Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash
I’m not a self-starter. I can have lofty ambitions and big dreams, and even write out “SMART” or 90-day goals, but the follow-through is soooo hard for me.
I think a lot of my trouble with this stems from wanting all of the information before I begin, or to know the “best” way possible to do something.
Need to deep clean the kitchen floors? It would be fun to look up a homemade recipe for something sweet-smelling and non-toxic. And while I’m at it, how about I spend hours researching which brand of essential oils will be best in these homemade things… and then never even buy anything.
Want to be a writer? How about I join a writing group, listen to hours of teachings and take bunches of notes, but rarely actually sit down and write…
Ahem.
I’m extremely motivated by outside forces. If friends are coming over for dinner, you’d better believe I’ll have toys picked up and the floor vacuumed and the counters wiped down with whatever cleaner I have on hand. And when I taught a break-out workshop at a conference this summer? I had a deadline, people were counting on me, and so got it done.
But inner motivation? Pretty much non-existent here. I can be a bit too lazy when left on my own. And often when I actually have time for my own thoughts and activities (like right now when the toddler is napping), all I’m actually motivated to do is take a nap myself. 🙂
How’s your own motivation, when it comes to getting started and taking that first step toward reaching your goals?
Five Minute Friday is a weekly opportunity to simply write about one word for only five minutes (though I almost always go over!), and link-up what you’ve written, to connect with other writers. Today’s prompt is “START”.
Ahhh you are a kindred spirit for sure. Although, I gave up researching toxicity levels long ago because there is so much everywhere, I couldn’t find where it mattered most, landed in buying organic as often as possible and let the rest go. I’m not a super cleaner gal, so my kids aren’t exposed to toxicity in cleaners, only the toxicity in dust, dog hair and random dirt outside… and, now that you’ve written this blog, I hope you still have time for a nap. Never underestimate the benefit of being a well-rested mommy. It is WISDOM not laziness… I promise! Tired mommies are cranky mommies… at least that’s been my experience. 😉 Blessings to you and your beloved ones. Visiting from #26 FMF
“and let the rest go…” can be so hard. 🙂 And yes, I did fit in a short nap! It was a great afternoon!
Wanting all the information before I begin can be a problem for me too. And I agree, it’s much easier to make myself finish something if someone else is depending on it than if it’s just for myself. Your FMF neighbour at #25.
I’m actually at #24! 🙂
It’s a learning process for sure!
I guess I’m very similar. As long as there’s a deadline or people waiting for something I can get it done. But when it comes to creating in my own pace, I often struggle with perfectionism and being overwhelmed at where to start. Thanks for sharing!