Motivation/Action

If you're waiting for motivation to arrive, it's gonna be a long wait. Find out how to motivate yourself in this week's Grasshopper notes essay from John Morgan for the week of June 8th.

 Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Motivation/Action

Here's something I've noticed.

Most of us wait for motivation before we take action.

Unfortunately, that's usually a long wait.

We treat motivation like some mysterious visitor who shows up whenever it feels like it. It's like standing at a bus stop hoping a bus will arrive . . . even though no one's seen a bus there in years.

And because we think motivation has to come first, it becomes the perfect excuse.

"I'm just not motivated to exercise."

"I'm not motivated to clean up the yard."

"I'm not motivated to take the dog for a walk."

Pretty soon, motivation becomes our favorite escape word.

But here's the rub – as Shakespeare put it.

We've got the whole thing backward.

Motivation doesn't lead to action.

Action leads to motivation.

Think about how often you've sat in your favorite chair arguing with yourself over some chore you've been putting off. Let's say it's washing the car.

"Should I...or shouldn't I?"

The interesting thing is, debate almost never produces action.

It usually produces . . . more debate.

So instead of trying to win the argument in your head, interrupt it.

Just stand up.

Walk to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of water.

Move something from one spot on the counter to another.

Do anything that gets you physically moving.

Now you might be thinking, "What does any of that have to do with washing the car?"

Absolutely nothing.

That's not the point.

The exercise isn't about washing the car. It's about teaching your brain that you're capable of taking action.

Once you've broken inertia, taking the next step becomes easier. And then the step after that.

Action creates momentum. Momentum creates motivation.
 
Action is the spark. Motivation is the flame.

The more often you practice this, the more automatic it becomes. You're building an action habit that doesn't stop to negotiate with itself and doesn't sit around waiting to feel motivated.

Because the opposite of inertia isn't motivation.

It's action.

And once action begins, motivation usually isn't far behind.

All the best,

John