Everyone experiences a particular inclination to see things in a certain way. It’s called a mindset, and it’s a powerful influence over your cognitive processes If you are of the mindset that people are basically bad, you are likely to interpret innocent statements as malicious attacks. If your mindset is that people are basically good, you may well see even an intentional slur as an innocent gesture.

This in itself could be applied to a host of discussions. But today I want to talk about motivation.

Motivation is a struggle we all share. We all want to be the best people we can be. We all want to achieve and stand out among the crowd. We all want to line up our goals, work honestly toward them and mold ourselves into the ideals we have for ourselves. But so often, it’s hard to get started. Or to keep going. Or to add a little more effort. Our brains find excuses to do otherwise. I’m too tired to exercise today. I’m not in the mood to study. I can sleep just a little later. I’m too young to make a difference. I’m too old to make a change.

If you want to live a life guided by purpose instead of excuses, you need to train yourself to focus on solutions instead of problems. Problems demand caution, hesitation, doubt and negative motion. Solutions encourage action, confidence and progression.

One of the simplest ways to implement this is to train yourself to seek solutions instead of problems. Instead of dwelling on the things holding you back, spend time on the things that allow you to move forward.

  • When faced with the snooze button on your morning alarm, consider “What kind of things can I accomplish today” instead of “Can I get away with sleeping in for a few more minutes”
  • When lacking motivation to exercise, ask yourself “Could I lift more than last time” instead of “What harm would come of skipping today”
  • When struggling with a diet, think “How much better will this meal make me look” instead of “Am I going to have to give up my favorite foods forever”
  • At the end of a work day, think “What else could I get out of the way” instead of “Can I get away with knocking off early”
  • When you’re nervous at a party or social situation, think “What things in common might I find with people here tonight” instead of “Am I embarassing myself”

You see, when you focus on your problems, you just reinforce them. Even if you generate solutions, you’re likely to stall them considering the problems that they may introduce. You’re basically focusing on things you can’t control, and realizing that just breeds more negativity. But if you learn to focus on what you control, what you can do, what actions you can take – then you have something you can work with. A reason to get up and get moving. A light at the end of the tunnel.

Don’t worry about the things you can’t change. Focus on the things you can.