Top Ten Secrets of Motivation
- Be very selfish. If your desire is to achieve something, you must first know yourself. Make sure your values are pulling you.
- Think BIG. You must visualize yourself reaching big things. If you cannot see yourself doing so, others won't, either.
- Use my rocking chair theory. When you are really old and sitting in your rocking chair, will you wish you had done X? If yes, then go for it now.
- Have a Plan A and a Plan B. Make the first plan the BIGGEST thing you can realistically carry out. Make the second plan the one you are willing to settle for - but only for now.
- Always keep Plan A in your back pocket. Keep notes on lessons learned and adjust your plan as needed.
- Nothing is cast in concrete. Allow yourself to see how you can modify your plans for the better - constantly. Things will change and you will change.
- Know the 2 major factors in accomplishing anything. You are the primary factor. Significant others are secondary factors, but realize that when you change, you change others' roles without their permission.
- Involve others in your plans. Unless you're the only person in the universe, this is a smart, and necessary, step. Failure to do so will de-motivate you.
- Get buy-in from your family. Change is difficult for everyone. Don't surprise them. Ask them how you can all work on this to benefit everyone. Their energy will be an additional source of motivation.
- Put it in writing. Make a contract with yourself and with others for a big goal. Identify your goal, what you'll be doing, and what you'd like from others. Ask everyone to make contributions and sign it.
Bonus Tips
- Remember, nothing is cast in concrete. Expect changes in everything, and be prepared to deal with them with respect and wisdom.
- Don't ask anything of others that you're not willing to do yourself. Be brutally honest with yourself about this. Doing otherwise will drain your energy and motivation.