Chapter 1: The Power of Motivation

Often, I find myself promising to make changes and adopt healthier habits starting tomorrow. I suspect many can relate to this familiar narrative.

I frequently make pacts with myself during those bursts of late-night inspiration. I'll commit to exercising, preparing meals for the upcoming days, and even proclaiming to my friends that soon, I will be unrecognizable!

However, by day three, that initial drive fades, and those promises slip from memory. We’ve all been there, and it’s perfectly normal.

Bad habits form easily, while good ones require time and effort. They don’t provide immediate gratification, making them a more challenging endeavor.

Then one day, while browsing TikTok, I stumbled upon a quote that resonated deeply with me. Typically, I read quotes, nod in agreement, and then move on. This time felt different.

The quote was straightforward: “Follow your plan, not your mood.”

This simplicity is what makes it so powerful. I began to reflect on how we often create plans when we feel positive, yet the moment we experience a slight dip in mood, we abandon those plans, citing a lack of motivation.

Yet, we still manage to go to work even on days we don’t feel great, primarily because of the necessity of earning a living.

But we must also prioritize our well-being. Feeling good isn’t solely about fitness or gym visits; it’s about inner wellness—nourishing our bodies, meditating, enjoying walks, and engaging in hobbies.

Living in a perpetual state of sadness or lethargy while binge-watching TV is not a viable option. It’s draining, and we allow life and societal pressures to dictate our actions instead of the other way around.

I began to focus on simple, manageable tasks that wouldn’t lead to burnout right from the start. Setting ambitious goals for the next five months could lead to disappointment or anxiety, which I wanted to avoid.

The last thing I wanted was to let my mood dictate my progress. Moods are fleeting and can shift rapidly. I realized I should be the one in control of my emotions, not the other way around.

Often, our bad moods stem from environmental factors and poor choices made throughout the day that don’t serve our mental or physical health.

Of course, I’m likely to feel down if my day consists of couch-sitting, indulging in junk food, and avoiding the outdoors. Conversely, I tend to feel uplifted when I take a short walk, bask in the sunlight, hydrate, and meditate for ten minutes.

Ultimately, actions matter more than moods. Our actions can significantly influence how we feel, so we shouldn’t allow our emotions to dictate our commitment to personal growth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you believe we should base our decisions on our current mood?

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