Most of us don’t struggle with knowing what we should do. We know we should save more, follow through, take better care of ourselves, have the hard conversation, or finally start the thing we’ve been putting off. The challenge is getting ourselves to do the things we should be doing. That’s where a concept called “motivational interviewing” offers a surprisingly practical lens.
Over the past 10 weeks, members of our Advisory Team have been attending a motivational interviewing workshop, with the goal of helping people move forward on what matters most to them. Originally developed in the 1980s by psychologists William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, motivational interviewing was built on a simple observation: people don’t change because they’re told to, they change when they uncover their own reasons.
Here are a few ways anyone can use motivational interviewing in their own life.
1. Stop trying to “force” motivation
One of the biggest misconceptions about motivation is that it comes from discipline or pressure. Motivational interviewing flips that idea. It assumes that pushing harder often creates resistance instead of progress. Instead of forcing action, it focuses on understanding why you feel stuck in the first place. Motivational interviewing tells us that when we lack motivation, it is often because we are experiencing conflict. Part of you wants the outcome, but another part of you is not ready for the tradeoffs.
2. Get curious about your own resistance
Rather than ignoring that tension, this approach leans into it. Try asking yourself “What feels hard about making this change?” or “What is the upside of staying where I am?”.
Motivational interviewing is built around exploring these kinds of questions. By asking yourself these questions, you are working to create clarity, which tends to reduce resistance. When you understand both sides of your hesitation, the decision becomes easier.
3. Connect your goals to what actually matters
One of the core ideas behind motivational interviewing is that change sticks when it’s tied to your personal values. People often set goals based on external expectations. The goal might sound right on paper, but if it isn’t connected to something meaningful to you, it will be hard to sustain. When you can articulate why a goal matters to you, the motivation to follow through becomes more durable.
4. Let yourself hear your own reasons
People are more likely to follow through on ideas they say out loud themselves. Motivational interviewing refers to this as “change talk”, the moment you begin expressing your own reasons, ability, or desire to move forward. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. You’re no longer trying to convince yourself because you are articulating something you already believe.
5. Focus on small, realistic movement
This approach is about building momentum in a way that feels achievable. Instead of thinking about the “perfect” plan try taking one step towards a “better” plan. Motivational interviewing works because it respects that change is often gradual, noting that consistency over time matters more than intensity.
If you are curious to learn more about how motivational interviewing relates to your Financial Life Plan, reach out to your JNBA Advisory Team.
Please note: All services provided by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, are separate and independent of JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, some of the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from JNBA Financial Advisors.
Please see important disclosure information at jnba.com/disclosure
