and then another goal. The bigger the goal the bigger the reward
What an excellent strategy, Katherine! I have to laugh at myself, because as soon as I read this I thought of rewarding myself with chocolate. Having the goal finished is actually a reward in itself. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I loved this blog post today. After a 10 year long period of having the most abusive neighbor ever and after much prayer they finally moved. For 10 years we couldn’t enjoy our house or our pool or even walking the neighborhood. Due to all the stress I put on quite a few pounds and felt awful about myself. My husband signed me up at his gym and begged me to go. I finally decided to go and cried my eyes out the first day and I wasn’t going back but then I thought of how Jesus hung on the cross for me and how he loved me and I knew I had to go back to take care of the body he gave me. Since November I am down 10 lbs but more importantly I feel amazing and the inches have melted away. I now have defined biceps, I can bIke 7-8 miles, and I go to zumba with my daughter as well. It’s been a long, hard road with many tears and I can’t do this but then I remember that ole devil wants me to think that and I say, “Not this time devil.”While I’m there I pray A LOT for everyone asking for good health for them.. They have no idea and that’s the fun of it. I will continue on my journey to good health but my motivation is Jesus and all he has done for me.
A beautiful letter and testimony, Janet! So glad your nasty neighbors moved away, but of course satan is lurking around every corner … I find that praying for my least favorite neighbors helps. Sounds as though you keep the Lord in your mind often. Way to go on losing that weight and changing your attitude toward exercise. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I think how good I will feel when the chore is done.
Great attitude, Diane! Completing a chore brings a wonderful feeling. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Motivation can be hard to come by some days. I hear my mother’s voice in my head. “If everybody only went to work when they were feeling 100% no one would ever go.” So true! Also having guests over helps to clean my house. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Sounds as though you had a wise mother, Kristie! Yes, having guests over does give me an impetus to get my house tidied up. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hard question, kinda. I think the act of looking forward and knowing how good it will feel to get a particular task finished is what motivates me. Otherwise I dread it, put it off, etc I didn’t used to be that way and so I must self-motivate myself, talk myself into doing something. And when it’s done the feeling is so good.
(I also agree with the poster that having company motivates me to CLEAN! I love to have company! )
I agree, Loretta, I feel so good when I get a task finished even if I’ve put it off. Eventually I muscle through and motivate myself. Walking in the rain is no fun, yet I feel great when I get home. As for a clean house, around here a straightening is always in order in case someone stops by … Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
Sure as you don’t straighten up…..somebody stops by! Ack!
I know that feeling, Loretta!
Kate
Hi Kate! I guess my way of talking myself into things is that if I don’t do it, it won’t ever get done! I know I’ve been struggling myself lately too, especially since it’s been months since I can find work…but I know we can do it! Thank you & God bless!
Hi Mallory! I am so sorry to hear you’re still without employment, especially when you had such a great job here. But some things are more important than jobs, right? I wish you all the best. God bless you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
LOL..my husband.. he is always encouraging me to get moving!
You must have a great marriage, Deanna! I’m not sure I would appreciate my husband’s encouragement in most areas … and he doesn’t like mine as it sounds like nagging to him. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am motivated to be all I can be for my family .. If what I do makes them happy and proud of me then I’m happy. I try to follow the 10 commandments for my discipline …
A lovely attitude, Sandi! Having your family happy and proud of you sounds glorious. I also try to follow the 10 Commandments for discipline. I’m sure I break all of them every day in some little way so I’m glad my salvation is secure. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
For me, I work on developing discipline. I know enough about myself now that the motivation that initially gets me to start something rarely lasts for long. It’s the discipline and the habit that keeps me moving forward. I am a work in progress because I have many disciplines I am working on developing fully.
Good for you, Candice! We are all works in progress … but not everyone is determined to develop many disciplines. Thanks for writing. I wish you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
For me personally I need to remove my self from what is causing my issue. Like go for a walk with some friends.
Unless pouring outside, I would rather walk with friends than sit down and eat with them, Kristina! Love walking by myself too. Then a snack after. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I usually keep my eyes on the prize and also the love of my family keeps me motivated.
Wonderful motivations, Antoinette! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
There are days when the alarm goes off at 4am for me to go to work that I wonder why I keep working. I sit down with my morning go getter and say tt o myself “maybe I’ll call in today and stay home” but then I think about my coworkers who depend on me to open the deli and what a day off would do to my paycheck, so I get motivated and go to work! Believe me my main motivation is to sit and read but without my job I’d have to cut down on my book purchases, that’s not going to happen. So you see I have several motivations to work!
You do have several important motivations to work, Pamela! Fewer and fewer people seem to have as good a work ethic as you, so congratulations for fulfilling your obligations and helping your fellow employees. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My husband helps me to keep motivated, by going for walks when I really would rather not and reminding me how good I feel after the walk. Thanks for the chance to win.
What a sweetheart your husband is, Debbie! I always feel better after a walk too, even if it’s raining. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Walking and reading help me to get thur the day.
You’ve found two good ways to get yourself through the day, Barbara! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The satisfaction of completing something on my to-do is wonderful. Wish it would quit growing again! My motivation is the results I see in whatever I do. And wanting to get things cleaned off my desk and put away. I think that it helps to be German, ha ha!
I could use some of your motivation when it comes to cleaning off my desk, Sonja! There are some things you can’t pay another person to do, or even asked them. Organizing a desktop are among them. All those little scraps of paper I dare not part with … Thanks for writing and sharing your German wisdom!
Kate
I am thinking get it done so I can start reading. A book again
A great thought to keep you motivated, Betty! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have long suffered from chronic pain and several mental health issues. To overcome a lifetime of bad choices I now have a structured routine daily. I wear a Fitbit to remind me of my desire to lose weight. I have a daily routine that reminds me to get things done, and for days like today I just enjoy the beauty of the days
A daily routine would help just about anyone, Bette! Congratulations for taking control of your weight and your to-do list, Including enjoying beautiful days. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Setting a goal to motivate plus knowing I’ll feel better when I get up to accomplish what is needed. Making a list and checking off what needs to be accomplished in a certain time frame also motivates–especially on a Saturday or days off of work. Some days though are tougher to get motivated–especially when I want to finish a book. LOL
Goal setting is an excellent motivation, Marilyn! Not to mention the good feelings you will encounter when you accomplish your task. You seem wonderfully organized. Thanks for writing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Motivation works best for me. I love reading and watching an occasional movie, so I set myself a goal every morning of what I want to accomplish and when my goal is met I treat myself with some reading time, a movie, or some quiet time before the kids get home from school.
Good for you for setting a goal every morning, Tiffany! You have earned your reading or movie break and will feel refreshed before your kids come home from school. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I use my 89 year old mom as an example. Some days you just don’t feel like doing much but keep looking up and do your best. She is an inspiration! Plus a blessing! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda
Your mom is serving as a wonderful example, Linda! I feel inspired just hearing about her. Thanks for writing and uplifting my day too!
Kate
That would be a beautiful addition to spring. Might be motivated to move a few things around
I may be motivated to pull the hose around the yard and do some watering if the weatherman hadn’t predict rain, Susan! It seems every time I water it rains. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Starting early in the day helps me. I lose my motivation when too many things get in the way. The mornings are peaceful and quiet.