Trashflower

… and I don’t mean marriage. On this bright, sunny Sunday morning, I’m thinking about another big M.

Motivation.

I’m not sure quite why, but I had motivation this morning. When my 6.8 lb dog started jumping all over the bed, and trying to nudge my face off of my pillow, I actually got out of bed, and took her for a nearly 2 mile walk. Afterward, I checked my email, narrowing down my unread messages to less than 20 (from nearly 100), and now here I am, writing.

If you’ve ever met me, chances are, you don’t think that motivation is something that I struggle with. At work, I tackle projects with zeal and mark tasks off my to-do list with zest. Work is easier than the rest of life though. I’m motivated by judgment, just like in school. Each review is like getting grades – and I want to be at the top of my class. That judgment, paired with the fear of disappointing those around me, drives me to work harder and longer than some of my counterparts.

Now, on Saturday afternoon or Wednesday night, what motivates me? What gets me to the gym, to the keyboard – anywhere that’s off of the couch?

i don’t know.

For the next week, I’m going to do my best to keep track of what does get me off the couch (and what doesn’t…). I’m motivated to keep track of this by my accountability to you. I’ll read about motivation, and test some of the theories. Maybe in the end it will turn out to be like The Happiness Project for those of us who need a little extra “go”.