Learn: Self Motivation, part 1
It’s one of the most difficult things to do, because of the world we live in today. Looking around us there are many things that discourage us immediately. And when we have a look at our own lives there are also many things that drag us down.
Often we look for motivational quotes, blogs or books to inspire us to look beyond our problem and stay positive. I find some people inspiring, but none of them inspire me more than I do myself, because I am the only person who knows and understands all the problems and life situation; therefore I know where motivation is most needed.There were many days in swimming class I got discouraged easily. Sometimes I felt like ignoring the coach, get out and drown myself in self pity: I can’t keep up; I don’t understand what I need to do; I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong; can’t they see that I’m struggling?’ Then I gather my thoughts and put them aside and start to motivate myself with phrases like:
- Deon come, you can do this.
- Get your breathing in rhythm.
- Concentrate on where your hands are and kick!
- Come! You are not going to stop now. You’ve started so you have to finish!
- You’re doing well; you just passed thirty five minutes, congratulations, now push through to the end!
Phrases like these are a start to a new mindset. I found that when my mind is set on something I get more confidence in myself and it becomes easy to do. For example: when I started swimming I could only breathe to one side, but the right way to do it is to breathe both sides, so I started thinking in this way. Outside the pool I also laid foundations by thinking about it constantly and today I can do it without thinking because of the mindset that was formed.
By Deon Labuschagne
Vista Clinic Happiness HELPS Ambassador
