Monday, January 07, 2008

A Problem with Motivation

I have managed to get myself completely off schedule and completely into the zone of laziness over the break. Well, over the past week, really. Today I *must* get a good list of things done, and yet, here it is, 10:30, and I'm only just drinking some coffee and beginning the rationalization and attempts to bargain with myself that have led me to this point where I just don't really do much of anything that really needs to be done on any day of the week.

What's funny, though, is that as I'm thinking about it (and procrastinating, I cannot tell a lie), it occurs to me that the lack of motivation in this area is directly linked to my forced motivation in the healthy eating/healthy living area. When I'm being conscientious about the latter, it's like I use up the conscientiousness that I generally reserve for work stuff. Conversely, when I'm in a work-obsessed place, the healthy living/eating stuff falls by the wayside because I just don't have the mental energy leftover for motivating myself in those areas if I'm giving so much to work. I wonder whether I'd feel the same way if I had a job that was less self-directed. Eh, I'd probably just find other excuses not to get done that which needs to be done :)

But one thing that I most definitely will be doing is to go for a (fitness) walk today as opposed to going to the gym, for it is 65 degrees and sunny, and if one can't at least enjoy the effects of global warming than really, what good is it?

Update:
Ok, so in the past 2 hours I accomplished two things on my list of things to do. Now, before I do anything else, I'm going to eat something small and get the workout in, to continue with the work productivity upon my return.

5 comments:

Bardiac said...

I'd be full of joy for 65 degrees, and outside in shorts in an instant! Enjoy your walk :)

Seeking Solace said...

Stop by the Active Academic. We are doing a 2008 fitness challenge!

http://activeacademic.blogspot.com/

Belle said...

Well, I've had all kinds of jobs, where X had to be done by today and I did whatever I had to to get it done. Hated those jobs. Like the self direction, even when that SD turns into 'go take a nap/walk/whatever.'

Nice weather here too; I'm looking forward to going home early and playing with the pups. Outside in the sunny warm air.

Dr. Crazy said...

SS: I just went over to the Active Academic and count me in!

Belle: I've had the less self-directed jobs, too, and I'm not saying that I'd trade what I've got now for that kind of life, but with that said, I do know that I felt less... conflicted about spending mental energy on myself when I've had those sorts of jobs, and I think I was better about keeping work in its place as opposed to letting it take over my life. We'll see if I get any better at this as my semester progresses :)

Rokeya said...

I had the same problem this summer with feeling like living healthy and all the planning/action required sapped a lot of my energy and left less energy for my work. I think I've possibly found one solution of sorts--I've gotten really into packing bento meals (automatic portion control, close attention to food groups, etc) and it kind of forces me to be FAST about preparing and packing food. I've also restructured my workout regimen a bit. I'll post more about it if it works....