When you know what keeps you uniquely inspired and motivated, you'll find it easier to stay on the path of your intentions throughout the entire year...
Cellophane crackles as I unpackage my new journal for 2023. Lifting the journal to my nose, I sniff deeply and allow that pulpy smell seep deep into my amygdala. One whiff and a wave of memories flash through my mind; my first day of school, my first day on my first job, the first day of a New Year. These fresh pages are scented with signals of new beginnings.
I open to the first page, take my pen and fill a few pages with inspired intentions. Rather than making New Year Resolutions, I use the Narrative Approach I shared earlier this month. The Narrative Approach to New Year Resolutions, takes you on a journey of discovery;
- What is it that you want to happen in your life based on what’s really important to you and why.
- What needs to happen for you to step further into that beautiful life designed by you, and for you (rather than the expectations of others).
- What you need to let go of to see your beautiful life come to fruition
In this story, I’m sharing three more narrative journaling exercises. As we delve deeper into your own story, you’ll discover what uniquely inspires you and motivates you. You are like no other person. What motivates one person, may not work for you. That's why many find it difficult to stick to their goals and new year resolutions.
But when you know what keeps you inspired and motivated, you can continue to make changes and introduce ways to keep moving you forward with your intentions throughout the year.
3 x Narrative exercises to keep you inspired and motivated throughout the year ...
Exercise One
Imagine your closest friend walks through the door right now. They walk over to you and tell you they need assistance with something that is important to them. Your friend desperately wants to finish writing their book this year. They tried to finish it last year and the year before, but they can’t get motivated. They have tried getting up early to write, they have tried writing every day but they just can’t stay motivated to get it done.
Take your pen and journal and write down at least three pieces of advice you’d give your friend that you believe would help them finish writing their book this year.
Exercises Two
Go back into your childhood, to a time where you didn’t have what you needed to accomplish or achieve something you wanted to. What did you really want to do or achieve? Did you ask for help? What did you ask for? Did you ask for what you needed? Spend at least five minutes writing a short story about what happened.
Next, imagine yourself as an adult going back in time to meet your child-self. You take a seat next to your disappointed self. What advice do you give to help your child-self complete what they set out to do?
Take your pen and journal and write a story about your conversation.
Exercises Three
Think of something you have accomplished in your life already. Great or small, we have all accomplished something to be standing right where we are today. Think about what helped you to accomplish that. What help did you have? What circumstances helped you accomplish what you set out to do? What steps did you take? What was it about your environment that helped you achieve your goal? What inspired you to start, what helped you stay motivated?
Bringing it All Together
Look back at what you’ve written. What patterns do you see emerging in the stories you've written? You will likely see patterns and indicators as to what uniquely motivates you?
Is your environment important? Support from others? What about rewards? Competition? Prayer or reliance on a divine source greater than yourself?
By doing this exercise you are creating an awareness of what will keep you flowing forward on your path of desires.
Act Upon Your Story
As I review my own stories from these journaling exercises, I am made keenly aware of my need for connection and support from others to stay motivated and inspired. In addition to having a beautiful, creative environment to work in, I am inspired by you and others who share their stories.
I’ve also received messages from Daily Inspired Life subscribers saying that having a support network and connection to uplifting people is important. That’s why I decided to create a space where we can share our stories, interact and support each other in a more connected way.
In the meantime, let me know what YOU discovered about what inspires and keeps you motivated. Please share your comments below …
[…] In an upcoming article, we cover …Narrative techniques to keep you motivated and committed. […]
I enjoyed the writing exercise above, this is very cool and a fun way to explore our own stories.