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I arrived at the pub recently to meet a group of friends after work.
Beer, wings, and crisp packets all laid out.
“Where’ve you just come from, Tom?”
“The gym”, I replied.
“I hate the gym!” was the consensus.
We explored what specifically everyone hated about the gym.
They really did all hate the gym but, interestingly, they’d all been to the gym for just short periods of time. Only to then stop.
In our fast-paced world, action is often driven by short-term goals – be it for health, wealth, or something else.
These goals often revolve around looking good for a holiday or getting in shape for the summer.
While there's nothing wrong with wanting to feel confident and healthy during specific times of the year, there's a deeper and more sustainable approach to motivation that can transform your life for the better: building lifelong, timeless motivations.
Health: Beyond the Beach Bod
Many of us have been guilty of hitting the gym with fervor, driven by the desire to look great for a beach holiday and fit into that summer swimsuit.
While there's nothing inherently wrong with these kinds of short-term fitness goals, they often lead to a cycle of motivation and demotivation.
Once the holiday is over, or the summer fades away, it's easy to lose steam and revert to old habits.
That's where timeless motivations come into play.
a. Lifelong Health: A timeless motivation for staying fit is the desire for lifelong health and well-being.
Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, think about the long-term benefits of exercise and a healthy diet.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, boosts mental well-being, and enhances overall quality of life.
Who wouldn't want to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve longevity, and enjoy vitality throughout their life?
b. Consistency Over Time: Lifelong motivations foster consistency in your fitness routine.
When your goal is to maintain good health throughout your life, you're less likely to fall into the trap of yo-yo dieting or irregular exercise patterns.
This consistency pays dividends as you age, helping you stay active and independent for longer.
c. Sustainable Habits: Timeless motivations encourage the development of sustainable habits.
Instead of crash diets and extreme workouts, you'll adopt a balanced approach to nutrition and exercise that you can maintain year after year.
This leads to more lasting results and a healthier lifestyle overall.
d. The Any Time / Any Place Test: I meet a friend who is an experienced boxer every Tuesday.
He puts me through my paces and we engage in controlled sparring at the end of the session.
My boxing has improved immeasurably over 12 months and I look forward to every session.
If called upon, I feel I could defend my two boys if attacked better than I could 12 months ago.
It passes the Any Time / Any Place Test as motivation.
When would I not want to be able to defend my family, if I needed to?
That’s timeless motivation.
Wealth: Beyond the Quick Fix
In the realm of financial well-being, short-term financial goals often revolve around buying a new car, taking an extravagant vacation, or upgrading to a bigger house.
While these goals can be motivating, they often promote impulsive spending and neglect long-term financial security.
Here's why timeless motivations are essential.
a. Financial Security: One of the most timeless motivations in money management is financial security.
Building a robust financial foundation ensures you have a safety net in times of unexpected events, like medical emergencies or economic downturns.
The peace of mind that comes with financial security is priceless and applicable at any stage of life.
b. Wealth Accumulation: Wealth-building is a journey, not a destination.
Timeless motivations encourage you to focus on accumulating wealth over time rather than seeking immediate gratification.
This long-term perspective can lead to investments, savings, and retirement planning that set you up for a comfortable future.
c. Freedom and Options: Financial freedom and having options in life are timeless motivators.
Whether you dream of retiring early, starting your own business, or pursuing your passions, having a solid financial foundation provides the flexibility to make these dreams a reality.
While short-term goals can provide motivation in the short run, they often lack the staying power necessary for long-term success.
By shifting your mindset towards building lifelong and timeless motivations, you'll find greater satisfaction and fulfillment in both your health and wealth endeavors but most importantly, you’ll find it easier each time you need to fill your cup at the motivation well.
Whether it's striving for lifelong health or securing your financial future, timeless motivations will guide you through the seasons of life, ensuring a more prosperous and fulfilling journey.
So, ask yourself: when wouldn't you want to reduce the risk of heart disease or achieve financial security?
These motivations are timeless, and their benefits are immeasurable.
Thanks for reading.
Tom
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