Some of you may ask, “Aren’t you an inspirational blogger?” If you do, allow me to elaborate on my thoughts. I have contemplated this thought over the years. I have read inspirational books, articles, social media posts, and have gained temporary insight from each one I have read. I am not advocating we stop reading or watching motivational speakers at all. They add something to our thought process. Bear with me while I move through my thought process which was the “inspiration” behind the title.
Do you remember when you were a child and wanted to achieve a certain goal? It might have been to throw a softball, twirl a baton, ride a bike, run faster than anybody else, etc. Whatever the goal was, it was your personal goal and even though others had mastered this task, it only meant something to you when you accomplished it and could smile knowing you had achieved your goal. This is the element that created the title and let’s dive into this process.
I will share a few thought provoking questions to start this mental process:
- When you see someone doing something you find exciting, interesting, and/or challenging, what is the first thought going through your mind?
- When you have a goal, such as weight loss, how much thought do you give it as to how you will obtain your goal?
- Do you ask questions, research, or go to seminars or watch learning videos for ideas?
- Do you feel you can accomplish any task you set your mind to undertake?
- Do you see yourself successful or do you see yourself in a rut and can’t get out?
The reasons I ask these questions is if you can answer them in a positive light, you are there, right there with me, asserting yourself as ‘I can do anything I set my mind to doing.’
Starting with question 1, if you are excited, interested, and/or challenged, you have taken Step 1 in self motivation even if it is an outside source/person who initiates your mental intrigue.
Secondly, if you don’t jump in impulsively on a new goal, as I exampled, weight loss and you spend time with yourself to prepare your mental state to work with you and not against you in this process. It is great to research to find the best and most workable plan for your individual needs. Losing weight is not a one size fits all and your tastes, disciplinary levels, health, and how you perceive yourself in whichever method you choose.
Thirdly, researching, learning and asking questions is essential. When you find ways to achieve any goal, it becomes personal to you. Tweak a plan, try alternate methods, and by all means, go with what is achievable to avoid setting yourself up for failure. Work mentally for success, not failure by exercising positive statement and rewards for progress levels. I have lost almost 40 pounds but I don’t go by a hard goal of 50 or 60 pounds but I take celebration breaks at 10 pound intervals. In other words, set intermediary goals along the way and cheer yourself onward.
The fourth question should be the number 1 question but I didn’t want to throw a monkey wrench in our inspirational journey. ‘I think I can, I think I can, I think I can should be ‘I know I can, I know I can, I know I can! Think of the times when you have made up your mind to do something. What happened? Unless some uncontrollable factor came into play, You Did It. Believing in yourself and not following anyone because they accomplished it is the KEY.
The fifth thought is vital. Look in the mirror and see your hero. This is the person, as a matter of fact, the only person who can change your life, inspire you to the point of action, and maintain a vigilant presence to keep you on track. Say to yourself, I CAN DO THIS! I WANT TO DO THIS! I WILL DO THIS!
I read an article about Cliff Young who at 61 won an UltraMarathon against young runners. He never thought about actually winning, if there was a prize, but he knew he was good at running. Google his story as it will be one of inspiration. I write inspirational posts and blogs and have done my best to motivate others. If you can dream it, it is in your mind to accomplish it. You have already thought of what you want to accomplish, all you have to do is DO IT!
Thanks for reading my blog and allowing me to offer a reason why you have all of the tools to inspire yourself and once you do something you have a desire to accomplish, a greater goal appears…..You want to share it with others.
(C) Copyright 2012-2020 Arline Miller of Sipping Cups of Inspiration, author with all rights and privileges reserved. Third party material is sourced to original location if known, for credit references.
Nice article…
Inspiration has to come from what thin…the you pulling yourself…like doing exercise not because you want to lose weight but because it makes you feel good…because moment you link it to losing weight than your happiness is dependent on weight loss and not daily exercises….and if for some reason weight is not reduced than you may end up classifying the entire effort of exercising as wastage…
Krish, I agree wholeheartedly as when I began a healthier eating program, it was not my goal to lose weight but to get a better grip on my Diabetes type 2. I wanted to see my numbers get normalized so my focus was primarily on lowering my A1C. As my eating became healthier and utilizing small portions at regular intervals, the weight loss was a bonus. Your words are wise and sometimes people focus on a distraction goal. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it greatly.
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