Magical Motivators for moms

By Momivate's "Atmosphere" CouncilMom, Annette T. Durfee
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Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash.com

UGH!  The dishes aren't done (again!), the laundry is ludicrous, and you sit defeated on the couch.  You have a mile long list of things to do, but honestly, the motivation to do it just isn’t bubbling to the surface! 

Do you ever feel like that?  I surely have. And perhaps it’s because I’ve felt like this SO often that I have developed a list of go-to-strategies to help me bite the bullet and turn miserable mayhem into magical motivation. 

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I thought I’d share a few that have helped me, in hopes that they will help you too!
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1.  Make it fun!  Maybe I’m just a kid at heart, because although I know I could just power through and get the job done, a big part of me says, “why not make it fun?” This is where your creativity comes into play and the sky's the limit, ladies!  What would make this task A LOT of fun for you?  Turning on the music and dancing while you go at it?  (Yes, even if your children laugh at you!) Listening to a podcast while you work away?  Or how about making it into a game?  A few other ideas:  I purposely buy my favorite scents for cleaning so I can relish the process more. And I’ve been known to let my mind wander as I work while planning a fun family frolic for the future.
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2.  Better with a buddy – Whether this is your husband, a child, or a really good friend, sometimes it is just easier as well as a lot more fun to tackle the work or a project with a friend in tow.  While they help to shoulder the burden, you both enjoy conversation and even a few good laughs.  Not only do you get something done that needs doing, but somehow, it seems less of a chore.  And of course, the added bonus is that you simultaneously build a stronger relationship. When all is said and done, remember that turn around is fair play - you can offer to help them with what they need as well!
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3.  Set the timer – Sometimes the main problem is that I am overwhelmed.  Have you been there?  It just seems like there is too much to do, and where in the world do I start?  So, instead of procrastinating, I tell myself, “I will only work for ten minutes at top speed, and then, if I feel like it, I can stop.”  And sometimes I do just that and I honestly feel better because the task at hand is now significantly smaller and easier for the next time I have to face it.  Other times, however, just rolling up my sleeves and really digging in produces momentum and my motivation soars.  (Super Mom powers activate!) I find my mind actually enjoying the process and I don’t want to stop!
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4.  Reward yourself – I know that some people might look at this as “bribery,” but somehow, I don’t mind doing something if I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel:  What sounds inspiring to you?  bubble bath? a short nap? a few minutes with a good book?  Or maybe a little snuggle time with your child? Make yourself a deal you can’t refuse, then follow through with it! A word of caution: While I have to admit I “love me” some chocolate, I would suggest steering away from food as a reward (at least on a constant basis) as we all know that would be trading one problem for another.  And if all else fails, remember YOUR WHY! Think of the faces of your beautiful family and what they mean to you.  You are worth it!  They are worth it! Therein lies a reward in and of itself! 
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5.  Reach out – If you find that your motivation is low for extended periods don’t hesitate to reach out for help.  Goodness knows we ALL need it from time to time!  What might this look like for you?  Are you lonely?  Who could you call for a good old-fashioned chat?  Do you feel overwhelmed?  Could you arrange for a sitter so you can hit your list head on?  And what if you feel like sitting in bed day after day for weeks?  If so, there is no shame in scheduling a trip to the doctor to help rule out or treat depression.  Believe me, I’ve been there and I can assure you that there is help for you. You are not alone!
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No matter what strategies you decide upon, I have faith that you WILL find a way.  You can do this!  You are enough and that magical motivation you need is waiting just around the corner. . .

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