Three Little Words

 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about motivation, or, more accurately, my lack of it sometimes. I keep searching for answers, trying to understand how I can become better at doing the things that matter to me. You’d think that knowing something needs to be done would be enough to get a person moving, but that’s not always how it works for me.

A few months ago, I was saying a prayer and asking Heavenly Father for help with this very struggle. As I prayed, three little words came into my mind: Just do it.

I’ve thought about those words a lot since then. They’ve become a kind of crutch for me, especially in the mornings. When it’s time to get out of bed and I don’t particularly want to, I hear those words. Just do it. And somehow, I’m able to swing my legs over the edge and stand up.

Now, that might not sound like much, but some mornings, it’s a pretty good start.

This morning, I decided to make a sign with the words Just do it and put it around my home to remind me of that prompting. As I was working on it, another word popped into my mind.

PRIMER

It felt like a strange thought at first, almost out of place. But then I remembered how I used to have to prime the lawn mower before I could get it running. That little bit of preparation helped the engine wake up. The primer got things ready for what came next.

And suddenly, it made perfect sense.

I started thinking about how many things in our lives need a little priming before we can get them moving.

And then it hit me. Just do it was my primer.

Of course, the phrase Just do it can sound harsh if the tone is wrong, almost like someone snapping, Quit making excuses. But somehow those same three words have become gentle for me. Encouraging. They remind me that I can begin right where I am, even when I don’t feel ready. I love that something so simple has become such a helpful reminder in my life.

And isn’t it interesting how taking that first step can change things? Sometimes, once I get moving, I find a little more energy. My mood begins to lift, and something that seemed difficult to start doesn’t feel quite so hard anymore. One small step can lead to another, and before I know it, my day is going in a better direction.

As I thought more about this, I realized there are other things that help me get moving in the right direction too. Time with my family can lift my spirits and remind me of the joy that comes from being together. Prayer helps me feel connected to Heavenly Father and seek His guidance. Scripture study often gives me something to think about or helps me see things a little differently. These things don’t necessarily change what’s happening around me, but they can change what’s happening inside me.

We all have things that help prepare us for what comes next. Other primers might be conversation with a friend, a walk outside, listening to music, or spending a little quiet time alone. Maybe it’s something that reminds you of who you are or what matters most.

I’d never really thought about these things as primers before, but I like thinking about them that way. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that help prime us for a better day or moment.

Heavenly Father often prepares our hearts in simple ways. A thought, a scripture, a moment of clarity. These gentle primers help me move forward even when I feel unsure.

And when I need help beginning again, I lean into the small prompt He gave me, Just do it!