Learn how meditation can motivate you to achieve your goals by providing clarity and calm.
Waning motivation is a problem for many of us. The stress and strain of a busy life can overwhelm you, making even the most basic of tasks seem difficult. The downward spiral of low motivation can seem like an impossible cycle to break. Once you lose your spark, productivity and accomplishment can seem like unattainable goals.
There is one simple tool you may not have considered before that can get you back on track, and that’s meditation. This exercise of the mind goes well beyond providing just relaxation.
What is meditation?
Meditation takes many forms. For some the thought of sitting cross legged on the floor chanting mantras and practicing rhythmic breathing is unChristian and abhorrent.
Transcendental meditation may work for some, but it is not the only method.
The Bible is filled with references to meditation as a practice to be praised. What do you think Mary was doing when she was "pondering in her heart"? (Luke 2:19)
For the purposes of this post I use meditation in the broadest sense:
to think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.
You can gain a host of good things through its practice. Continue reading to discover the benefits of meditation for motivation.
Strengthened Focus and Concentration
Focus and concentration are essential elements of motivation. If you can’t force your mind to center on the things you need to do, your motivation will go out the window.
Meditation is all about focus and concentration.
No matter which of its many forms you practice, chances are you will be engaging in focusing your mind in some way. Engaging in regular meditation will naturally strengthen your ability to concentrate and focus in your everyday life.
Increased Happiness
We all get down now and again. More and more individuals are being diagnosed with depression in modern times. Regardless of your mental starting point, it’s a known fact that happy people often have more energy and higher self-confidence.
Fortunately, motivation has been shown to increase happiness by stimulating the release of the brain’s “happiness hormones.” When you’re feeling more positive, you’re likely to have more internal desire to get things done.
Less Stress
Meditation leads to a more relaxed state due to the way in which it allows the brain to slow down as it receives sensory input. This relaxation and improved processing leads to reduced feelings of stress. With less stress comes a feeling of more control, which then fuels your motivation.
Positive Thinking
One of the biggest killers of motivation is negative thinking. A pessimistic view can come from many sources such as depression, poor habits or general life difficulties.
The beauty of meditation is that it “rewires” brain patterns that naturally elicit more positive thought patterns, giving you the reset you need to be more motivated.
Clarified Goals and Purpose
Taking time each day for meditation gives you a great deal of personal insight. This self-reflection can be the catalyst for reassessing what’s truly important in your life.
When you have a better picture of your priorities, your goals and life’s purpose become clearer.
Knowing where you want to go kicks your motivation into high-gear, and you’ll feel a greater urgency to take the steps necessary on the path to your dreams.
The benefits of meditation for increased motivation are extensive. These are some of the main ways in which this daily mind practice can jumpstart the actions required for reaching your goals.
There are many different types of meditation. You can begin to research on your own or find a skilled teacher who can help you develop a practice that works for you.
What’s most important is that you get started and maintain consistency in your meditation practice in order to see the most effective results. Soon you’ll be tackling your to-do list and pursuing the life goals that matter with renewed vigor.
Put it into Action
If you don't already practice meditation in some form, Google it now and do a little research. Find a method that appeals to you and start practicing daily. Set an appointment reminder on your phone if you need it.
Share your favorite meditation methods below.
The Complete Motivation Series
Here are links to the entire motivational series in case you are just joining us.
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