Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Three Phrases That Help Me
I’ve never been much of an “inspirational quotes” type of person. I don’t seek them out. I don’t pin them to a “quote board.” And I don’t post them on Facebook in hopes of inspiring others.
I’m not sure why, but they just don’t motivate me. Maybe because there’s so many cliché, stupid quotes out there that actually make me feel the opposite way they’re supposed to.
So, I don’t want to be obsessed…or dedicated? Dumb. Obsessed does NOT mean dedicated.
I think I’ll go find an excuse now! *shakes head*
Anyway. Instead, I’m more motivated by intrinsic means. The desire to do something, and do it well, first has to come within me. However, I do rely on a couple unchanging phrases, from time to time. They’ve been the same phrases for as long as I can remember, and they deal with three insecurities/weaknesses of mine.
1. Worrying about things that aren’t worth worrying about.
2. Procrastination.
3. Keeping my priorities in line.
The first one is actually a quote by Mark Twain, and my mom said it to me when I was probably back in grade school, worrying about some stupid thing that probably wouldn’t even happen anyway.
I’m so good at creating scenarios in my mind and worrying about them. Whether those scenarios are actually reality or not doesn’t matter. I rely on this quote when I’m worrying about stupid shit that needn’t be worried about.
The second, procrastination. I rely on this phrase when it comes to small things, like refilling my deodorant (I make my own ) or writing a program for a client when I happen to have some spare time.
Nine times out of ten, the answer is “no,” future Paige won’t want to deal with it, and she’ll very much appreciate present Paige dealing with it now.
And lastly, keeping my focus. Keeping my priorities in line.
I not only rely on this question when it comes to work, and the direction I want to be going, but also when I’m doing things that don’t align with the direction I want to be going. For example, if I’m trying to increase my deadlift weight, will running miles and miles help me achieve that goal. (answer: no.)
What’s a phrase you rely on from time to time?
I love that first Mark Twain phrase! I’m definitely a worrier, so it’s probably a good thing for me to step back and realize that a lot of what I worry about doesn’t actually happen. And if it does, I’ll certainly survive it.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…‘Willpower’ Part 2.
I swear we are the same person because these three things hit home for me, as well!…especially #1. I am such a worrier and I need to always remind myself to stop worrying about those little things that don’t matter!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food recently posted…Taking Time to Rest
I love that last quote! I need to keep that in my head for times when I can’t figure out why I am not progressing towards a goal! And the Mark Twain quote is right up my alley as well! Thanks for posting!
Jennifer Dunham recently posted…New Themes: Adventure and Basis
I’m going to print out that Mark Twain quote and put it on my fridge. I am so bad about worry about things that will probably never happen. In fact, I’m doing that about a situation right now so this is a great reminder!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…Start Spreading The News
Good idea! 🙂 I need it right in front of me, too.
The mark twain quote speaks volumes to me. I spend way too much precious time worrying.
Jackie recently posted…So Sleepy…
I just love Mark Twain!
ohmygoshicouldn’tagreemore! I understand the use of the photos with motivational quotes but….sometimes I’m thinking “enough already!”. I always think of future Erica. I’m like geez…future Erica would be much happier if this laundry was already done…so I do it! Same goes for fitness. Great post. Love your honesty
YESSSSS I think the same thing about a lot of quotes, not all, but many. The mark twain one is one that I love as well.
Amanda @runtothefinish recently posted…DNS, DNF, Push Through – How to decide?
If it’s meant to be, it will happen. Things will work out.
Just breathe.
oh we have so many more inspiring words we just love!
Purelytwins recently posted…Shoulder and chest stretching
One of my favorites is: “Life is a series of choices.” So if I’m upset about something, it is usually because of my earlier choices. I remember before going into an exam in graduate school feeling totally unprepared and I stopped myself and reminded myself that it was MY CHOICE to be unprepared. I could have studied more, but chose to do other things instead.
Ashley @ Power, Love, and Self-Discipline recently posted…Kicked Up Kale Chips
Great quotes. I LOVE the Mark Twain quote, I am the same way….I constantly make up ‘what if….then do this…’ scenarios in my head. My head is always thinking about 20 different things (mostly worrying and making up ‘what ifs’).
When I was younger, I use to say to myself ‘expect the worst and I will not be dissappointed in the outcome’ and I feel this had escalated to this ‘what if’ cyle in my head.
I really need to learn to stop this, and just let things BE, there are so many things that I cannot control.