Tag: motivation

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Self Motivation – A Short Guide to Goal Achievement

Today is the beginning of a new month, and the final one before we start the new year. Hard to believe that 2026 is only four weeks away. What you may not realize is that this is a great time to finish your goals – you don’t have to put them away to start ‘fresh’ once the new year starts. Many think of resolutions when setting goals.

Unfortunately, research suggest that only 8-10% achieve those resolutions, with many abandoning their goals on what is known as ‘Quitters Day” or the second Friday of January, while 80% stop working on their goals by the second week of February. Those odds aren’t good.

So what stops people from not fulfilling the very aspects they want to improve upon?

First, using the word resolution, which means to resolve or not do something’ gives off a negative vibe which is not very motivating. Change the word to call it ‘intention,’ as this means you are committed to what you decide and with determination. That mindset alone will get you into action-mode and accomplishment.

Second, most people don’t know how to set goals or are not intentional with them. Starting with a strong determination will make the goal clearer and see what actions are needed to accomplish them.

You may have heard of SMART goals, which is one way to set goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Time-Limited. All are essential but specific and time-limited are the two most important of them; if you cannot state a goal in specifics, your brain can’t come up with the steps needed and they won’t be as motivating. Putting a time-limit on when you want to achieve the goal is what will  give you the momentum and accountability as you are working the steps.

But what about motivation, or the drive behind one’s actions.  Let’s say you’ve set clear and compelling goals and start working them, but you seem to have hit a wall and the goal doesn’t seem so important, leaving you wanting to do nothing, even the things you love to do. Then idleness starts to take its toll and you find yourself working the goal less and less.

As a result, a new pattern emerges of not acting which brings up guilt and shame, hence letting negativity cloud your mind and effort. This is called lack of motivation and, if this situation sounds familiar, then pay attention to the following points:

  • Assess your present situation

Why exactly are you feeling this way? What is lacking, both in what you want to achieve and your desire for it/them? Is this because of an isolated event or due to an accumulation of factors? Are there current circumstances that you have to focus on, while trying to make changes? Regardless of the situation, you should be sure that your situation is a manifestation of incongruence between reality and your own ideas. Your job is to identify the schism first, then develop small, attainable changes which will close the gap.

  • Never make goals

It probably caught you by surprise because everyone else seems to scream the words ”make goals”. Instead of making goals, make choices that will cumulatively reflect your values and also desires. Try making unrealistic goals which are not compatible with your lifestyle, nor reflective to your current resources or capabilities and failure will be raring its ugly head on you. Then it becomes a predictable outcome powered by an impractical wish.

If you want the incongruence that exists between reality and dreams to slowly fade, make daily choices that will bring about the wide paradigm shift. A more uplifting way to set goals is through the method of Everest Goals, where you start with the goal being achieved and then work backwards in how to achieve them; this method, based on those who actually climbed Mt. Everest, opens the brain up to finding solutions that will make your goals a reality.

  • Create room for the bad

We all have strengths and weaknesses and, sometimes, what we try to avoid ends up getting the best of us. Rather than being deceived on the idea of eliminating the bad instantly, focus on doing the good first before the bad can come last. What this means is to allow yourself space that your drive may ebb and wane at times which can take the pressure off of having to constantly achieve to prevent any guilty feelings that may arise. If one day you wind up eating that piece of cake, just determine to get back to the goal the next day.

Change is not easy and you may find resistance but, with a positive mindset and seeing the outcome of the goal, along with the benefits you will get by having that outcome, you can diminish and then overcome any resistance you may find and your motivation will return stronger than before.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.”  

      (Steve Maraboli)

 

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How to Find Your Real Motivation

Now that we are heading into 2025, did you set new goals you want to achieve? This is the time when the majority of people feel invigorated to become more of what they are and leave behind old routines and habits. Whether that involves one’s job, health and fitness, relationships, or just to be a better person, this is the time for change.

 

However, change is not easy and going out of your comfort zone to do something new. It doesn’t matter if the change is beneficial – our bodies and brain don’t like ‘stepping out’ of that zone. It doesn’t feel right; after all, it’s easier to stay where you are as you know how to deal with the emotions that arise. It’s easier to justify why you’re not making a change or to put off the idea of doing so.

 

But any change involves motivation, or the drive to achieve a goal. Motivation can be driven by internal or external needs: internal needs are those that come from within us, that we are passionate about, or know it’s the ‘right’ thing to do (making more money or staying late to help a coworker out); external needs are desires we have from outside us to gain a reward or prevent a punishment, such as doing extra work to get a bonus or not wanting to get in trouble.

 

One of the biggest challenges you might face is to find that motivation, as simple as that sounds. Everyday people are finding it difficult to get enough motivation to get through the day. The lack of inner desire to get things done is usually a very daunting experience that can lead to less productivity and people struggling to do even the basic things. Comfort is less scary than doing a new action.

 

However, motivation is all about how one influences the mind and controls it to achieve the goals. If you also go through a similar phase and want to know how to find real motivation then just keep on reading.

 

Before I tell you some awesome ways to reel in inspiration, you must know what causes the lack of motivation. When we look for the opposite words of motivation, we get words such as discouragement, depression, dislike and difficulty to name a few. In fact, all of these reasons can be attributed to our lack of doing something. We might be discouraged about that activity if it didn’t work in the past, we may be depressed because of not taking action, we might find that something is too difficult for us to do so it’s easier to not do it, or we may have a general disliking towards something but feel compelled to make the change.

 

All of these, or even one of these reasons, may be causing you a lack of willpower which is what is needed to overcome and move forward. As mentioned earlier, fear is the main reason for not taking action. In this case, the biggest question is – how to find real motivation. It is all about the mind – the power of the mind – your mind, specifically.

 

Let’s look at some ways that can help you sort out your mindset and move away from your habit of procrastination, or avoidance, so you can go boldly into any change you truly desire, along with questions to ask yourself:

– What makes you want to not start or to quit?

The first step to get rid of your motivation problem is to find out the reason that makes you think that it’s ok to quit. We all know that the world is a difficult place and not everyone is good. However, what matters is how you take your steps and face your obstacles. If you feel depressed, pump up your mind with better thoughts and hang out with people who make you happy and are happy to be around you; get help if you need to – talking to someone can be a great way to release negative emotions. A new study shows that meditation is one of the best ways to ease depression (go to a class or visit YouTube).

– What is your goal and can you see it?

The second step to find your real motivation is to look up to your final goal. This means being crystal clear about that goal and the benefit you will get from having it. One of the best methods is using Everest Goal Setting; basically, you come from the frame that you already achieved the goal and work backwards to how you achieved it. Our brains have a unique ability to expand our thinking and ideation; it takes the pressure off of starting at the beginning which can lead to brain-freeze (fight-or-flight).  Remember, your goal should be completion, not winning. If you take it easy with your goals and resolution, and complete them, you will be a much happier soul, and your motivation will be there both the present and the future.

– Commit to your resolution

When you sort out your initial problem, all you need to do is commit to your goal and your resolution. Sounds easy, right? Staying the course to see the goal realized will have bumps and turns (maybe some bruises, also) and waning in staying motivated. Accountability is needed, or what I call a feedback system. This can include having an accountability partner(s), such as your family, friends or colleagues, so that you have steady support always around you. Having people help you by being encouraging is always a plus-point.

 

Other suggestions:  have a calendar or white board where you can document your daily activities and results; join a meetup group or club where you will find others with similar goals; make a vision board; find a mentor or a coach – all of these will keep you focused on your goals staying the course. We all need help along the way.

 

Finding your motivation takes time and effort but will be worth it in the long-run. Knowing how you ‘operate,’ so to speak, is the first and best way to make any changes you desire so you are reaching higher and living the life you desire.

“If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” (William James)

 

 

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5 Questions That Lead to Strategic Thinking

Are you feeling a bit confused by strategic thinking? You know it’s essential for your career and your business, but how do you actually do it?

Here are five questions to should ask yourself to really sharpen your strategic thinking.

  1. What do you want?

The most important thing to work out is where you want to be. Everything—goals, strategies, steps, should all be pointing to your desired destination. Do you want to be CEO, or be running your own company?

What do you want to achieve this year, in five years, ten? What are your actual goals? What’s your vision? Having goals gives you direction of what to do each day, so get it all down on paper and think big!

  1. Where are You Starting From?

Do a survey of exactly where you are right now. What skills, resources, and assets do you have? What are your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks in your current job or business?

Are you satisfied with life the way it is, or do you want something more? What connections do you have? Map out your network and what value you provide to them, and what they offer you. Write up your self-inventory.

  1. What do You Have the Power to Change?

Think about what is in your control at the present moment. What can you streamline or eliminate? What do you need to add, enhance, or modify to reach your goals? This can include anything from training, networking opportunities, to investment advice or strategic career planning.

  1. What do You Need to Move Ahead?

Take another look at your self-inventory. What skills, resources, knowledge, and connections do you need to get closer to success? If this is difficult or overwhelming, consider finding a mentor or executive coach who can help you to think differently and find your way.

  1. How Can I Reach My Goals and Still Enjoy Life?

Really going for success shouldn’t make for a joyless life, totally focused on getting ahead. Make sure you take time to have fun and do the things that give you pleasure. Think of what Future Successful You enjoys doing. What makes your future worth striving for?

Write down all the fun things you will do, whether it’s staying in 5-star hotels or being able to work for only half the year. Imagine driving your dream car. See yourself in your future executive suite.

See what elements of your future life you can start to incorporate in the present and build on those; a vision board is great for this.  Before you know it, you will be toasting your success.

 

If you feel stuck on finding your way and creating the life you desire, we can help. Reach out to learn more – you don’t have to do this alone!

 

 

 

 

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Monday Success Tip: Beating Resistance on Goals

Happy Monday! Now that the holidays are over, today feels like the ‘official’ start of the new year. This is typically the time to start taking action on goals that are set. Getting- and keeping – motivation is the key to following through on those set action.

But, motivation can ebb and fade. It all comes down to resistance, which can look like a time when you had  a project that you needed to complete but you procrastinate, or you don’t return a phone call or, worse, not pick up the phone. There is something going on in a deeper level that is blocking you from doing the things you either want or need to do.

It really comes down to change and moving away from the comfort zones we get into; when we want to move out of this ‘zone,’ the brain and body have a way of trying to pull you back into safety which means you will continue to think and behave the way you have.

All this does is sabotage your mood, your thinking, and your success. Eventually, it will take a toll on your money and your relationships; it’s like a vortex you go down and, without addressing it, you might not get out of.

So, how do you stop and reverse this bad habit (yes, habit)? Here are three ways to do so:

  1.  I would recommend taking time to sit in deep reflection as to what you are thinking, feeling, doing when it comes to your work (it could be any task) – do you worry you won’t have enough time, money, support; do you think it won’t be ‘good enough’ or will be rejected; are you doing this task because you think it’s important or for someone else. Answering these will get to the root of the matter – now you can do something about it
  2. Changing your mindset is critical in order to change your conscious thinking; I encourage you to write down your belief and then ask yourself if you absolutely know it to true (ala The Work). Challenging your negative beliefs will help you to see that it is your belief and not that of others. If you didn’t have that thought – what would you be?
  3. Rewrite any negatives into a positive so it becomes more motivating, compelling, and easy for your brain to accept. By bringing the unconscious thought to consciousness, it loses its appeal and opens you up to coming up with all kinds of possibilities to deal with it.

I have been using these techniques and can tell you they are effective. I also would add to put some downtime – self-care and fun – in the mix as this will also open up your creative mind and level of happiness. Both are essential to moving forward and being accomplished.

See change as positive and focus on the benefits you will received when you have that goal. This is a great way to move past any resistance and develop the habit of embracing changes in your life. Doing so makes you unstoppable.

 

Your Weekly Action Plan

Begin this week to take stock of any tasks or projects, or times, that you find you are hesitating/procrastinating/avoiding doing. Use the steps above to figure out “why” and do the exercises to stop any bad habits and begin to develop ones that will lead you to the life you desire.

 

I hope you have a successful week – If you need help gaining clarity on your business or career goals, or in developing your action plan, why not get some help – stop the struggle and call today to get started. I’d love to help you build the career and business of your dreams!

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Choose Your Power Word(s) for 2020

Choose your words tiles

Welcome to 2020 and Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope have some plans to ring in the new year and that they include time with family and friends. How you end the year can determine how your year plays out. Starting with a good mindset is key to moving your forward and keeping the motivation high

As I’ve done in the past, it is time to choose a word to set the tone and direction for how I want my year to go; I have to admit that this year was a bit harder for some reason.

In the past, these are words I have had:

  • Determined – as opposed to intentions, I am determined to work on the goals I’ve set, both personally and professionally. Being determined is way more powerful than intending to do something so I want to send the ‘right’ message to my brain; this way, it will act on what I’ve chosen to focus on much more powerfully.
  •  Inspire – my mission is to inspire individuals to choose to be the best they can be; I see so many of my clients (and my students) who have no idea how awesome they are and that is why I want to bring their self-awareness into clarity so they can go after everything they want in their lives.
  • Believe – I’ve written on this before, which is the concept of self-efficacy; if you don’t truly believe that you can accomplish all that you say you want and desire then you have no chance of fully getting them done in the way you intended. Having full belief impels you taken action.

A few others include Carpe Diem and Do It Now! I actually have little whiteboard easels that I write on and have near my computer so I can be inspired while I work.

This year, as I mentioned, was a struggle but I’ve decided on the work ‘Emerge’ which, to me, means coming out from under any shadows I’ve hidden behind; this means doing videos (which scare me), starting a podcast, and upscaling my business.

Emerge means “to move of or away from something and come into view; to become apparent, important, or prominent” (Oxford Dictionary). I want to be all of those descriptions.

One other I would add is ‘Be a Disruptor,’ meaning to shake things up and do things differently. My desire is to reformulate how work is done  – moving away from the traditional ways and going more towards happier and higher performing workplaces. Considering engagement levels are still low, around 34% (Gallup, 2019), something needs to be done.

So those are my words for this year – now it’s time for you to set yours (if you haven’t done so). Doing this exercise will really ramp-up your motivation and effort so let’s get started!

Your Weekly Action Plan

If you haven’t, take time to sit and reflect on a word, several words, or a phrase that has deep meaning and that you would like to reflect how you live your days in this new year. Some examples include: “no excuses;’ ‘Carpe Diem (Seize the Day);” “Truth;” and “Monetize.” Once you determine your word(s) and direction write and post it where you can focus on it daily as a reminder. Keep focus on them by saying or writing them loudly every day – soon, you will have them embedded in your brain and they will become a positive habit you won’t have to think about. But your results will be extraordinary. In life, mindset matters. Be safe out there tonight!

If you need help gaining clarity on your business or career goals, or in developing your action plan, why not get some help – stop the struggle and call today to get started. I’d love to help you build the career and business of your dreams!

 

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