And somehow you knew how to stay motivated...
Goals are mysterious things - they spring into our minds motivating us to succeed, fuel fires of fantasy about success and new found happiness, initiate an almost manic effort to move our lives forward, and then - suddenly the fire goes out.
What once motivated you to succeed, drove you to get up early and work late, now weighs in your mind as a failure in the wings.
Don't despair.
The aftermath of the best intentions often feels like failure, but a few simple questions to yourself every day will provide the motivation to carry you through until your goal's completion.
Step 1: Repeat goal aloud.
Repeat it again. And again. Simple statements repeated aloud and often can trigger the subconscious into action.
Choose your goal, and pick strong words that inspire you. As you say them aloud, pay attention to what the words mean. If your goal is to practice the bassoon, say aloud "I will practice the bassoon and make beautiful music!" or "I will make my bassoon sing!"
Each statement rephrases the initial goal, but does so in a way that refreshes and revitalizes the initial excitement of your goal.
Step 2: Tell a good friend about your goal.
Talk openly about why you wanted to pursue your goal in the first place, and what you hoped to achieve.
Talking with someone about possible outcomes and the steps along the way can make the goal more realistic in your mind.
Each time you talk to someone, the goal becomes less a secret desire, and more a route you have chosen that your friends can encourage you on.
Step 3: Even if you don't feel like it, do it anyways!
There are mornings we all loathe getting out of bed, but hitting snooze once more will not get the paperwork done any earlier, finish our paper route, or see us to success.
Feelings are not facts, but they can catch up to the facts in time - doing what you know you ought will eventually bring you a feeling of satisfaction as well as of relief.
Step 4: Reward Yourself!
When you complete a step in your overall plan, reward yourself. Little rewards along the way can make the overall job seem more attainable.
Rewards do not have to be overly expensive to provide a boost. Allow yourself a night off if you make three cold calls, or give yourself a manicure once you have completed your thank-you card list.
The goal is important, but the path you take can be where the fun is. As you think about what arena of life you wish to succeed in, remind yourself how capable you are.
Goals are meant to stretch us and push into places we would not ordinarily go. Let the journey help you grow as a person.
Recognize that, although you will not always feel the same level of motivation, an unwavering commitment can make all the difference and you can stay motivated to succeed.
Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com /special.htm
If your business isn't as successful as you envision, what's... Read More
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More
Have you ever imagined that life could be a lot... Read More
There are a number of techniques to help you stop... Read More
I received an email today that said I could: "Make... Read More
Q. I've been working on a big project for a... Read More
Have you ever had an accident?Do you value your personal... Read More
Instead of trying to be perfect, it is better to... Read More
Making money is easy when you move to cause rather... Read More
What CHOICE do you want to make?Dictionary* says:the act of... Read More
Every thought of a human being is transformed as picture... Read More
Wisdom eludes me. The more I learn, the less I... Read More
Ever wonder how to stop procrastinating?I was recently talking with... Read More
They say that the way to have a positive attitude... Read More
The answer is yes, of course, right? People motivate other... Read More
I've been meaning to write this column, but I keep... Read More
We have been told that the things we don't like... Read More
What do you do when you make a big mistake?... Read More
The Three D's of Action are Decide, Do and Distinguish.... Read More
While most people spend most of their lives struggling to... Read More
--Choose a motivational quote related to your goal. Don't have... Read More
One way to motivate yourself to work hard at anything... Read More
You lost your job. Your partner left you. Your car... Read More
Allow me to start this with a quote:To think too... Read More
The inner critic is that voice inside your head that... Read More
In the philosophical teachings that form the base for our... Read More
Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Your... Read More
If money is considered to be the root of all... Read More
Building a team of motivated people in your business is... Read More
March madness is great to watch not because I have... Read More
(Excerpted from The Power of Ambition series)What is the origin... Read More
Never underestimate the power of persistence!If you persist you really... Read More
Fear of failure (or success) and a lack of energy... Read More
I hope you're having an AWESOME week!Let me first say... Read More
Well....., I got some good news and I got some... Read More
How many times have you been faced with a decision... Read More
THOUGHTSJames Allen in his Book "As a Man Thinketh"says Mind... Read More
As best I can tell hereā??s how it breaks down.Some... Read More
Prepare, prepare, prepare! The horizon screams of spring and the... Read More
The first week of May is a big birthday time... Read More
Have you ever wondered why is it that after we... Read More
We all have excuses as to why we can't do... Read More
"Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow... Read More
Being human is being fallible. Evolution determines that we all... Read More
Q: I just read your column in today's' Greensboro News... Read More
Several years ago, my husband introduced me to some potential... Read More
How many times have you felt truly defeated by the... Read More
How are things going for you? Are you sitting on... Read More
Stopping procrastination can be challenging, especially since you can't put... Read More
Imagine! 40 is old. The California State Supreme Court has... Read More
--Choose a motivational quote related to your goal. Don't have... Read More
Nothing ever stays the same. On the one hand we... Read More
Do you ever have the sense that there has to... Read More
I grew up in a very cold climate where winter... Read More
You've probably heard the term "leading edge" used to refer... Read More
"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up... Read More
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is... Read More
I have a confession to make: I don't like working... Read More
How often have you struggled with yourself over the work... Read More
We often find ourselves in a situation in which we... Read More
Don't you just hate it when people make excuses for... Read More
Do you sometimes have the feeling that you're running into... Read More
Someone I know maintains that "motivational words are great coming... Read More
Want to hear about a simple & effective motivation technique?... Read More
Sooner or later, if you keep working hard in a... Read More
The first of January and September, as well as our... Read More
Motivation |