I've often struggled with motivation in my life. For years, I was plagued by a single word that held me back from living fully: "When."  One of my worst traits, I would say, was my habitual use of this word. "I'll invite people over when my house is as clean as I would like," I would tell myself. "I'll walk more when I move to a better location." My life became a series of deferred actions and postponed dreams, all hinging on the elusive "when." You get the picture. I basically stopped doing anything, waiting for "when."

The turning point came when I finally realized that my use of "when" was nothing more than an excuse. It was a shield I used to protect myself from the discomfort of change and the fear of failure. By putting off my goals and aspirations, I was allowing myself to remain unmotivated and stagnant. This revelation hit me hard, and I knew something had to change.

One crucial insight emerged: as long as I neglected self-care, motivation would remain elusive. For years, I had poured my energy into taking care of others, completely ignoring my own needs. This imbalance took a toll on my well-being. Factors like sleep deprivation, an unhealthy diet, and a scarcity of leisure time compounded the challenges of daily life, creating a vicious cycle that was hard to break.

I began to understand that self-care isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. Without adequate sleep, my body and mind were perpetually exhausted, making it nearly impossible to muster the energy for anything beyond the bare minimum. Poor eating habits left me feeling sluggish and unwell, further diminishing my drive to pursue my goals. The lack of leisure time meant I was constantly in a state of stress, with no opportunity to recharge.

To break free from the "when" trap, I had to start prioritizing myself. This meant establishing a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it, no matter how tempting it was to stay up late. I made a conscious effort to eat healthier, choosing foods that would nourish my body rather than drain it. I carved out time for activities that brought me joy and relaxation, whether it was reading a book, taking a walk, or simply sitting in silence.

As I began to take better care of myself, I noticed a shift in my motivation levels. No longer was I waiting for the perfect moment to start living my life. Instead, I found myself more willing to take action in the present. The house didn't have to be spotless for me to invite friends over; I didn't need to move to a new location to start walking more. I realized that waiting for "when" was just a way to avoid facing my fears and insecurities.

By nurturing my physical and mental well-being, I created a foundation for sustained motivation. It's not always easy, and there are still days when I struggle, but I've learned that taking care of myself is the key to unlocking my potential. Motivation isn't something that magically appears "when" conditions are perfect—it's something that grows from within when we make self-care a priority.

If you find yourself stuck in the "when" trap, remember that the power to change lies in your hands. Start by taking small steps towards better self-care, and watch as your motivation begins to flourish. Your journey to self-motivation might not be straightforward, but it's a path worth taking. Embrace the present, take care of yourself, and stop waiting for "when."