Doing Things for the Right Reasons

Doing Things for the

Right Reasons

words by: ELLA WOODCOCK design by: ORLAGH TURNER

There are certain things in our lives that we know we have to do. Things that we know a healthy and functioning human being does. Go to university/work, cook meals, stay healthy and socialise. I know that I personally go through stages where I am really motivated and then stages where I am not. I think this is because my motivation tends to mirror the circumstances around me and what my friends are doing. Reflecting on this taught me that I was not doing things for the right reasons.

Often, these things become a monotonous tick box of tasks we have to do. We become detached from the reasons why this must be done and, consequently - we stop doing them. This is not helped when the people around us are whispering things like “movie night” or “take away” in our ears. University is potentially the worst for this because it becomes normalised to be a little complacent under the umbrella of “student life”. Something that we all get caught up in.

Eating a healthy meal or going to the library for a couple of hours should not be seen as tedious chores that can only be done occasionally. In order to truly integrate them into our everyday life the way we view them must change. For example, you are not going to the gym to look good for someone else. You are going to improve your fitness and your own personal health. Little changes like this can make your motivations more powerful. There is only so far you can go when you’re using the opinions of others as a reason to do what you do. The only way you can improve is if you are doing it for yourself.

A tiny shift in mindset can cause huge ripples into the rest of your life. The things that you prioritise matter. Starting to live for yourself will teach you to value your own self-worth. Learning that we shouldn’t necessarily have to reward ourselves for completing positive tasks is also key in this shift in mindset. This also stems from the belief that we do things for ourselves and the benefits that they cause are reward enough.

If we are doing things such as studying or exercising to impress other people, then there is no wonder motivation quickly fades away and we become tired. Turning to “cheat days” and weekends off doing anything. Of course, we all need rest and respite but if you are anything like me then these often become a lot longer than just a day off. Viewing revision as beneficial for your degree and therefore your future – makes it seem worthwhile and less painful to complete. You are rewarding yourself every time that you take steps towards bettering your life.

It is easier said than done. If anybody tells you that they always see chores or necessities as an opportunity to improve themselves then they are lying. Lack of motivation happens to everyone and that is OK. You are not expected to be 100% all of the time. That, in itself, is not healthy. However, when you do feel that third day of non-productivity sneaking up on you, remember that the only person affected by not doing the things you need to do is you. As humans, we have the power to be the best version of ourselves if we just are able to push through our own boundaries.I think this is common because we often feel guilty if we put ourselves first. This stems from faults in our society. Not letting this hold us back is paramount. There is nothing wrong with prioritising yourself. It is not selfish to want to become better every day, whether this is academically, physically or mentally. You cannot feel ashamed to live your life in this way, despite what society may or may not tell you.

This is how it works. How changing your mindset about yourself and the tasks you have to complete can make the mountains seem less ginormous. Making changes like this doesn’t just have to be for the everyday tasks in your life but also the major goals that you set. So many times people aim to do things to prove others wrong or to look good. We all do. Sometimes this is enough, but it shouldn’t have to be. Doing things for yourself is a much more sustainable and healthy way to live your life and motivate yourself to achieve your goals.

Days off are important. Pushing yourself too hard is not healthy. However, if you want to create a healthy and productive lifestyle for yourself on a day to day basis, then becoming a little more egocentric and investing in yourself is the best way.