Motivation comes from multiple sources and motivation is dynamic, always changing. Use all the sources and be prepared to use more. Dig from inside - Internal sources - autonomy, mastery, curiosity, connection, values and goals… and even extrinsic sources, those from outside of you (but use these less frequently and don’t rely on them!) Spend time reflecting where motivation comes for you, know your story. Know that when you’re fatigued or under a high cognitive load (lots of stress) that motivation may faulter - where’s it going to come from when you’re worn down?

Having a higher level of perceived exertion during long term stressors is your bodies way of protecting itself. It’s telling you to take care of yourself and slow down. It’s not saying stop. It’s saying you have a limited reserve. Let’s preserve it for when we need it most.

Why is it so hard to take a break?

Part of it is we absolutely love what we do - run, bike, climb, ski. It is often exhilarating to run fast, to push fast on the bike. The other part - is we’re trying to get ‘better’ at what we do…and maybe we’re so focused on results that we lose sight of the big picture. Our passion takes over. We’re hooked so to speak. Reacting to rules we create for ourselves. Self-judgements. Comparisons.