Beginnings hold a special kind of magic. They represent a clean slate and the chance to start fresh. For many, the new year symbolizes this moment, so we set new goals and embrace a renewed sense of optimism. But before long, that initial excitement fades. January slips into February, which bleeds into March. Q1 becomes Q2. Before we know it, the sense of newness is gone, and our motivation starts to fade too.
Do you struggle with a nagging sense of disappointment over the goals you’ve set for yourself? Do you sometimes feel you’ve blown it, and are tempted to retreat into your comfort zone? Do you notice those you lead losing momentum, and feel uncertain how to guide them back on course?
Motivation tends to ebb and flow, but true commitment keeps us moving forward, even when the initial excitement wanes. If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated, here are three mental reframes that can help you maintain your commitment to positive change throughout the year.
1. Break Beginnings Down
A new year is exciting, but it’s just a way of keeping track of time and the seasons. Within each year, we have 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, and yes, 525,600 minutes. Why not look at each month, week, day, hour, and minute as a beginning?
Every moment of your life is an opportunity to show up intentionally and as your best self. What happened 10 years ago and yesterday are just memories. The future is just a concept—a way to describe what TODAY will be when it arrives. So, don’t beat yourself up over lost time or wait for some distant future to take action. The current moment is all we truly have, so make the most of it.
Viewing yourself in the future can provide inspiring vision. But recognize all you can do in the now to set yourself up to achieve that vision. Forward momentum results from the daily, even hourly, rituals we develop that set us up for a year—and lifetime—of success.
2. Recognize Resistance to Change
There’s something that goes on beneath our conscious awareness as we try to make a change in our lives. It has to do with our hard-wired resistance to change.
As humans, we crave stability, and all beginnings represent some type of change. Which means all change—even positive change—can be stressful. Think about a time you faced a big change—a new house, car, job, responsibility, or relationship. Even as you moved forward, there was a nagging, underlying fear, or a moment of panic. You may have even asked yourself if you should stay where you are – safe, secure, and risk-free.
Resistance to change is a natural response to stepping outside our comfort zones. Embrace this resistance as a sign that you’re on the right track—pushing through it is what leads to real growth.
If you feel stuck, ask yourself if you are in some way resisting change. You may feel stuck because your soul longs for more. Pay attention to your soul.
3. What’s Your Weak Link?
When you fall off course, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, ask yourself these questions:
Desire – Is my desire strong enough? What’s my “why?” How will this change impact my life? How will those I love benefit?
A strong desire leads to a decision, and then to action. Keep asking why until you hit a real nerve. Our deeper motivations are more compelling than any fleeting, surface motivations. Find your why and keep it front and center daily.
Knowledge/Skills – Am I equipped with the right tools? What do I need to learn or refine?
Ask yourself what information or abilities you need to support your commitment to change. Then go get what you need.
Reinforcement – Who supports me on this journey? Who are my cheerleaders, and who holds me accountable? How am I reinforcing what I’ve learned?
Being resourceful includes calling on others for support as needed. Some days you may need a listening ear; other days you may need a swift kick. Perhaps you need a mentor or a coach. Lean on others and find whatever reinforcement you need to help you stick to the rituals that lead to positive change.
No Matter What, Keep on Going
Don’t let the calendar dictate your journey. Each day, week, month, hour, and minute is a new beginning. Push through resistance, evaluate what holds you back, and gather the support you need. The chapters of your story are unfolding—make them brilliant.