Unlock Their Inner Motivator: The Easy Way to Inspire Real Change
Let's be real. We all know someone (or maybe are someone) who knows they should do something different. Eat healthier, stop procrastinating, finally tackle that mountain of laundry... but actually doing it? That's another story.
And what's our usual go-to? "You should really do X!" or "Why don't you just try Y?" Spoiler alert: it rarely works. In fact, sometimes, it just makes people dig their heels in even harder! It's frustrating for everyone involved, right?
But what if there was a way to help people tap into their own reasons for change? A kind of communication superpower that lets them discover their own motivation, rather than feeling pressured or judged by yours? Enter: Motivational Interviewing, or MI for short!
Think of MI not as giving a lecture, but as being a really good guide on someone's journey. Instead of telling them where to go, you help them look at their own map, explore the paths, and decide on their destination themselves. It's all about helping them connect with their own desires and reasons for making a shift.
The core idea is simple but powerful:
- It's Collaborative: You're not the expert telling them what's best; you're a partner working with them.
- It's Evocative: You're not installing new ideas, but drawing out their existing thoughts, feelings, and reasons for change.
- It Respects Autonomy: The choice is always theirs. No pressure, no guilt trips, just support for their self-direction.
So, how does it work its magic? Instead of saying, "You need to exercise more," an MI approach might ask, "What are some of the good things that might come from being more active?" Or, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is it for you to make a change in this area?" You listen with genuine curiosity, affirm their strengths, and reflect back what you hear, helping them to see their own thoughts more clearly.
This isn't just for therapists or counselors (though they totally rock it!). Imagine using these skills with your teenager about their grades, your partner about household chores, or even yourself about finally sticking to that new healthy habit. It cuts down on arguments, builds trust, and actually leads to lasting change because it comes from within. When people feel heard and empowered, they're far more likely to take ownership and follow through.
So, if you're tired of banging your head against the wall trying to convince someone to do something they "should" do, maybe it's time to learn how to help them find their own "I want to!" It's a game-changer for relationships, personal growth, and getting things done – the right way.
Inspired by: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/introduction-to-motivational-interviewing-online-course-tickets-1983060664831