Motivation - Why Motivation Matters

Why does teaching kids about motivation matter? Whatever we are interested in motivates us.

We are unwilling to take action if something doesn't motivate us, even though it might benefit us.

We're all different, and it's great that we have individual likes and dislikes. Some kids love the outdoors, and sitting at a desk or computer isn't their thing.

At the same time, their sibling might be the opposite and love working in an office at a desk where they are captivated by their online interests.

Purpose

Motivation starts with a sense of hope, a desire for things to be different. That leads to wanting to fulfil a purpose.

A vision of how things could be different motivates us to achieve that purpose and make things different.

If you've been following me for a while, you may know that I love decluttering.

My love for decluttering came when I went on two holidays within a few months of each other.

The first trip was to an Asian country, and while walking through some homes, you could see inside the homes near the water.

The basics of what was needed were there, nothing else—very simple living.

The second destination was within my country, but it was a self-contained unit.

When I walked in, I loved the feel of it. It was light and airy, and I looked out at the greenery. Everything I needed was there.

Arriving home from that second trip has motivated me to reduce what I have constantly.

Challenge

I challenge you to do what I did this past month at some point during the next four weeks.

Christmas is coming up. I recently read about how many families declutter and donate toys once Christmas ends.

However, many children and families would benefit if donations came in before Christmas rather than afterwards.

When you declutter, space opens up for new things to come in. That concept is one to remember—whether it be toys, clothes, shoes, books, games, or finances. Give, receive; what goes around comes around.

Not that you want to fill up space just because you have it. Always be mindful of how many shoes you need instead of what you desire.

Benefits

Motivation can also come from an external source, such as yourself. For example, by teaching your child why motivation matters, you can help them discover the benefits of having an organised, tidy room.

If their cupboards and drawers are structured so that they can quickly find their things without an abundance of clothes and shoes covering their floor space, they can quickly locate what they want to wear.

While tidying their room might not motivate them, being able to find what they want quickly might.

As for decluttering, donating goods to a worthy cause or for a worthwhile reason is a good feeling.

I love watching shows that show the transformation a family home decluttering makes to parents and children. Even though it seems like a mammoth effort, it's not.

Some start with 20 minutes daily; others begin with the dining table. Whatever inspires you to get motivated, go for it!

Hey - if you have something in mind you want to achieve, a great tool to use is an app called Focus Keeper. Use whatever tools that help you get what you want (in a good way of course!) - here's a 3-minute You Tube video you might like to check out.