I lack the motivation to do things– every. single. day. Cooking? Cleaning? Chasing my sockless kid around the house? Spreadsheets? Social outings? A full night’s sleep?? In this economy???
It’s hard to keep up with our to-do lists. But guess what– even the most “put together” families on the planet don’t feel like getting things done.
You might ask, “well, how are they still doing it ALL?” Let’s talk about that. When we look deeper into what motivation is, we see that it’s the driving force behind discipline.
It’s what’s carrying us between our goal and our accomplishment. In other words, motivation is wanting to get things done. But when we’re exhausted, and we’re stressing over the things we have to do… that drive disappears.
Here’s our hack to be motivated (get things done) without being motivated (trying so hard). It’s called The Trigger Method. All you have to do is establish a pattern or routine to help you stay organized in reaching your goal.
For example: Let’s say your goal is to keep a clean house. If you dirty a dish, you must immediately get it into the dishwasher.
The trigger of “When I Do This, then I Will Do That” removes the forced ‘I have to do this’ motivation and becomes a standard practice over time. Repeated behaviors like this can turn into self-improving habits.
The best part?
It increases productivity while reducing mental stress. Being a motivated person just means that you’re in control of your life, you’re able to achieve your goals, and you’re living the life you want.
Take small steps, one day at a time, while your family is forming these habits. And most of all, remember to be patient because consistency is key.
You got this, parents! (P.S. don’t forget to reward your kiddos for doing it right… If they do it, THEN they are rewarded!)