E-tip no. 86 – What’s your motivation?

Do you find yourself saying any of the following:

• I have to…
• I should…
• I want to…

The first of these is a sign of desperation.  The second is a rationalisation.  The third is inspiration.  Generally, the last one works best for lasting motivation.

Motivation generally comes through doing what you love to do, or sometimes changing your perspective on it to a little more useful and positive.  For example doing filing is for most people not very exciting.  What is more useful is considering as having everything to hand, or knowing where your papers are so you can get hold of them instantly when you need to (read more on this in my e-tip no. 64 – what are you putting up with?)

And for more the unpleasant things that we need to do like completing tax returns, then there are motivational alternatives to this (aside from getting a book-keeper or accountant to do your return). For example, considering how great you’ll feel when you’ve done it.  And if your to do list is overwhelming, I recommend Jamie Smart’s e-tip on this a while back on ‘Chunking’

Generally, taking action is the best solution to motivation – however small.  Say giving yourself just 15 minutes on a task, and if at the end of the 15 minutes, and you’re still OK with it, then continue for another 15 minutes, and so on.  If you only spend 15 minutes, then at least you’ve made some progress to pick up on next time.  This way, you break down big tasks into bite sized chunks.

Today’s experiment

If you’re stuck on motivation, have a go at one or more of these 10 suggestions:

• write a list of actions – saves stuff going around in your head and makes it more manageable
• Stop thinking and start doing, anywhere - you’ll work out better ways as you gain experience
• Be tenacious – brainstorm at least 10 ways to start, and then do one
• Delete it – does it really need doing?
• Get someone else to help or do all of it – sub-contract it out
• Imagine how you’ll feel when you’ve done it – and hold the thought as you’re doing it
• Change your place or state – I rarely write in the office, finding coffee shops or bars more inspirational
• Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down notes and ideas – your mind then develops these unconsciously for you
• Do the unpleasant things first in your day, thus avoiding the day-long feelings and thoughts of continually putting them off!
• Pick a different way – way more people exercise from walking than going to the gym

And have fun too

Anthony

Copyright Anthony Davis 2007.  All Rights Reserved.