TOPIC: Trick your brain into feeling motivated by using this v helpful phrase.
WHEN TO USE: If you're feeling unmotivated, unsuccessful, at a standstill in your life, too busy, etc. When you need a boost of motivation. When you need to sort out your priorities. When you literally HAVE to get up in the middle of the night to pee, but you're so fucking warm and comfortable that you don't want to move.
HOW TO USE (With Examples): Instead of saying, "I don't have time," try replacing that phrase with "It's not a priority." In other words, instead of saying, "My schedule is packed. I don't have time to start seeing a therapist," try saying, "Seeing a therapist is not a priority," or "Seeking treatment for my mental illness is not a priority." This switch can help you realize things you may be neglecting, avoiding, or making excuses for not doing. When using this tool, you MUST also promise to forgive yourself if important things (like self-care, going to class, etc.) end up not being a priority for you on your shitty days.
WHY IT'S LEGIT: Full disclosure - I didn't learn this trick in therapy. I learned this trick from blogger, personal trainer, and Instagrammer, @TheSelfCareSisterhood. Her blog can be found right HERE. Anything that tricks your brain into feeling motivated is legit enough to talk about on Therapy Thursday. I do want to mention that while this is motivating for some, it can make you feel anxious about getting things done, and subsequently throw you into feeling depressed because you haven't. It's happened to me, but the more I use this phrase, the more I've learned to see it as a positive, inspirational trick than one that aims to guilt you into completing a task.
ABOUT THERAPY THURSDAY: Join me every Thursday on my Instagram story (@domjoellehaikel) as I share with you a new tip/trick I learned in therapy over the years. If you can't catch the segment in time, look out for written recaps like these or on my saved Instagram stories.
Hay! I'm not a therapist, so please read my disclaimer HERE.
