My Plain English Guide to Motivation.

If you are an avid reader on the human condition and related matters, you will have found tomes written about Motivation-the authors are as diverse as the subject elements themselves- sports people [ current and retired], entrepreneurs, breakfast tv personalities [Ugh], retired Olympic athletes, etc.

All who make a particularly good living out of writing and speaking about this subject.

So, the challenge I set myself is to take all of what I have read, listened to, and compose a Plain English Guide to Motivation.

My objective is to help you [the reader, be it a Stroke Survivor, a family member or clinician] to understand how to develop motivation and the vital role it plays.

For me I feel a good starting point would be to define Motivation- so here goes

Motivation is------The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviours. It is what causes you to act, whether it is dieting to reduce your weight, reading a textbook to gain a pass in an upcoming university exam or doing ‘sit to stands’ in the Stroke Rehab gym.

It involves the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate/regulate behaviour.

In plain English, the term "motivation" is frequently used to describe ‘whya person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions.

So, Thrill seekers and fellow Stroke Survivors here are my thoughts on developing and maintaining your levels of motivation as you undertake your Rehab journey

Always move toward something. Set goals, resolutions or intentions that are realistic, that match your core values, and move you toward to something you really want= playing the piano again or swinging your golf club.

Track your progress. Even small wins will keep you going. Nothing motivates like improvement

Change the language that you use. Instead of saying “I have to,” say “I want to.” This minor change can be effective in your motivation to do something.

Accept assistance. Ask for help and encouragement. Having a buddy system or even someone to share what you do can help. That where your family can be an important help.

Accept mistakes. We all make mistakes or have days when we don ‘t accomplish our goals. Do not be hard on yourself or beat yourself up for being human. Treat each day as a new beginning…. because it is.

See yourself as completing the goal or getting what you want. Make a dream or vision board. And write down the goals, resolutions, or intentions- put them up on your bedroom wall. This makes them more real, and you have a visual reminder.

Small steps. Breaking goals into smaller, more doable steps helps you achieve something quicker. The small wins make you want to do more.

Make time. Fit the activities into times of day that fit with your schedule and lifestyle. If you are a morning person, schedule the thing then. If your day, is full, you will have to forgo some other activity. You must prioritize if you really want to make your goal a reality. Things just do not fit it magically.

Focus. Do not overwhelm yourself. Focus on 1 to 2 goals.

Rewards. Reward yourself. Granted you are doing this to achieve something you really want and that brings its own satisfaction. It does not hurt to give yourself a reward periodically to celebrate you and your achievements.

I visit the local Vietnamese bakery to enjoy one of their sausage rolls-which happen to be the best in the known universe.

I would like to thank Cheryl Tondreau.a fellow Stroke Survivor for giving me through her words which I incorporated into my post in my post the insights into Motivation and the importance in stroke rehabilitation.

To read more of her writings go to her website

https://cheryltondreau.wixsite.com/blog/post/motivation-10-ways-to-increase-self-motivation.

My message to Stroke Survivors- Be motivated Stay motivated and you will be surprised by your improvements,

Works for me!!

Brian A Beh, Stroke Survivor.

Lifelong Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club

Poet, Philosopher and Child of the Cosmos

Winner “Improving Life After Stroke’ Category

Stroke Foundation of Australia 2021 National Awards.

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