The Constant Struggle: Battling Between Motivation and Temptation

Motivation and temptation are two opposing forces that constantly tug at our minds, determining our actions and ultimately shaping our lives. On the one hand, we all have a voice inside us that tells us what is good for us and urges us to pursue our goals. On the other hand, we have a voice that constantly tempts us to take the easy way out, to give in to our desires, and to indulge in our cravings.

The struggle between these two voices is as old as time itself. We may want to lose weight and get fit, but the voice of temptation tells us to eat that slice of chocolate cake. We may want to be productive and focused at work, but the voice of temptation tells us to check our social media accounts again and again.

It’s no wonder that we often find ourselves feeling stuck and unmotivated. We want to do the right thing, but we also want to indulge in our desires. So, how do we break free from this constant struggle and find the motivation to pursue our goals?

One approach is to make a conscious decision about which of the two voices should be in charge. Instead of trying to reason with the voice of temptation or ignoring it altogether, we can decide that the voice of good should be the one to take control.

Of course, this decision doesn’t mean that the voice of temptation will suddenly disappear. It’s likely that it will continue to fight back and try to lure us into its trap. But, by making a clear decision, we can use the voice of good to resist the voice of temptation and tell it where to get off.

It may sound a bit crazy, but this approach can actually work. Every time the voice of temptation tries to sabotage our efforts, we can rely on the voice of good to stand up for what is right and remind us of our goals.

This approach is not just about motivation; it’s about discipline. We can’t always count on motivation to keep us going. Sometimes, we need to rely on our self-discipline to push through tough times and to keep working towards our goals.

The importance of self-discipline is something that has been recognized by philosophers and thinkers throughout history. In his book, Meditations, Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, points to the discipline required to get things done.

He reminds us that we were born to do things and to experience life, not just to feel nice and comfortable. And, he urges us to have respect for our own nature and to do what it demands of us, even if it means putting in more work and effort.

Aurelius’s words resonate with the struggle that we all face between our desires and our goals. Sometimes, we need to put our desires aside and focus on what is truly important to us. We need to allow the voice of good to take control and to remind ourselves of our priorities.

In the end, the battle between motivation and temptation will continue to rage inside our heads. But, by making a conscious decision to rely on our self-discipline and to put the voice of good in charge, we can overcome our temptations and achieve our goals.

So, the next time you hear that voice of temptation whispering in your ear, don’t ignore it or try to reason with it. Instead, remind yourself of your goals, and let the voice of good take control. Tell the voice of temptation where to get off, and keep pushing forward with discipline and determination.