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What is motivation?
Motivation is the inner spark that drives us to pursue goals and take action. It comes from inside us (our own desires) and from outside (rewards, people, consequences), and it shapes how hard we push, and in which direction. Knowing what truly motivates you is the key to sticking with change.
Types of motivation
Which of these drive you?
Intrinsic
Comes from within: the satisfaction or joy of doing something for its own sake.
Extrinsic
Comes from outside: rewards, recognition, praise or social pressure.
Achievement
The drive to accomplish goals, rise to a challenge and overcome obstacles.
Affiliation
The need for connection, belonging and meaningful relationships.
Power
The desire to lead, influence and make a difference around you.
Fear
Avoiding negative outcomes like failure, loss or danger.
Growth
The pursuit of self-improvement, new skills and continuous learning.
Incentive
Anticipating a reward, whether tangible (money, gifts) or intangible (approval).
Common examples
What resonates with you?
Look through these and note which ones speak to you. You’ll come back to them throughout your journey.
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Financial security
- Personal growth
- Social connection
- Health & wellness
- Family
- Creativity
- Passion
- Independence
- Helping others
- Curiosity
- Competition
- Legacy
- Altruism
- Personal fulfillment
- Avoiding danger
- Survival
Journaling exercise · 15–30 minutes
Journal your motivation
Answer these questions in your health journal.
- Why am I starting this journey? Why now?
- What types of motivation resonate with me?
- How do I envision my life changing once I’ve overcome this condition? Really get into the details.
- What values or principles do I hold dear that support improving my health, and how can I reinforce them daily?
- Who do I want to become once I’ve overcome this challenge, and how can I live those qualities starting today?
- How can I be grateful for my progress, however small, and use that gratitude to stay motivated in hard times?
- What deeper aspirations will better health let me fulfill, and how will I keep them front of mind?
- Who are my biggest supporters, and how can I lean on them?
- What fears or doubts do I have, and how will I address them to stay focused?
May Allah Most High give you and all of us tawfiq and taysir (success and ease) on our journey to better physical, mental and spiritual health.