Staying Motivated; How Healthy Habits Can Help Achieve Success
We’ve all been there at point or another..You have a dream, a goal that you want to achieve and in the beginning you’re brimming with excitement and motivation, but part way through the journey things start to become difficult and the energy that we once had starts to wane. So how do we stay motivated? What drives us to continue with our goals? Holistic Health Coach Claudia Dumond, Founder of Minimondo delves into how to build & sustain healthy habits that can help us achieve success and gives her top tips on how to make habits stick and work for you.
Understanding the Power of Dopamine:
Dopamine, often referred to as the "happy hormone," plays a pivotal role in our motivation and reward system. It's the spark that ignites our desire to take action and experience the joy of accomplishment.
The Dopamine Cycle: Picture this: You decide to make a positive change in your life—maybe it's choosing a nourishing snack over a sugary treat. As you follow through with this action, your brain releases a surge of dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. In this moment, you feel good about your choice.
Acknowledging the Evidence: Here's where the magic happens. As you revel in that positive feeling, take a moment to consciously acknowledge the evidence you've just created. You've proven to yourself that you can make a healthy choice, and that, my friend, is a small yet significant win.
Building Momentum: This cycle—action, dopamine release, evidence acknowledgment—creates a powerful momentum. It's the secret sauce to building lasting motivation. Every time you repeat this process, you're strengthening your innate motivation system.
Making it Work for You:
Start Small: Begin with tiny actions that align with your larger goals. Whether it's opting for a brisk walk, choosing a nutritious snack, or practicing a moment of mindfulness, these small steps pave the way for more significant changes.
Feel the Joy: When you take that positive action, savour the joy it brings. Be present in the moment and let the pleasure of the experience wash over you.
Acknowledge Your Wins: As you feel that surge of happiness, pause to acknowledge the evidence you've created. Whether it's a mental pat on the back or a journal entry, celebrate your victories.
Repeat and Reinforce: Consistency is key. Repeat this cycle regularly, gradually incorporating more positive actions into your routine. The more evidence you accumulate, the more motivated and empowered you become.
Your Action Step:
Consciously choose one small action that aligns with your wellbeing goals. Feel the joy it brings, and take a moment to acknowledge the evidence you're creating. Watch how this simple practice transforms your motivation. Remember, motivation is not a finite resource—it's a wellspring within you waiting to be tapped. By harnessing the power of dopamine through mindful actions and evidence acknowledgment, you're unlocking a sustainable and innate source of motivation.
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