Choosing motivation vs. demotivation

Thursday May 2, 2013 #520

 

“Motivation is like food for the brain. You cannot get enough in one sitting. It needs continual & regular top ups.”

 

~Peter Davies

 

For each of us motivation comes from different sources.  It might be a movie or book, or an inspiring speaker or boss, or a positive, high energy co-worker.  The key is to understand what motivates you, spend more time where those motivating factors exist, and never stop seeking more of it!  Few activities have zero impact on our motivation.  Almost all activities either add or subtract from our motivational state.  Why would you choose to spend time in demotivating activities?  And yet you most certainly do choose these activities occasionally or perhaps often. Stop!  Remove yourself from demotivating activities and habits, and replace these with motivating ones.

 

Take a few minutes and write down all your activities in the last 2-3 days.  Identify which were motivating and which were demotivating.  Determine right now how to remove as many of the demotivating activities going forward and how to increase the frequency of the motivating ones.  Repeat this exercise at least quarterly and see what a difference this has in your life!  It will take courage to do this.  Are you ready to try?

Influence and inspiration

Tuesday April 30, 2013 #519

 

“Titles mean little in terms of real power, which is the capacity to influence and inspire.”

 

~Colin Powell

 

You don’t need a fancy title to wield power and influence.  A real leader is one who in the moment uses their capabilities, humanity, and character to make someone’s situation better, to inspire others to make a difference in a business or a relationship.  That is real power.  And anyone can do it, from the front line staff person to the senior leader.  What will you do today to influence and inspire?

Being the pilot of your life

Thursday April 25, 2013 #518

 

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

 

~Michael Althsuler

 

A clever and accurate statement.  We all know there is never enough time to achieve all that we might.  However, what we do own is the power to determine how we spend the time we have.  Even when we must engage in activities we would prefer avoiding, we still have the power to choose our attitude and use the time wisely – learning from it, or perhaps imagining an exciting, energizing, or relaxing activity to follow.  The choice is always yours.

Obstacle illusions

Tuesday April 23, 2013 #517

 

“Life is full of obstacle illusions.”

 

~Grant Frazier

 

Most of the times when things go wrong people use one of several defensive techniques such as blaming others, making excuses, or justifying their actions – anything to remove any ownership for the problem.  A few have the courage to see the reality of the situation for what it is:  a speed bump on their rode to achievement.  If the goal is worth achieving, they own their role in resolving it, determine a path forward, and take action.  The next time something goes wrong, and it will, what will you do?