This morning I read over every single entry I made during my 100 problem challenge earlier this year. Motivation came up a few times. I didn’t want to do my wii fit, braid my daughters hair and a few other chores. The solution I came up with was to weave this stuff into my schedule. Also if I don’t jam too much into one day that helps.
Also I wrote several times that desperation is motivational. However the desperation skews things and sometimes leads me down into rabbit holes and other strange places. I wake up and wonder, where am I and why do I have to do all of this work that has nothing to do with I really want to do?!?
A bout of desperation caused me-earlier this year-to volunteer for a program, get lots of books on the subject from the library, got to an all day event and listen to several hour long webcasts on the subject.
A subject I’m only mildly interested in by the way! While I’ve cut all ties with this particular subject matter, I have to admire my motivation!
On the other hand when something is built into your routine, you don’t need motivation. Yesterday it was 100 degrees in NYC. We have A/C in our bedrooms but not the kitchen yet I cooked a full meal. we’re talking chopping fresh brocoli and carrots, mincing garlic. I even turned on the oven! Every 15 minutes when I was waiting for something to boil, I’d go to my room to cool off for a bit, then go back. Was I “motivated” to cook with no A/C in 100 degree heat? I dont’ know but I did it because it’s part of my routine, to cook every night.
Today, it’s slightly cooler (91 degrees) and I did laundry in a steaming hot laundromat. Was I motivated? I don’t know, but I did it because my daughter needs her uniform skirts for this week and she’s fresh out.
The thing that I like about doing hard stuff like the two chores Idescribed above. (Okay, they’re not exactly “difficult.”) They’re more so “trying.” and the thing I like about doing these things is the reward of having it done. It feels FANTASTIC sitting here knowing I got the laundry out of the way early. So I have all of the rest of the day to chill. Well not chill exactly since there is still dinner to cook, but nothing I do for the rest of the day will be as “trying” as that particular task.
