Do you ever have problems getting motivated? You know you need to accomplish something, but you just don't seem to have the energy or gumption to get moving. I have been feeling this way most of the day, so I know exactly what you are experiencing.

The biggest problem with motivation is that most of us just wait for it to come. We keep procrastinating -- putting off the task until we "feel" better. However, motivation does not come to those who are idly waiting. Motivation comes to those who are moving or taking action. Motivation comes after action.

Get Moving to Get Going

Have you ever had the experience of exercising when you did not feel like doing it? You may have been too tired, or maybe you wanted to sleep in rather than schlep over to the gym for your morning workout. Remember the time that you made yourself do it? When you started exercising, you began to feel better, and you may have had one of your best workouts ever. You then reminded yourself that you always feel better after exercising. It is easy to forget how good exercising feels when you are lying in a warm bed.

Motivation builds on itself. The more action you take, the more you feel like taking. It seems that the busier you are, the more capable you become. Completing task after task generates positive feelings, and you just want to keep going.

Stop Thinking and Start Doing

So the next time that you are feeling less than enthusiastic about exercising or beginning a new project, just focus on the feeling of accomplishment that you will feel after completing your task. A simple but effective method to get going is to make a commitment to spend just 10 minutes at the task. Promise yourself that you will take a 10 minute walk or that you will spend 10 minutes planning the project or 10 minutes sorting laundry. The point is to begin whatever you feel like you need to be doing. As you start the task, you will build momentum and will usually discover that you feel like spending much more than 10 minutes. Even if you do not go more than 10 minutes, you will have broken the procrastination barrier. You will then feel more like taking action the next day.

Don't think too much about why you don't feel like taking action, and don't come up with rationalizations about why you don't have time to do it - just do it. Remember that positive emotion comes after positive motion. You will feel good about yourself when you are busy doing what you know is important to you. What are you procrastinating about right now? Resolve to spend the next 10 minutes doing something productive. You will be glad that you did.

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Dr. Doug Fullington is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with a busy practice filled with wonderful patients. He is passionate about helping people learn how to Achieve Maximum Health. If you would like for Dr. Fullington to speak to your group or organization, you may contact him at http://www.DrDougFullington.com