“Willingness is a state of mind that closely resembles motivation but is not exactly the same. I might be motivated to take a certain action yet unwilling to do so because of fear, cost, or some other factor. Willingness is the energizing force that moves me from intention to action.”
I came across this a couple days ago and it really struck a chord with me. There are many things in life we want to accomplish. We set goals for ourselves hoping to lose weight, finish a project, run a race, do yoga twice a week, etc. It seems that when we set the goal, we are motivated. How does that transfer into a willingness to act? Or what is holding us back from acting?
For me personally, I am motivated to meditate. I know that with my busy schedule – teaching 10+ classes a week, training 20+clients, teaching fitness classes to kids, taking care of my house and boys – I need to take time to slow down and breathe. I am motivated to meditate because I want to feel calmer and less stressed. I want my mind to feel less frazzled and I want to avoid the detrimental effects that elevated cortisol has on my body.
In spite of all this, I am not acting on it – I am not meditating. Why am I not willing to meditate?
After soul searching, I realize that the reasons:
Fear – that I won’t do it right
Skepticism – that it won’t work
Disorganization in my schedule – I need to prioritize and plan for the things that are important
Now that I have reflected on what is holding me back, I feel like I have more intention to act. I feel willing to meditate. I will keep you posted on my progress!
What are you motivated to do and how you can you become willing to do it?
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Right on! Great post. Think about all the people who don’t work out because of those exact same reasons! Start small (5 min a day). Make it a habit (21 days in a row). And I bet you see unbeliev
able results! (sorry bout that…must have hit the submit button a bit too soon!)
I found your blog through Ann at Twelve In Twelve and this post couldn’t possibly have come at a better time. I just wrote a post on my blog that I’m motivated to lose weight/get healthy but something’s holding me back from doing it. I think that “thing” is fear of failure.
I’m starting to make some smaller goals, ones that I can be successful at. I think once I start feeling like I’m accomplishing things, I’ll feel more positive and will start reaching my bigger goals.
Thanks so much!
Bridgette