Building Dependability in Yourself - Part 2: Becoming Someone You Can Rely On
A previous blog post, Understanding Why Motivation Fades, explored some common reasons people struggle to maintain motivation such as perfectionism, overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, and lack of confidence or trust in self.
Understanding some of these barriers is important, but action is also required to create long-lasting change. The next step is learning how we can act differently to become a more dependable version of ourselves.
Rather than trying to force motivation, a more effective and sustainable goal can be becoming someone you can trust. Many of us believe we need to feel motivated before we can start something, but in fact, motivation often comes after action rather than before.
Start Smaller Than You Think You Need To
Instead of making overwhelming or lofty goals, concentrate on doable tasks or breaking down bigger goals. Instead of a forty-five-minute workout, make a commitment to move for five minutes. It might feel silly, but small victories matter. Small wins build momentum, a sense of achievement, and thus, confidence.
Keep Promises to Yourself (Even Small Ones)
Another important part of building dependability and self-trust is keeping promises to yourself, even seemingly insignificant ones. Every act of follow-through, whether it's cleaning your bed, going for a quick stroll, or finishing a single task, strengthens the conviction that you can rely on yourself. Sometimes a reward for task completion can be motivation enough! Simple, instant, and meaningful rewards work best. After a small win or a kept promise, consider rewarding yourself with something fun like your favorite coffee, a television show, a few minutes of guilt-free scrolling, a bath, reading a chapter, or time spent on a cherished hobby.
Reduce Friction
Consistency can also be increased by simplifying jobs, goals, or tasks. When goals require excessive steps, motivation often decreases. Getting started can feel easier after breaking down big goals into smaller action steps, keeping a concise list, and focusing on the next step alone.
Focus on Identity, Not Just Goals
Shift concentration onto the person you want to become and less on outcomes or achievements. Every action is a chance to reinforce and strengthen your identity. You are not locked into an identity, but can step closer to who you want to be every day.
Although motivation will inevitably fluctuate, dependability requires consistency. It often means showing up for yourself even when it feels difficult. You don’t have to change overnight. With time and perseverance, you will gain confidence, momentum, dependability, and ultimately, motivation will follow.
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or schedule an appointment online.
This blog post was written by Anna Worden.
This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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