Motivation

Robert · MIP Old Timer

Motivation

Rick · MIP Old Timer

I wish I could help. Somedays I can take on the world, others I'm lucky to move. You told of depression in your last post. It's a huge deal in my life. I need to get out of myself, get with people and try to push myself into something physical. Prayer really helps me. Give all my negitive crap to GOD. Third step is a biggie.

good luck

Mistermook · Member

Hi Robert,

I have the same problem myself, I just can't seem to want to do anything I enjoy doing. I love painting and have done many praised paintings in the past but can't find the desire to do anymore...

Phil · MIP Old Timer

Excerpt from Believing in Myself:

August 30

Tough Counts.
—Dorothy Reznichek

There is an obvious connection between depression & self-esteem. The more depression we experience, the more difficulty we usually have in retaining a positive sense of self. Depression is flattening. It could actually be called a spiritual steamroller.

Many excellent books have been written on the causes & cures of depression in all of its many faces & degrees. In spite of their various approaches, all of them agree that courage is necessary in dealing with depression. It takes toughness to win. When all the strategizing is done, all the information gained, what is left is simply the call for stamina & grit. Even when “going on” is the last thing in the world we may want or feel able to do.

It takes enormous courage to make a simple affirmation when we feel the world is coming down around our ears. To get out to a meeting when all we want to do is sleep or cry is sheer bravery & nothing else. To reach out when all we want to do is isolate may take the heroism of a medal-of-honor winner.

When all is said & done, toughness may be my best weapon.

soberdrunk · MIP Old Timer

I also struggle with motivation. One thing I've found that works for me is to tell someone something I need to do. Once I do that I am then accountable to do whatever it is. This can be my sponsor, loved one, and you people on this forum. If I tell someone I'm going to do something I do it. Procrastination is my enemy. I hope that this is helpful Rob. One day at a time my friend!!!

Robert · MIP Old Timer

Hi there, I only have problems facing things that I really enjoy. how sick is that?

amanda2u2 · MIP Old Timer

aha,,, that's a clue, Robert... only having problems facing things we enjoy. I have a big problem with that too... cuz I feel like I don't deserve to enjoy anything.... guilt. I did some research and work on that issue in my life. What things should I really feel guilty for? and what things are false guilt and guilt trips laid on me by others? I can just let go of the false guilt,,, but what do I do about real guilt? I've learned that there is no need,,, and is really counterproductive to get into punishments like depriving myself of good things,,, but that if I have made a mistake,, just correct it.. simple as that. If I goofed something up,,, just try it again,,, learn from the mistake,,,, and move on. My family was into a pattern that if I made a mistake it was an excuse for abuse, but that is sick.

About other things that we lack 'motivation' for... reminds me of what they used to say about Marlon Brando and his 'method acting'. He wouldn't just begin whent he camera started rolling,,, and people would be waiting for him,,, and he would say that he was getting motivated. AA has a principle of 'act as if'.... sometimes we just need to do something whether we are motivated or not. Then, once we get into it it often carries us along.

There is a difference between a lack of motivation and a block. Motivation means we find a reason to do something,,, and sometimes we don't need to find profound reasons but should just do it. A block means that something is really getting in the way of our attempts and stopping us, even though we may be motivated to do it.

Sometimes we need more than AA, as I have been told,,,, AA gives us some tools for living and support for growth,,, but sometimes we do also need counseling and AA can't provide that.

God bless you,

amanda

rosie light shines · MIP Old Timer

for me?? robert, if i "work it too much--get obsessed with it" i feel "sour" and the motivation suffers....

now i listen to me/ my feelings.....am i tired?? am i eating right??? am i mad?? i ASK me, how do i feel???? and just STOPPING and staying still, i can find out what limitation of me i am testing.....

so lack of motivation could be ur just tired......i try to listen to my body and my emotions more and seem to be taking better care of me by doing that.........and now i take days off from recovery work...i mean it IS ok to play/rest/do something FUN too.......

take care of urself and "easy does it" ur HP will guide U in all ways.........rosie

Robert · MIP Old Timer

Also new things which have a learning curve

Robert · MIP Old Timer

amanda2u2 wrote:

. My family was into a pattern that if I made a mistake it was an excuse for abuse, but that is sick.

For years I have had that too, they still do it, they no longer have alcohol. so they go back to the basics like my diet, size, clothes I wear that sort of thing. my ex sponcer put it like this, "instead of rising to your level, it is easier to drag you down to theirs"

I think that is true but I still have no way of coping with it