Physical movement cultivates feelings of motivation. Small amounts are better than nothing and can help build momentum.

If we can acknowledge that each of our thoughts presents just one possible idea among many, then we open ourselves up to the possibility of considering others.

When I am feeling this, what am I thinking about? When I am feeling this, what state is my body in? How was I looking after myself in the days or hours leading up to this feeling? Is this an emotion or just physical discomfort from an unmet need? There are lots of questions. Sometimes the answers will be clear. Other times it will all feel too

What are the first signs for you that emotional discomfort is present?

When feeling low, what are your go-to responses? Do those responses provide instant relief from the pain and discomfort? What effect do they have in the long term? What do they cost you? (Not in money, but in time, effort, health, progress.)

Take anyone on this earth and start depriving them of sleep and that person will become vulnerable to both physical and mental illness.

Learning how to cultivate that feeling of motivation and energy to increase the chances of it appearing more often. Learning how to act in line with your best interests even when motivation is absent. Developing the capacity to do what you need to do, even when a part of you doesn’t feel like it.

So how do we use metacognition when we are facing big changes?

Mastering motivation is building the capacity to do what matters most to you, even when a part of you does not feel like it.