What works best for you?
Here are some suggestions.
*Working to deadlines?
*Trying to prove a point to yourself?
*Trying to prove a point to others?
*Having someone to compete with?
*Having someone to support you?
*Working alongside others?
*Working alone?
*Sharing your goals/ plans?
*Keeping them secret?
*Scolding yourself?
*Being scolded by others?
*Working to avoid being scolded?
*Working to avoid embarrassment?
*Because you feel a sense of duty?
*Surrounding yourself with inspirational notes?
*Planning in detail first?
*Not having to plan, just use trial and error?
*Feeling challenged by the work?
*Finding the work easy?
*Having time to think during the work?
*Not having time to think - just taking action?
*Organising your surroundings before you start?
Your dog will need some input from you. They all need care, attention, exercise, enrichment, training etc.
Are there any ideas here that will help you to regularly provide that input?
If you spend some time thinking about it, you'll come up with your own list of what works as a motivator for you.
You'll also no doubt discover that a lot of the motivators that work for you aren't particularly enjoyable.
That may come as a surprise!
The thing is that 'relief' (avoidance or the ending of physical/ emotional pressure) is an extremely positive feeling. It's so much better than the feelings that went before and caused us to WANT relief.
My own dogs 'nag' me for action. I come home from a day at work, and they stay close, watching me intently until I do something with them. There might even be a bit of whining. (This is a form of pressure on me and it's very motivating, although not always in a good way. Sometimes I'd rather rest and do nothing!!)
We have a routine of 'doing stuff' every day, so they have an expectation that I will provide action :). Once we've walked or trained or both, they are content to settle and leave me alone. (They release the pressure on me.)
I discuss the importance of skilful use of release/ relief in training here. My dogs helped me write it ;).
I needed a good image, and here's a motivational quote from James Clear.
Notice it's trying to be upbeat and inspirational, as most motivational quotes are :).
Comments