You Don't Need Motivation, You Need to Think Further Down the Line

Motivation is a finicky thing.

We want motivation to carry us towards our goals, whatever they may be.

I want to flip that perspective around on you today.

Instead, consider that long term goals keep you going when there is no motivation left in the motivation jar.

Here’s an easy example. I want to live to be 100 years old. And not just get there, but thrive there. If I had to boil that goal down even further and be even more vague, I want to live a long, healthy and capable life.

So whenever I’m feeling unmotivated to train, or run, or lift heavy stuff, I remember that long-term goal, the point of all of it: to feel good and stay healthy for my whole life.

More often that not, this gets me to do something. Maybe it’s just 100 bodyweight squats, or 5 sets of 5 goblet squats with a light kettlebell or a couple of push ups. With the clear view of my long term goal, it helps me do something, just something, even if it doesn't necessarily push me closer to short-term goals like running a 100 mile race or deadlifting 500 pounds.

It’s the time of year more and more people start feeling unmotivated.

Just remember, it’s okay to not always be chasing short-term goals. You’ll have unproductive workouts in the short term. But if you’re able to zoom out, and consider your bigger, broader goals, all the training, all the workouts, all the food choices are productive.

Have a clear path you’re on. If you don’t know where to start, consider where you want to be when you’re 100.

Justin Miner