How often do you find yourself stuck in the tug-of-war between wanting and doing? You know you should get to the gym, sit down to write, or wake up early—but you just don’t feel like it. Motivation fizzles out, procrastination creeps in, and soon, the day is gone. It’s a frustrating cycle. But what if the key isn’t to focus on your wants, but instead, on what you actually like?
Why Focusing on Your Likes Works
When you focus on what you like, you tap into something deeper than short-term resistance. Here’s why this mindset shift can change the game:
1. It connects you to your purpose.
Your likes are often tied to the things that truly matter to you. Exercise isn’t just about burning calories—it’s about feeling strong and healthy. Writing isn’t just a chore—it’s a way to express yourself and make progress toward your goals. By remembering why you like these activities, you align your actions with your values.
2. It builds momentum.
Starting is often the hardest part, but when you remind yourself of the satisfaction waiting on the other side, it becomes easier to take that first step. And once you start, momentum builds. One action leads to the next, and before you know it, you’re in the zone.
3. It rewires your brain.
Focusing on likes shifts your perspective from resistance to anticipation. Over time, this creates a positive feedback loop. Your brain starts associating these activities with the good feelings they bring, making it easier to engage in them consistently.
How to Let Your Likes Guide You
1. Pause and reflect.
When you feel resistance, ask yourself: What do I like about this activity? It could be the endorphins from a workout, the pride in a finished project, or the peacefulness of a quiet morning. Visualize that outcome.
2. Start small.
You don’t have to go all-in right away. Focus on the smallest possible step you can take to get moving. If it’s exercise, commit to just five minutes. If it’s writing, open the document and jot down a sentence. Often, starting is all it takes to get into the flow.
3. Create reminders.
Keep visual or written cues of what you like about your habits. A sticky note on your desk might say, “You like feeling accomplished after writing.” A phone reminder might say, “You love the calm after a morning run.” These nudges help you stay focused on the reward.
4. Celebrate the outcome.
After completing the activity, take a moment to acknowledge the satisfaction you feel. Let that sense of accomplishment sink in—it reinforces the connection between the action and the positive feeling.
A Mindset Shift for a Better Life
It’s natural to not want to do certain things, especially when they’re hard or uncomfortable. But the satisfaction that comes after? That’s where the magic is. By focusing on what you like, you shift the conversation in your mind from resistance to reward, from avoidance to action.
So the next time you’re caught in that tug-of-war, pause. Think beyond the resistance of the moment and remember what’s waiting for you on the other side. Let your likes guide you, and watch how much more you’ll do—not because you forced yourself, but because you truly enjoy the results.
Your likes are the compass. Let them show you the way.