Motivation is What Gets You Started, Habit is What Keeps You Going

In the journey of self-improvement, success, or reaching any goal, motivation and habit play two distinct but equally vital roles. The phrase, “Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going,” encapsulates this idea beautifully.

Understanding how motivation and habit work together can be the key to unlocking lasting change in any area of life. Let’s dive into the essence of this concept and explore how to harness both for long-term success.

The Role of Motivation: A Spark That Lights the Fire

Motivation is the initial push, the burst of inspiration or enthusiasm that ignites action. It might come from a compelling goal, a life event, or a desire for self-improvement.

For instance, someone wanting to get fit may feel a surge of motivation after seeing an inspiring transformation or experiencing a health scare. This excitement and sense of purpose fuel the drive to take that first step.

Motivation can stem from various sources:

• Intrinsic Motivation: This comes from within, driven by personal satisfaction or a sense of fulfillment. Examples include wanting to learn a new skill out of curiosity or exercising because it makes you feel good.
• Extrinsic Motivation: This type comes from external rewards or pressures, like aiming for a promotion, seeking praise, or trying to avoid negative consequences.

Both types of motivation can be powerful, but the key is understanding that motivation, by nature, is fleeting. It’s often at its peak at the start but tends to wane as challenges arise or the novelty wears off. That’s where the power of habit comes in.

Building Habits: The Key to Consistency

While motivation may help us start, it’s not always reliable for sustaining long-term efforts. Habits, on the other hand, provide structure and routine that can carry us through even when motivation dips.

When we build a habit, we essentially create a system that turns desired behaviors into routine actions, making it easier to stick to our goals without needing constant motivation.

To create a habit, consistency is crucial. Neuroscientific research shows that repeating an action strengthens the neural pathways associated with that behavior, eventually making it second nature.

For example, if you start working out every morning, over time, it becomes a regular part of your routine, something you do almost automatically. Habits eliminate the mental fatigue of decision-making, replacing “Should I?” with “This is just what I do.”

How Motivation and Habit Work Together

Think of motivation as the initial spark that starts a car and habit as the fuel that keeps it running. Both are essential, but they play different roles in the journey. Here’s how to leverage both:

1. Start with a Strong Motivation: Find a powerful reason behind your goal. Write it down, visualize it, and keep it as a reminder of why you started. This initial motivation will help you push past the early resistance and discomfort.
2. Build Small, Manageable Habits: Once you’re motivated to start, focus on building small, sustainable habits rather than aiming for large leaps. Tiny, consistent actions are easier to maintain and less likely to be derailed by setbacks.
3. Use Motivation to Reinforce Habits: When you feel your motivation starting to dip, remind yourself of the reason behind your goal. Return to your inspiration or seek new sources of motivation, like reading success stories or celebrating small wins, to keep reinforcing the habit.
4. Adapt and Adjust: Sometimes, motivation will be lower, and even a habit might feel challenging. It’s okay to adjust your goals or habits to match your current level of motivation. Being flexible helps prevent burnout and keeps you on track in the long run.

Practical Tips for Turning Motivation into Habit

Here are some practical ways to build habits that stick:

• Set a Routine: Decide on a specific time or place for your habit to make it part of your daily schedule. For example, if your goal is to read more, dedicate 15 minutes every night before bed.
• Use Triggers: Triggers are cues that remind you to perform your habit. For example, placing your workout clothes next to your bed can remind you to exercise in the morning.
• Track Progress: A visual tracker, like a calendar or journal, can help you monitor your consistency and motivate you to keep going.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your progress with small rewards to reinforce the positive association with your habit.
• Be Patient: Remember that it takes time to build a habit. Research suggests it takes about 21 days to form a habit, but complex ones may take longer. Be patient and allow yourself to adjust.

Embracing the Power of Habit for Long-Term Success

While motivation may fade, a well-formed habit has the power to sustain you through challenges, busy times, and even days when you just don’t feel like it. By turning actions into habits, you can create a framework that supports your goals and becomes part of who you are.

In the end, motivation is the spark that lights the fire, but it’s habit that keeps the flame burning. So, let motivation inspire you to start, and let habit guide you to the finish line.