Finding motivation for your goals while managing depression and anxiety is a myth

Do you want to start working out or getting in shape? Do you want to be more alert and engaged in your daily life? Do you want to stop letting your depression and/or anxiety control you and instead be in control of it?

Chances are you answered yes to at least one of those questions and maybe even all three. Now you might be thinking "so how to do I find the motivation to do those things while struggling mentally on a daily basis". I'm here to tell you, finding "the motivation" is a myth, especially for a lot of us who are struggling with a mental illness. I say "finding motivation" is a myth because some days the struggle to get yourself out of bed, showered and ready to face the day takes all the energy you have. So how in the world are you supposed to find motivation for something more?  

Okay let's say you decide, I want to start working out to be healthier and in better shape. Great! Now what? Maybe you talk about it with a friend or family member and they aren't someone who has struggled with a mental illness, I'd be willing to bet you you're going to hear something about how you need to find the illusive motivation. I truly don't think people understand what happens in the mind of a person with depression and anxiety when you hear how you need to find motivation. 

Here are a few things that crossed my mind when I heard this on one of my many missions of trying to start working out again:

  • If I was able to motivate/force myself and bring myself out of this funk, don't you think I would? 
  • You don't understand and just think I am lazy. Well I am lazy and should be able to get myself  moving! (Yep insert the negative self-talk that always likes to creep in during the worst possible times)
  • I wish I had a fairy godmother who could wave her magical wand and snap me into action. 
  • I'm never going to be able to find the motivation or stick with it, so I might as well just give up now. 
Since simply finding motivation is almost impossible to do or to maintain, especially on those practically bad days, what can one do to help get moving on a new goal or plan? Personally, I think it boils down to one word DISCIPLINE! 

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