subject: A Simple Approach To Getting Motivated [print this page] Motivation is the force which drives you to reach a goal. Motivation comes in positive and negative forms. But once it becomes personal, it is more likely to result in a favorable outcome.
Instead of long to-do lists, I offer one key guideline to help you get and stay motivated: You should ensure that the goal means something to you. If you want to lose weight, because you strongly believe that your health will be better, then you can motivate yourself to do it. If you really want to complete writing your life's memoirs, and the outcome is important to you then you will find a way to do it. And, if you really want to run a marathon (it may be something that is on your "bucket list"), then you can train for it and complete the race. But, you have to really want it!
Many of us say we want to do something, but when faced with doing it, we manage more excuses than positive actions. That's why diets come and go. The average dieter finds more reasons to eat one more cookie or bag of French Fries than they do to remain disciplined enough to keep dieting. The reason for this is a lack of focus on the desired outcome. You have to make it matter and you have to keep the reason for achieving your goal at the forefront of your mind.
You must always maintain a strong reason for why you are doing what you are attempting to do. And with your attention centered on that reason you will avoid getting sidetracked by the common distractions that cause us to stray off course. You will have the inspiration to overcome setbacks and distractions. The sheer strength of your desire to accomplish your goal will keep you motivated. Make your reason a personal one. Be sure that it is strong. When your reason is strong your efforts will be strong and your results will be successful.
So, when you need motivation, figure out how you can make the goal more personal. If your boss really wants that dreadful report by Friday, think about ways in which you could challenge yourself to write the report in record time or surpass your personal best. Spin the task so that you own it, not your boss or someone else.
