What’s the catalyst between wanting to implement a new health change and actually doing it? Do you know what motivates you to make changes at all? Uncovering your core values may be the place to start.
Have you ever wanted to achieve something so desperately, that nothing could have gotten in your way? What would have happened if that desire were watered down?
When the things we desire are not aligned with our core values, we may tend to procrastinate, rationalize our way out of the commitment, or even sabotage our progress.
Has this ever happened to you?
I remember trying to learn to play the guitar at one point. I was certain that it was a priority in my list of to-do’s. However, I found myself unable to commit to my practice times, and decided the price of the lessons was too much for me to afford at the time. I reasoned that that it just wasn’t the right time for me to learn. I had too many things to do.
I later figured out why I quit. When I first started to play, my fingertips hurt like crazy. I was told I had to play more often to build up calluses. I continued to play through the pain, but at one point, I realized that once the calluses had been created, I’d have to continue to play – a lot! – in order to keep the calluses. I calculated the time I’d need to invest – then, and in the future – and it just didn’t pencil for me.
Even though I didn’t realize it at the time, I’d discovered that playing guitar didn’t align with my core values. I had other ways in which to spend my time that were more important to me.
Have you really thought about the goals you want to achieve and how they align with your values?
Check out this article about finding Motivation and you’ll find a downloadable Core Values Chart to make some discoveries on your own.
Do you know what some of your Core Values are? Share them in the comments below!