HELP! Wanted: Motivational Speakers, Motivators. Speaking of Motivation...

Motivation, Wanting: One would think, expect that, when the forces of the current pandemic began ebbing a bit, when we were all allowed, invited even, to go back out, "come back" to the office, back to "In Person" school, after a sustained period during which the main mantra was "when this is all finally over, I'm gonna...I can't wait to..." would eventuate in lots of action, engagement across mental, physical, and social domains. What I've seen (actually more what I have not seen) and heard lately has looked quite different. Surprise! Instead of a torrent of mental, social, and physical activity, after pent up demand, after people saying they would come back all "psyched up" followed by sustained drives toward various goals, what I have seen and heard in and out of my office, on zoom and in person, indicates that these collective intentions have yet to come to fruition. While you and I expected a high level of motivation manifested in various ways, we have, even with best of intentions born in the crucible of the many months of pandemic conditions, I/we have found motivation to be....well, wanting. Thus, "Motivators Extraordinaire needed...still"

Motivational Speakers: Come to us, at us (e.g., both in the office and on TV) in many forms, persona, styles, approaches...from the "ridiculous to the sublime" (see 9/28 post for larger context): some tell funny stories, jokes, of course, using humor as the best medicine to bring us at least temporary relief from the mundane with which we were engaged in our personal bubbles called cubicles (to which we will return in just a few), to stir, wake in us our 'inner child'😜...Some share stories of individuals who have it a lot harder than any in the audience (probably), who have managed to overcome incredible odds, meant to stir, awake in us our own sense of perseverance, resilience...Some speakers simply remind us of the research demonstrating 'effective strategies of effective people'...blah, blah, blah...all of which make sense, all of which I've heard before, so why do I have to be told again and again...why haven't I been doing these things if they are so effective?! ...it's all getting old and I've got work to do! Regardless of the foregoing approaches and methodologies on our behalf, most of us walk away from such presentations at least a bit more motivated, which lasts until...for some a few minutes after returning to their desk, initially inspired, committed to remembering and implementing all the strategies to stay 'motivated', but they soon get lost in the shuffle of emails, inbox, etc....which in turn sustains the job security of the motivational speakers, as motivation continues to be wanting, in short supply...

Speaking of Motivation: Which I have myself many times before, both directly and indirectly. Including how (literally) hundreds of people, coming to my office or a talk I am giving, seeking motivation, seeking inspiration from a "motivational psychologist like you", ways to "psych up" in order to either start anew or drop a bad habit that has been hanging around for decades...come with great expectations, really motivated to listen, following a friendly meet and greet, instead of being fed a recipe of inspirational messages that collectively will not only inspire them to go directly home and lace up their sneakers, but also sustain them for the long run...may become a bit dispirited, being told they have been misinformed -- misinformed that I, as a psychologist, a practiced motivator, sometimes even hired as a motivational speaker, can convey a message that will both start and sustain a meaningful, enduring life change...Instead they are reminded that, while all these messages, stories of beating the odds and such are helpful, nothing, nothing replaces DOING! That motivation comes from doing, as does SELF ESTEEM! They tend to come in tandem, sort of hand in hand (or step after step)...'Motivation' that you often refer to when speaking with me is NOT a prerequisite for doing something, maybe even doing something semi-remarkable. For there are many...

Testimonials, Motivationals: A host of people, real and imagined -- the latter through historical accounts, through my study of those who have done great things even under difficult conditions (whose actions unaccompanied by written accounts of their states of mind only allow me to speculate with a degree of confidence as a practiced mind reader), whose motivation was sometimes present prior, at others found on the way, whereas still others motivation was actually 'coerced' (think military here, where many who have received medals for valor did not wake up intending on being a hero and even doubted they had it in them, not motivated initially). Students of art history also continue to debate what inspired and sustained Michelangelo to start and complete the redo of the Sistine, with many accounts emphasizing the role of Pope Julius II (a 'pope prompt'🙏). So, OK, it may not take internal inspiration to actually start something but what sustains me coach, what keeps me motivated after...

First and Ten, do it again...And again, and again...after making some initial gains, hard fought ground, which has netted me (and/or my team) a first down, now you say I have to do it again, YIKES!! Very individual here. That is, some who have started out all psyched up find themselves running out of steam, running near empty, just on fumes, even early on...how the heck am I gonna finfish this thing, stay motivated, inspired?! I felt so inspired when I watched the Nike, then the Gatorade commercials featuring people just like me who are perspiring while also exuding a bit of joy, but my motivation started waning when I saw it was raining...The answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind, largely through experience, repetition...sorry, another simple truth...you just gotta' get out and keep doin' it even if it's wet and windy until, well, until you're...

Done, Finishing Strong...Well, at least I finished. Throughout the decades of professional practice, I have yet to hear a testimonial from one of you or on behalf of another where they regretted having completed something, like a race, for instance, even a 'fun run' (oxymoron for some early in their journey to fitness). A plethora of testimonials, on the other hand, regarding those who regretted not finishing something they set out to do, or even assigned -- lots of time and energy spent explaining themselves, contriving excuses to themselves first, then others -- what I sometimes refer to as 'psychological gymnastics'. Some other creative ways to stay 'motivated' until the end, the finish line (whatever that looks like to you, like finally running out of paint?) include, like I have disclosed to you here before at no cost...'Positive Procrastination' -- i.e., put off quitting..."just one more, you can do it..." Which may, depending on how many times you have proved it to YOURSELF (the one you have to answer to the most), lead to...

Transformation! Again highly personal, how many times it takes to go from 'inspiration' through 'perspiration', to arrive at a place where you are transformed, internally motivated for the next challenge. To go from "I guess I just have to go to the gym" to "I cant wait..."  In the meantime, there will probably always be: 

"Wanted: Motivation, Speakers" Filling a need. Good for Me.