It all starts with motivation. Finding and focusing on those core motives that drive us can keep us going when things get tough, help us visualize good outcomes, and remind us of our ultimate purpose.
The motivation to exercise
Turning to your sources of motivation are what remind you of your ultimate purpose. This is especially important when things get tough. In the case of working out, there will be countless times where you’re absolutely exhausted or lacking time. In those moments, when you feel like quitting, you remind yourself why you need to workout. You see yourself in the long run, whether it’s being physically fit, warding off your predisposition
to diabetes or running alongside your kids.
That goal, that ultimate purpose, that source of motivation, will drive you time and again to get back on your feet and back to the actions that allow you to achieve your goals.
Visualize your goals
In the exact same way as the example of working out, you want to visualize how your day to day goals will allow you to achieve your ultimate purpose in life.
Visualize Jennah (Paradise)
Both the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ are filled with metaphors and detailed descriptions of what lie ahead for the believers. One of my favorite verses
vividly illustrates just one aspect of Jennah:
“The description of the Paradise promised to the righteous is that in it are rivers of fresh water, rivers of milk that never changes in taste, rivers of wine delicious to drink, and rivers of pure honey. There they will have all kinds of fruit, and forgiveness from their Lord.” [47:15]
Just as Allah (swt) invites us to imagine and long for the beauties of Jennah, we need to visualize a good ending that results from our efforts.
Download the Habits to Win Here and Hereafter Workbook and keep track of your thoughts, goals and inspirations as you follow along the series.
