[splat]

Hey Guys,

I've always had this problem where I feel that my motivation is really cyclical. For example when in the motivated stage, I re-plan my goals, re-write my affirmations.
I live the daily routine that I want : I get up on time, I go for walks, meditate, exercise etc. Feeling happy really requires no effort at all.

Then usually an event that breaks my routine will throw me into the downpart of the cycle. For example I might stay out late one night, get up late, feel unproductive and tired get little done, then it happens the next day and the next....

I still maintain my happiness, but the level of effort that I have to apply is much much harder. I constantly have to push myself to think postively etc. My motivation level becomes much lower, my long term goals don't seem to excite me and push me through my day. The goals are less potent during these times.

The bad cycle ends when I get so fed up with the way that I force myself to change. It never seems to last though.

I've had this problem ever since I've started consciously improving myself. However, I should note that it is improving. THe good parts of the cycle are longer, and the bad parts are shorter.

I have achieved 'moderate' success in my life so far, but I still feel like I'm performing underpar.

Currently I'm at the point where I'm so frustrated and fed up with the way that I've been living that I'm trying to work out how to fix the problem. I've realised that I keep coming back to this point. I will usually make a diary entry, and it usually throws things back online for a little while. I promise myself to keep making the journal entries (because it's something that I want to do) but slowly that tapers away too. At first I blamed it on all the distractions that I had in my life (girlfriend, social life, part-time work). Then I went on exchange for university, and now I'm currently living a life without many of these distractions. I have so much time on my hands but I seem to be unable to culitvate it and use it to achieve my goals.

One of the major issues is self-discipline. I've read the steps outlined by Steve on these previously. I concluded that my upward motivational phase was the willpower part of the cycle. So then I thought that the load and expectations that I was placing on myself and on my life were too heavy. I then made a plan with less load, and then made plans to slowly build it up (add weights).

I'm feeling confused, because I have a very clear idea of how I want to live my life, and how I need to live (and think) to achieve my desires and goals, but I'm not sure how to get it running CONSISTENTLY.

Can anyone relate? Has anyone jumped this hurdle before?

-Ry