Don't Wait For Motivation

Wanting to do something more with your life? I recently read an article entitled Don’t Wait for Motivation. Do This Instead. I was intrigued because I, like many other, have those days when I’m not motivated and wanted to see what others were doing to get ahead. Consider this, the most successful people in their field, whether it be sports, business, writing, etc don’t wait until they’re motivated to do something before they do something. They schedule it and they plan it. Today, most people’s day gets away from them leaving them with nothing to show for the things they truly wanted to do. Before they know it 5, 10 or more years go by and they wonder how they’ll ever get want they want now.

Below are some examples I took from the article that really made me look at how I’m scheduling myself. First, “Franz Kafka is considered one of the most creative and influential writers of the 20th century, but he actually spent most of his time working as a lawyer for the Workers Accident Insurance Institute. How did Kafka produce such fantastic creative works while holding down his day job?

By sticking to a strict schedule.”

“He would go to his job from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, eat lunch and then take a long nap until 7:30 PM, exercise and eat dinner with his family in the evening, and then begin writing at 11 PM for a few hours each night before going to bed and doing it all over again.” I've found this to be very helpful. I have my set work schedule that doesn't change. From there, I determined what needed to get done during my day to accomplish my long-term goals and then I scheduled the time.   I've found I get tons more accomplished and really feel I’m making a difference.

Secondly, for those of you familiar with weight lifting or just working out in general, might be able to relate to this. It’s difficult to say exactly when you’ll be at the gym and set a PR (Personal Record), but if you aren’t consistently scheduling yourself and showing up to do the work, that PR most certainly won’t happen. I’ve also found this to be true in my life. When I’m consistent with a planned schedule of working out, I make bigger gains when I least expect them.

Many things don’t “happen” for people because they’re spending too much time wondering when or where they’re going to do it. You could say the same for building a habit, writing an article or a book, working out, starting a new job, or even starting or building your own business. And building a business can even give you more time freedom if you work it correctly.

If you don’t have the time to do the things you want, write out your daily schedule. Put it to paper so you can see exactly what demands your time. I’m certain you’ll find some time to do those things you “don’t have time for,” I certainly did! Now, schedule yourself, make a system and stick to it, and don’t wait until you get motivated. Do this, and your life will change for the better.

- written by Dr. Matt Link