4/20 Mental Toughness Thursday

The weather is finally nice! It's time to go running!
We continue our study of The Invictus Mindset by looking closely at our motivation. The first Pillar of The Invictus Mindset is Goal Setting and the three legs of the first pillar are focus, motivation and commitment. Last week we examined these legs by getting clear on our "why." This week we are going to look at how we are motivated. 
Most people have intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation is the desire for a reward or the avoidance of punishment, and it falters quickly under stress. We've all experienced it. We get motivated to look good for the summer, or drop a pant size. We want to achieve something because of how (we think) others will treat us, rather than how we'll treat ourselves.
The problem with extrinsic motivation is that we project our happiness and satisfaction on a goal that either 1. we want because we want to please someone else, or 2. once we "get it" the end target will move to whatever's next. And, when we're extrinsically motivated, there's always something next. Rarely are we satisfied. If you're not sure if you're extrinsically motivated, listen to your words and see how often your statements of happiness begin with, "If I only," "Yes, but if I could just," "I'll be happy when." 
Intrinsic motivation is the desire for something because it's personally rewarding or because the effort to achieve the end goal is more rewarding than the goal itself, e.g. it's the journey, not the destination that makes us happy and satisfied. Intrinsic motivation stays strong even when we're stressed and tired.
Intrinsic motivation is a more powerful motivator than extrinsic motivation. Last week I asked you to get clear on your "why" or your purpose for doing what you do. If you listed a bunch of extrinsic factors, it's time to listen to what you really want and what will make YOU happy. This will take some serious introspection and self-evaluation. Getting clear and solid with your intrinsic motivation will help you stay focused, motivated and committed. Take a few moments over the next week to write down all of the intrinsic motivating factors in your life. Good luck!
Today's Workout
Gymnastics Pulling Progressions
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