Normally, I’m a very motivated person. I’m a go-er. A do-er. A get-things-done-er. But sometimes, I lose my motivation. Like when we are facing a cross-country PCS that we’re a less than excited about during first trimester of pregnancy practically knocking me off my feet.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a whiny complaining post. I’m grateful for this new season and excited that the State of my Uterus is currently occupied with Tiny Human Numero Dos.

But getting ready for this PCS was quite a hairy beast of a task.

Not only was I generally dragging my feet to get all the prep-junk done, but the incredible nausea and exhaustion like never before from growing this little one didn’t help.

That was when I knew it was time to engage something my husband fondly refers to in his Army career as “false motivation.”

Because, let’s be honest, sometimes false motivation is greater than no motivation at all.

Before we go any further, I should probably explain this concept of false motivation. It’s less-than-sincere enthusiasm synthetically manufactured in order to complete a mission.

Like when my hubby is out in the field, it’s cold, everything is broken, and it starts to rain. He has two choices: succumb to the temptation by giving up, curling up in the fetal position and weeping (which would be my first choice but is often frowned upon by his superiors) or plaster on a fake smile, grit your teeth, and keep calm as you soldier on.

So, that is what I had to do in preparation for our most recent PCS. And, because my brain is still tired and my motivation to write this blog is kind of still more false than true, I’m going to break it down into easy-to-follow bullet points.

Here’s my personal method for creating false motivation, no matter what mission you’re facing:

1. Get creative.

Or, in my case, nerdy. Figure out what motivates you, then find a way to connect that motivation and slap it onto the current mission at hand. Example: I needed to get started on prepping for the PCS. In my brain, I thought I was sitting pretty, but as I started to think about the eleventy billion phone calls/appointments/trips to Goodwill I needed to make before departure, I knew I needed to get with the program.

So, I engaged my nerdy side. I went to Office Depot, purchased a new flip chart with some new Mr. Sketch Smelly Markers, and made life-sized, multi-colored lists.

And yes. The first thing on my list was to “Make a list.” See, getting junk done already! Plus, it helped me divide the PCS mission into manageable chunks. Out of my brain, onto the paper.

2. Add AMERICA! to every single experience, appointment or task related to your mission.

There’s just something so satisfying about screaming AMERICA! when you finally hang up the phone after negotiating for 45 minutes with your internet company on a shut-off date for your service. Dishes washed? AMERICA! Kids bathed and put down for bed? AMERICA! Groceries purchased? AMERICA! I don’t know about you, but I’m getting motivated just sitting here!

3. Nod and smile.

And don’t be afraid to keep your mouth shut. Sometimes, the most simple yet effective way to create false motivation is just to slap a smile on your face (even if it is more counterfeit than a three-dollar bill), nod your head, and do work. It’s also important for me personally to sometimes remain silent at these moments (unless the word coming out of my mouth starts with A and ends with MERICA—see point above).

Readers, how do you get motivated for the big or small missions of life when Fort Couch is calling your name? I always love feedback. Join the conversation and leave a comment below.

And speaking of which, I need to peel myself out of this comfy chair and get to crack-a-lacking. Fake smile? Check. Smelly markers? Check. AMERICA. Check.