The Wrong Motivation
The other day when I was running I was thinking about why I do certain things. It probably started because it was a rough run and just about every ten steps I was thinking "Why on earth did I decide to train for and run a marathon?"
So I started thinking about why I really am running it. Then why I'm making decorations for Addilyn's birthday party or why I'm spending time fixing up our basement to make it a playroom. Why I want to buy and wear cute clothes or why I post pictures on instagram or write a blog.
Sometimes I think there's motivation for those things in hopes of others' approval. I want to have nice things when people come over, I love it when people compliment me on something I've made or a race I've finished. I get worried sometimes that my motivation for things is in the wrong place. I want to know that if no one else was around, would I still be doing most of these things. Would I run the marathon is no one but Chris knew I finished it? Would I redo our basement if no one but Addilyn played in it? Would I wear a cute outfit if I wouldn't see anyone I knew? So I started going through my list.
Running a marathon. I do go back and forth while I run as to why I am doing this. I think having a big goal is huge motivation for me to get in shape. I know having something that is just about me and not me and Addilyn is good and healthy for me. To have time by myself and doing something that I (not all the time) but usually enjoy.
When is comes to making projects, whether for our basement or Addilyn's party or whatever, I truly do enjoy doing it. I am happy when I am sitting on the floor with my glue gun or at my sewing machine. I love the feeling of finishing a project or accomplishing something I thought of making.
Wearing cute clothes. When I think about this one it's really pretty shallow. Truth is I feel way more comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt these days and they often seem much more practical. I feel good about myself when I get dressed for real, but wearing accessories, cute shoes or a nicer outfit seems like too much work these days.
Of course with these and other things, I love compliments and approval from others (I don't know who doesn't) but I want to be more aware of why I do things. I want to not find my worth is what others think of me or what I do or don't do. I know ultimately my worth lies in God and nothing else. I think God gives us blessings in things that make us happy, like running or making crafts, and wants us to enjoy those things. But I surely don't want those things to be a source of worth.
I was thinking about this verse the other day and that sometimes I'm putting my treasure in the wrong things. I know that there is nothing wrong with wanting to run a race, fix up my basement or want to look nice. But I want to put my worth is something that will last far longer than my running legs or cute pillows.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
I think it's really easy to get caught up in the lives we want to lead with the decorated homes, put together outfits and list of accomplishments. And those are definitely confidence boosters, but sometimes we let those things become our focus to measure our joy. And you are right, our ultimate worth lies in God and if we can just remember to wake up and serve Him with our whole hearts we do feel our worth. Thanks for the simple reminder :)
ReplyDeleteI feel you on the motivation being negative sometimes. I guess it's good to be motivated in general. I am searching for a race to run so that I will be motivated to run more. I've lost all my baby weight, but still very loose and flabby. Hoping to tighten things up!
ReplyDeleteman, this spoke to me. i struggle with this a lot! thanks for this post Lauren!
ReplyDeleteThis really struck a chord with me.
ReplyDeleteThere are times I find myself wondering a lot of these same questions. Your verse is perfect, and I will certainly be reflecting upon it more often.
Thanks for keeping it so honest!
I loved this - it really is so true. Often times I find myself thinking about what I spend a lot of my time doing, and why it's so important to me. Is it bringing glory to God? Is it productive and providing something for others, or is it just selfish? It sounds like you are really being intentional though with your actions, while taking the time to do things just for you! Thanks for getting me thinking this morning! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Why do we do things? I think sometimes it's for other people, so think that we are more put together than we really are. Other times it really is for us, but you're right we should really be aware of why we're doing something and if we're killing ourselves for you and someone else.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post!! I often find myself asking those questions too... Why am I doing this? Who is this for? and if I don't like my answers to those questions I need to rethink what I'm doing..
ReplyDelete-Leslie
www.withloveleslie.com
This post came at the perfect time for me! Thanks for writing it and being vulnerable, Katie!
ReplyDeleteVery true.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really beautiful post. It can be so easy to get absorbed in striving for things or for perfection and forget to appreciate the present!
ReplyDeleteSophie
http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
xxx
Such a great post! I think now with social media, we tend to show things off just for the sake of showing things off. Very true that we should think about the real motivation behind it.
ReplyDelete-Shaorn
The Tiny Heart
I have to realign my motivation at times too! Initially, I do everything for me, but then I tend to become motivated by others as I go along. That is too much pressure, so then I have to remind myself why I started. Great post, girl!
ReplyDelete