Motivation Follows Action

All year we’ve been writing about how we build habits.  We’ve used James Clear’s best-selling book, Atomic Habits, to outline some of the best practices in habit-building.  All of these practices are extremely effective; however, there are two more key points to consider in behavior change: 

1. Make the habit about YOU, not results
2. Planning is great, starting is better

Too often, when we set goals, we make it all about the outcome.  Clear introduces the concept of identity-based habits, where the focus is less on achieving external results and more on becoming the type of person who naturally performs the desired behaviors. Instead of setting goals like "I want to run a marathon," it’s more effective to say, "I am a runner." By linking habits to your identity, you make them more resilient and sustainable because they become part of who you are, not just what you're trying to achieve.

Finally, we tend to wait until “the right time” or “motivation strikes” to get started with a new behavior or habit.  But the truth is:  Motivation follows Action.  

As Brad Stulberg says, “We don’t need to feel good to get going.  We need to get going in order to give ourselves a chance at feeling good.”  

Whatever it is you want to see change in your life, begin it now.  It doesn’t have to wait until a new day, week, month or year.  Just begin it.  And watch the change happen.  

And if you’re not sure how or where to start, your DREAM4 Coach would love to help you get going!