How being motivated to write is like being motivated to work out

I think about motivation a lot. 

Yesterday, I thought about what motivates me to work out. 

I used to work out three times a week. When I felt I was at my best, I paid a monthly fee and I went to a gym (kind of like Orange Theory but a lesser-known brand) at a set class time. An instructor/coach led us through an hour of tasks, divided into cardio and strength portions. I was in the company of others but I was focused on what I was doing/being told to do. 

It was great, until it wasn’t. I wanted a change.

Then I worked out at home. I used the Peloton app and home equipment. I joined classes at set times. An instructor/coach led the class through activities. I was in a room by myself but others were virtually there, so I wasn’t alone.

It was great, until it wasn’t. Things changed.

We moved from Michigan to Florida, and I thought I’d be outside all the time. But I didn’t go outside: it was too hot, I wasn’t motivated, or I felt like I should spend my workout time working. 

Yesterday, contemplating going for a walk or staying in and reading, I wondered where my motivation had gone.

When I struggle with writing, which happens a lot, I’ve found it useful to ask “what conditions were in place that made me successful in the past?”

Yesterday, I asked myself: what conditions were in place when I wasn’t struggling to work out?

• I paid a monthly fee that caused me discomfort if I didn’t use the service

• There were set class times I put on my calendar. I couldn’t put the appointment off and no one else could schedule anything during that time

• There were other people doing the same work in the same space so I couldn’t slack off

I realized that being motivated to work out is a lot like being motivated to write. I need to have skin in the game. There need to be fixed times. There needs to be accountability and support. 

(I think this is why I enjoy the NYCMidnight challenges so much. They tick all my motivation boxes! 100-word challenge happens April 28!)

I’m going to Orange Theory to work out, and I’m applying my insights to my writing.

What motivates you?

A bit of shameless self-promo: I had a guest blog post published on JaneFriedman.com last week about my struggles to find some validation with my flash memoir chapbook glossary thingy. If you’re interested in following that journey, I invite you to read the post:

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-differentiate-between-desire-and-desperation-in-pursuit-of-publication/