What’s Really Going On With Staying Motivated
Look, motivation is a slippery beast. You wake up fired up, ready to conquer the world, then somewhere around day three, your energy tanks, and you’re stuck in the same old slump. We’ve all been there, right?
The secret sauce to staying motivated for the long haul isn’t some magic pill or a one-time pep talk. Nope, it’s about a lifestyle shift — a daily practice, a mindset that grows stronger over time. Here’s the thing: Lifelong motivation isn’t about willpower alone. It’s about learning how to release the crap that drags you down, soak in the good stuff, and keep moving forward even when the world throws curveballs. That’s what the Zen nun Mugai Nyodai’s story teaches us — when the bucket breaks, the water spills out, and suddenly there’s space for the moonlight to shine in. Imagine that in your own life. Drop what’s heavy and broken so you can receive something better.
Why Releasing and Receiving Matters
Rick Hanson, a psychologist who’s been preaching wisdom for years, nails this with his meditation and talk series called “Releasing and Receiving.” It’s not just a fancy mindfulness exercise. It’s a real tool for anyone who’s tired of dragging emotional baggage around like it’s some badge of honor. The point is to let go of the old pain, the negative thoughts, the stuff swirling in your head that keeps you stuck — so you can open up to the good things that are right in front of you. Think about it: How often do you hold onto grudges, worries, or self-doubt, thinking that somehow they make you stronger or more cautious?
Give me a break. That’s like trying to swim with an anchor tied around your neck. Instead, when you release, you’re not giving up; you’re making room. And receiving isn’t just about getting stuff — it’s about welcoming kindness, new ideas, joy, and even simple moments of peace. Rick’s meditation practice helps you train your brain to do just that, every day.
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Learning As You Go
Here’s where it gets really interesting. Motivation isn’t some static state you either have or don’t. It’s a muscle you build by “learning as you go.” Rick Hanson calls it one of his top five inner practices for growth. And it’s not just about picking up facts or skills. It’s emotional learning, somatic learning — tuning into how you feel and letting that experience teach you without judgment. Every day is a chance to “take in the good.” What does that mean?
It means when you experience something positive — a compliment, a moment of calm, a win at work — you don’t just let it slip by unnoticed. You actually pause and take it in. Let it sink deep. Because when you do, you’re not just feeling good in the moment; you’re rewiring your brain to lean into resilience, confidence, and joy. Rick talks about this as healing the past and building strengths for the future. Bottom line, if your world collapses tomorrow, the stuff you’ve internalized — your emotional and mental muscle — is what you can really count on. That’s the kind of learning that sticks through thick and thin.
Why Generosity Boosts You Too
Now, don’t zone out on me here. Generosity might sound like a nice-to – have, fluffy “feel-good” concept, but it’s actually a powerhouse for sustained motivation and emotional health. Rick points out that generosity doesn’t have to mean cash. Sometimes it’s just attention, patience, or a kind word when someone needs it. Try this: For one day, be a little more generous with your listening. Hold back your urge to interrupt or judge. Offer a smile or a nod that says, “I’m with you.” It sounds small, but these acts loosen the grip of self-centered stress and open up your heart. When you practice generosity, you’re not just lifting others — you’re lifting yourself. It’s a ripple effect. The kindness you put out there bounces back in ways you can’t predict. And here’s something cool: Rick’s teachings are offered freely to anyone who wants to tap into this. Meditation, talks, even guided practices — no catch. Generosity in action.
The Real Deal on Staying Motivated
So what’s the real takeaway here?
Staying motivated for life isn’t some one-and – done hustle. It’s about dropping the heavy buckets that break under pressure, soaking in the moonlight of good experiences, learning from every moment, and sharing your light with others. It’s messy. It’s not always fun. But it’s worth it. Motivation that lasts comes from building an inner ecosystem where releasing and receiving happen naturally, where learning is a daily grind, and where generosity is a lifestyle, not a chore. And if you want to start somewhere, check out Rick Hanson’s Wednesday night meditations. They’re free, no strings attached, and honest — the kind of down-to – earth wisdom that sticks with you long after the session ends. Because, at the end of the day, your motivation isn’t about some external event or big dramatic change. It’s about how you show up in the small moments, again and again. That’s a wrap. Now go ahead, drop that damn bucket and let some moonlight in.
