Why Your Motivation Matters

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what truly drives people to make changes — not just short-term ones, but the kind that actually last. As I’ve been moving through my Liver Detox Program, I’ve noticed how much our motivation determines whether those changes stick or fade away.

It’s not about willpower. It’s about understanding where our motivation is coming from — and how to make sure it’s rooted in something that actually feels good.

Before I set any goals with my clients, I always ask, “Why do you want to make this change?”

Some of the answers I hear are:

• “I hate how I look in my clothes.”

• “I feel guilty when I don’t do ___.”

• “My doctor told me I have to.”

• “I want to travel well into my 80s.”

• “I already have so much going on, but this is just another thing I know I should add to the list.”

• “I just want more energy throughout the day.”

On the surface, they all sound like valid reasons — and they are. But underneath each one is a deeper layer: what kind of motivation is driving it?

Because the type of motivation you have is often the reason why some habits stick and others fade away.

When our motivation comes from guilt, shame, external validation, or a sense of overwhelm, we’re operating from a negative motivational state.

These are the habits that usually last only a few weeks or months before we burn out or quit. Why? Because our subconscious mind naturally resists things it associates with negativity or punishment.

But when our motivation comes from an internal place — from emotional alignment, future vision, and internal validation — those behaviors have endless potential. Positive motivation gives the habit meaning and purpose.

We’ve rooted it in why it matters to us, not why it “should” matter.

Let’s Do a Quick Exercise

Take a moment to think about how it feels to say something negative versus something positive.

Negative motivation language:

Positive motivation language:

Feel the difference?

Our minds and bodies naturally want to exist in a state of love, alignment, and positivity. When we operate from that space, things begin to flow. Change feels easier. Habits stack naturally.

Why This Matters

When we live in the negative space, we set ourselves up for failure — not because we’re lazy or unmotivated, but because our subconscious is hearing the message: “This is hard. This is punishment. This doesn’t feel good.”

Of course, it rejects it.

That’s why, whenever I work with clients, I ask them to look deeper:
What is it that you truly want?
And how can we frame that in a way that feels supportive and exciting, rather than heavy and restrictive?

When we anchor our goals in positive motivation, we set ourselves up for long-term success.

This isn’t hard work — but it is important work. Because when your motivation is rooted in self-love and alignment, it becomes so much easier to create the life and health you’ve always wanted.

If you’re ready to understand your motivation on a deeper level — to reframe your habits, reconnect with your body, and build momentum that actually lasts — I’d love to help.

Through 1:1 coaching, I combine my background in nursing, health coaching, NLP, and Reiki to help you create a lifestyle that feels aligned, sustainable, and uniquely yours.

We’ll work together to uncover what’s driving your habits, reframe negative patterns, and build a mindset that supports lasting change — not just for a season, but for life.

Ready to start? Let’s chat — Book a free 15-minute consultation.

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