Focus Fires: Staying Warm When Motivation is Cold

Have you ever tried to start a fire and you can't seem to get it to catch or it quickly burns out? That is sometimes how our focus feels! In this episode, we are going to connect on how we can build a focus fire that will burn bright with practice. Imagine motivation is the firewood and your energy and attention are the flames that keep it burning bright! Some days, your focus fire is strong and glowing -whoosh! You are full of energy, ideas, and excitement! Other days, though, it feels like your brain is out in the cold, with wood that is damp, the spark is tiny, and it's super hard to get it going! Sound familiar!? Our brains need momentum to get started on these cold days, because sometimes our brains to make enought spark- dompamine! It's not that you don't want to get something done, it's just that your brain needs a little more kindling to catch fire!  How do I spark my focus fire, you may ask!? Tiny twigs first- Start with something small. Like, instead of cleaning your WHOLE room, just pick up three things and then-whoosh- the momentum catches and your focus fire will start burning!  Add some oxygen- Your body is made to MOVE: Energy generates more energy...jump, stretch, dance, shake...it's like fanning your flame with fresh air!  Cozy up with a fire buddy (body double)- Sometimes it's easier to get started when someone else is with you, like a parent, friend, or sibling. Their presence is like sitting by another warm fire-it helps your own flame grow. Use fire fuel you love- Add music, color, or something else fun and interesting to your task that feels boring! Our brains LOVE novelty and gamifying things, like tossing on a sparkly piece of wood!  Now that your fire is burning, it still needs care! Celebrate wins big or small, take short breaks, and watch your fire regulate it's flame and then burn brighter!  Remember, even when your motivation feels cold, it's NOT gone! The embers are always there waiting for you to spark them again! Let's go out there and practice building our focus fires as the cold weather hits! It's a fun way to remember to start small, add a spark, and feel the warmth grow! Keep shining bright my beautiful, brilliant friends!    Check out our November sponsor, Sara Lewis Hartley, who is a neurodivergent coach, who helps families nurture emotional awareness, self-acceptance, and connection- All while celebrating the uniqueness in every child. She is also the author of "The Purposefully Me Series"- A social-emotional series of books that speak striaght to your kiddos hearts and minds! Sara is also the creator of the incredible ALIGN Parenting Method, which is a powerful 5-step framework that helps parents find calm in the chaos through Awareness, Listening &Labeling, Identifying triggers, Grounding techniques, and Nurture. Visit www.saralewishartley.com to start your journey toward mindful, heart-centered parenting today.  Reach out to me with any questions at www.katelynmabry.com. I would love to hear from you!!    Intro music credit: http://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day License code: BYYB10YF2HHNY3YO