When You’re Lacking Motivation…

This post is written to link with Five Minute Friday: write for five minutes on a one-word prompt.  The prompt today is “motivate.”

Healthy running runner woman workout

Honestly, when I saw the FMF prompt this morning, I didn’t feel motivated.  No topic came to mind readily, and I felt I had nothing to say, no words that would be useful, or helpful, or inspiring.  The temptation not to post today was strong.

And yet the one thing that motivates me is the FMF community.  I have loved being a part of it over the last couple of years, I have missed it during the Christmas break, and the desire to connect with you all motivates me to sit here and type for five minutes, even though I feel I have nothing to contribute.

In this, as in many other areas of life, community can be a big motivator.  When we feel like we have nothing to offer, it encourages us to show up anyway, believing that people want us there.

It’s so important that we cheer each other on.

I saw the power of this a couple of years ago.  A friend was taking part in a marathon and I went with another couple of friends to cheer her on.  The point where we were waiting was about twenty miles into the race: at a point where she was exhausted and weary, but where the end was till too far in sight for it to give her that final burst of motivation.

I didn’t realise how much our presence would encourage her.  We didn’t do much: we stood there for twenty minutes or so waiting for her to come, we spoke a few words of encouragement, we let her know that we were there for her and that we believed she could make it.  It wasn’t much, but it was powerful.  We could see the tears in her eyes as she moved on, and the following day she told us that she had felt like giving up, but just to know that we were there cheering for her had given her the motivation she needed to get through those final few miles and make it to the end.

We can’t always find the motivation for ourselves, but we can take turns to encourage one another, and even doing this in simple ways can be incredibly powerful.

Maybe I did have something to say after all! 🙂

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” 
(Hebrews 10:24 NLT)

 

47 thoughts on “When You’re Lacking Motivation…”

  1. Thank you so much for this post! Sometimes I feel I have little to offer for online encouragement. With prayer, I find more words and the heart to match. The important thing to remember, as you shared in your marathon story, just a little goes a long way. Yes, very glad you posted. It ministered to me. Blessings , Julie

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  5. How often do we underestimate the power and influence in “simply showing up”!? Perfect illustration with your friend – no doubt, the fact that you simply showed up made all the difference! So glad you decided to post today! Great reminder today –

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  6. Thank you for this post! today was one of those days where I hesitated to even put up my blog post because I felt like I had nothing to offer, but I put it up anyway and this post just reminded by why we share our words and stories

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  7. Yes, the power of community is so strong – one of the reasons I keep going back to the gym! I’ve heard that my gym buddy can’t go tomorrow… will I be strong and go on my own, or wuss out?
    #35 FMF

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    1. Community can definitely help in lots of things, but it’s true that sometimes we need to find our own motivation too! Just think of how good you’ll feel afterwards if you do go to the gym! 🙂

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  9. So much THIS:”In this, as in many other areas of life, community can be a big motivator. When we feel like we have nothing to offer, it encourages us to show up anyway, believing that people want us there.”

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  10. So many times when I read the word prompt for FMF I’m blank. I think I can’t possibly come up with anything but then I sit at the keyboard and am often amazed. Showing up is its own motivation at times but I agree with you about community. Good insight there.

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  12. Well you certainly had something to say – something very important. I love “In this, as in many other areas of life, community can be a big motivator.”.
    And I can see by all the comments people are waiting to read what you write. Bravo.
    Blessings,
    Janis
    #24 FMF

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  14. I am so blessed to be part of an encouraging group of friends and I don’t know what I’d do without them! You’re so right about taking turns to encourage each other! That’s exactly how it works with us and it seems the right person is there at the exact time you need them! I enjoyed your post and glad you didn’t give up before you shared your wisdom! Cindy @ myseaofthought

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  19. I thought this word left you with nothing to say? 😉

    We really do need each other. The road is long and discouragement is always dogging our heels. I know that there have been times when I would have given up completely if not for a timely word from a sister or brother. Thank you for reminding me of this today; I will watch for others who need a boost.

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    1. It’s funny how you can think you have nothing to say until you get started! Yes, I think being intentional about looking for those in need of encouragement is important!

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  20. Wow Lesley! Such perfect words. Sometimes that motivation is found in those places where you least expect it. What a blessing for your friend to have you and other friends waiting in that spot where someone easily could just give up because the end is out of sight. Community is a great motivator and it can be found wherever one is willing to take a step forward. Thanks for always doing that.

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