Last week my daughter, Brittany, ran the Chicago Marathon – an incredible test of endurance, both physical and mental. You have to have high levels of motivation to complete a feat like that, am I right?
And that motivation isn’t just a one-time deal on race day, either. Months of preparation, training, and recommitting to the goal are required – just like with other Bold Goals we set for ourselves. Surely you can expect some “I just don’t feel like it” days now and then.
What do you do on those days? What if those days turn into weeks?
As I’ve shared many times before, definitely surround yourself with support and reach out for help. In addition, the following ten ideas can provide lasting and repeatable sources of motivation whether your goal involves a marathon, a business, a home project, or virtually anything else!
6. Find perspective.
You might find perspective by focusing on your next step instead of all the miles you have yet to run. Or in taking an eagle’s view of what you’re aiming for; my doctorate took several years to earn, for example, but in the grand scope of my lifetime, that’s a mere blip. A little perspective can go a long way.
7. Know your ‘why’ and revisit it often.
In the process of training for and running the marathon, Brittany raised a ton of funds and support for children with cancer. “Doing it for a cause greater than myself was a huge motivator!” she told me. Whether it’s your driving purpose for a particular goal and/or for your overall life, reconnect with your ‘why’ frequently and fully.
8. Pour into others.
It’s funny how you can massively boost your own motivation by helping others boost theirs! Volunteer, encourage, support, teach, empower … find ways to help others get motivated, and watch what happens to your own motivation in the process.
9. Imagine your own advice.
If you feel low on motivation or discouraged at your progress, imagine your child, best friend, or valued employee coming to you for advice with that same problem. What would you advise them? How would you encourage them? Record what you would tell them.
Then, use that advice yourself.
10. Decide, commit, act, repeat.
While inspiration is wonderful, waiting around for it before you take action could leave you at a standstill for ages. So could waiting for the perfect time, the ideal conditions, the guarantee of success. Decide to pursue your purposeful goal, commit to doing what’s necessary, take action, and repeat. Often.
As we say in our ASPIRE Success Club meetings, we’re not just here to learn – we’re here to implement. Which of the ten ideas above will you put into action first?
Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for difference-making achievers! Clarify your vision, free up time, and confidently reach bold, compelling goals that matter! Contact us today for coaching, speaking, and Mastermind opportunities, or click here and fill in the blue box to join our email community.