DREAM BIG

“THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT IS DESIRE.” 

Napoleon Hill

Let’s talk about motivation. One question I’m always asked is: how do I find the motivation to keep training? 

I remember as a child I really enjoyed being active. In 5th grade I would wake up early to go play sports before school started. In 6th grade out of self incentive I joined the only boarding school in Moldova that specializes in Sports Performance. After a few weeks of intense training I was ready to quit. My parents made sure to remind me of my own decision, so I persevered. We trained twice a day, 10 workouts a week with one rest day on Sunday. In 10th grade after taking 5th place at the European Freestyle Wrestling Championship, I switched schools discouraged and unmotivated to continue wrestling. After only a couple of months I went back to training to later pursue a degree in coaching. 

I’ve learned that when goals are perceived to be too challenging to attain it’s easier to give up. Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, we must instead reevaluate our objectives and their course of action. Research shows that breaking down a goal into a set of sub-goals has been shown to reduce the difficulty of the pursuit and to provide positive reinforcements that lead to greater motivation and persistence. 

James Clear, an All-American Baseball player, attributes his success to the pre-game routine he developed that allowed him to perform at the highest levels despite feeling motivated or not. 

His pre-game routine for playing baseball included getting his shoes on then walking towards the midfield to start warming up. When I’m about to lift heavy I focus on form, breathing and bracing to get me out of my head. Wrestling coach, Mike DePalma, says his simple routine consists of getting up at the same time everyday, getting his work out clothes on and driving to the gym. 

Clear writes, “the most important part of any task is starting. If you can’t get motivated in the beginning, then you’ll find that motivation often comes after starting.”

                                               Conversation Starters:

I’m listening:

• “Fixing The Character Deficiencies in Your Life”, The Game Podcast with Alex Hormozi

• “How to Increase Motivation & Drive”, by Huberman Lab Podcast

• “Losing Those Winter Pounds”, by Dishing Up Nutrition Podcast

I’m reading:

• The Vital Importance and Benefits of Motivation, by Beata Souders, MSc., PsyD candidate

• Letters from Esther Perel #41: A Practical New Year’s Resolution? Find Balance

• Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training Edition, 3rd edition, by Mark Rippetoe and Jason Kelly