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happiness
The Pursuit Of Happiness - Motivation
Motivation is one of the keys to the
pursuit of happiness. With it, we can take on dreams and overcome obstacles
and get things done. Without it we end up with unfulfilled desires and
hopes.
From giving up smoking to starting an exercise program, motivation is a huge
factor in our success. The more we know about motivation, the more likely we
are to succeed.
Here then is a wisdom key to motivation. There are really only two kinds of
motivation. Positive motivation and negative.
That's right. There are only two kinds of motivation when it comes down to
it. One is negative motivation. We are all familiar with this kind of
motivation, about avoiding a negative consequence. If you don't go to work,
you'll get fired. If you don't do the grocery shopping, you'll go hungry. If
you don't save money to pay the rent, you'll be out on the street.
That is negative motivation. We were raised with it. It is the threat of
something bad happening to us that gets us to act. There is nothing wrong
with negative motivation. It can help us give up smoking. Picturing clearly
the lung damage we get from every cigarette can negatively motivate us to
curb our intake. However, negative motivation is de-energizing. Sure, well
go to work, but well drag ourselves in and be miserable.
Positive motivation is also very useful. You may hate to get up at 4AM. But
if you are going to catch a flight to Hawaii tomorrow, you wont mind getting
up at 4am at all. Youll likely hop out of bed. When we WANT to do something,
we get all excited and enthusiastic. Positive motivation comes with energy
and will power.
The thing is, you can start to practice being positively motivated as much
as you want in life. Just think of the positive result you are after from an
exercise program for a few minutes. Then see if that doesn't start filling
you with the desire to get started.
Taking action is the key. You can take negative action, grumbling and
groaning all the way, or positive action, with a spring in your step. It's
up to you. Try more positive motivation, focusing on the good outcome or fun
parts of any task, and see if it doesn't help you take more positive action.
Take Action:
Try out positive motivation today on
something! Maybe an exercise plan. Think of how good you'll feel
when done, or how good you'll look in a month. Let that good energy
pull you to exercise!
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