The Magic of Habit and Intent
While doing research, I came across the word “sprezzatura,” which, in Italian, means doing something exceptionally well without showing that it took any effort.
It was a term that became highly popular in the sixteenth century after it was used in Renaissance writer Baldassare Castiglione’s 1528 Book of the Courtier. Immediately, I was drawn to the word because it removes the expectation of “expertise.” The myth is that some are born with motivation, and some aren’t.
However, we all possess the same ability to be the best version of ourselves; it just requires daily reminders.
To put it into perspective, let’s say that you despise mornings, and getting out of bed for work is the single most challenging thing you do all day.
Typically, you begin with neutral and negative self talk such as “I don’t want to do (fill in the blank)” or “Here we go again.” I think many people can relate to something similar.
But, imagine that you continue this and have now decided you aren’t going to let it take hold of your life, so you refrain from hitting that snooze button for the third time.
You make it in to work on time now, and you start to make a habit out of it.
A co-worker comes into work late every single day and sees that you’re always ready to go already and thinks, “He’s so lucky. I bet he rolls out of bed every morning like it’s nothing. I wish it were that easy for me. It’s not fair. I’ll never find it easy to get out of bed.”
All the while, this co-worker of yours has no idea that every morning, for you, the struggle of not hitting that snooze button takes more effort than climbing Mt. McKinley.
Change the situation and apply the same thinking to careers with accomplished chefs, authors, doctors, and musicians. It’s easy to lose motivation for something when you only see perfection around you, but I think that’s because we never realize the journey everyone else takes.
With consistent behavior and habit, we can make anything look flawless even if we don’t believe it right now.
15 Of The Best Motivating Questions
For these and many other reasons, it may be helpful to ask yourself these 15 motivating questions.
The answers apply to you only, so there are no right or wrong answers to these questions; they will help you get rid of negative thinking that may cloud your mind and prevent you from thinking clearly.
“Teach your demons to roam your mind without damaging your thoughts” – Mental Strength Hacks.
- If life is so short, why do I do so many things I don’t like and always postpone the things I want to do?
- When everything is over and done with, have I spent more time saying things or doing things?
- If happiness was a currency, what would I do to get rich?
- Do I make an effort to do what I want, or do I act on conformity?
- To what extent do I have control over my own life?
- What things do I want to do that I still haven’t done? What’s stopping me?
- What am I holding on to that keeps me from moving forward?
- What is the thing I am most grateful for in life?
- If not now, then when?
- If tomorrow were the end of the world, who would I spend my day with today?
- What is the difference between being existing and being alive?
- If I know I can learn from my mistakes, why am I so afraid to fail?
- How would I behave if I was the only one there to judge my behavior?
- Do I make my own choices, or do I let others choose for me?
- And last, Why not me?
Take-Home
You are unique as there is no other person in history like you, nor will there ever be. At the same time, you also possess the same amount of potential as the next person.
At one point in time, my path wasn’t clear. I had an idea of what I wanted to do, but I was left unfulfilled; consistent, motivating questions, helped lead me to a purpose.
Without this habit, negativity easily limited my drive and motivation. I listed the “facts”:
- Never have I experienced a mentor or a father figure to show me the ropes.
- I didn’t come from money or have a “head start,” who was I to start a business or even try?
These were true thoughts until I saw that very last motivating question, why not me? What was stopping me?
If you’re reading now, I can tell you what was stopping me wasn’t money or the fact that I didn’t have a mentor, it was that I didn’t believe in myself. That belief had to change, and so I threw it out with self-doubt.
I was going to own my own business, succeed, or fail; I would be a business owner. If I hadn’t had similar motivating questions to remind me of my ability, I might never have leaped.
If there’s something you want to do or try and you’re wondering whether or not that you could – look around!
Millions of others are doing the same thing RIGHT NOW. So, I ask you, why not you?
Thanks for reading our 15 Best Motivating Questions. Drop a comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Read: 30+ Mental Strength Hacks
