Are you waiting for the motivation to: 

• Get that project done?
• Exercise?
• Meditate?
• Eat right?
• Start a new routine?
 
How long have you been waiting? Wouldn’t it be great if you could
access the motivation you need as easily as you access the electricity
that is needed to run your computer. If you are ready to stop waiting
and get started accomplishing your goals get a piece of paper and a
pen and write down these words:
 
• Action comes before motivation.
 
Find a spot that you are sure to look at daily like the bathroom mirror
or the refrigerator and tape this message there.
 
Your tendency may be to wait until the motivation comes before you
take the action you know is good for you to do. Taking action first,
even when you don’t feel like doing it gives you the inspiration to
continue and make healthier choices for yourself. Taking action, even
something small, like sitting up in bed instead of continuing to lie down
stirs energy up. It’s a change in what you were doing only a moment
ago. This change creates a subtle shift in how you feel. With
awareness you can stay in the flow of energy and feel the incentive to
do the next right thing.   
 
You may be thinking, “What real difference will it make to take such
small action like sitting up in bed. I need to do some cardiovascular
work to make a difference in how I feel. I just feel tired even thinking
about doing that!” It’s true that in order for you to gain the most
benefits of exercise you will need to reach your larger goal but the
question is:  Are you doing it now? If not, here’s a way to get the
motivation to reach your goal.  
 
Most people think in terms of wanting to accomplish big things that
take lots of discipline and effort. You may want to lose 10 pounds or
be practicing yoga five days a week.  These are great goals to have
but they can be more easily accomplished when you take small steps
consistently. Taking one small action towards those goals; like
recording what you are eating at one meal or throwing out a favorite
junk food can fuel your drive to do more, leading to the next step
toward your goal.  If your goal is to have a regular yoga practice take
the first steps toward that goal like purchasing a yoga mat or talking
to a yoga teacher. These actions will have an affect on the way you
feel and if you are mindful they will lead to the next logical step.  
 
If you are thinking, “Yes, but I’m just too overwhelmed, depressed,
anxious, etc. to do that!” You are not alone, many people think they
can’t even take the smallest steps toward their goal but that is part of
the thinking mind. Your thinking will tell you, “I can’t”, but sometimes
the truth is only apparent in the physical body.  When you move a
muscle you change a thought. One movement naturally leads to
another.  
 
Many yoga classes now are in the style of vinyasa which means one
breath one movement- flowing from one movement to the next. These
are popular classes because many people find they can do more when
they start with an easy move that leads to the next movement, which
may be more complicated, creating a flow of energy and movement.  
 
Let’s review the key points of how to tap into your own inspiration:
 
• Action comes before motivation
• Make that action something small that you know you can do
• Pay attention to the subtle shift of energy
• Take the next step
• Be consistent
 
Now you are ready to begin your journey to accomplishing your goals.
Let the simple phrase, action comes before motivation remind you that
the inspiration you need is as readily available as the electric outlet is
to the plug attached to your computer.