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Sometimes motivation hits me at the strangest times: late at night as I’m falling asleep or in the middle of an important client meeting. A sudden wave of determination strikes and my thoughts race as I mentally develop a plan of action that will help me achieve this new goal. Within minutes, I have it all figured out. But, lately, I’ve noticed that if my goals aren’t career-oriented, the motivation to achieve them disappears as quickly as it surfaced.
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Comments
12.23.08
You mean there is life ooutside the office and work?
I have folded my running, training and personal time into my "to-do" list.
Running - I run with two other consultants while we run we discuss work, clients, marketing etc...
Writing - I am writing a book about team development
Recreational reading - for some reason everything I read relates back to work.
Umm!
I am incredibly happy to have a job where I am excited to work and read emails and live my work. Think about how many people work 50 weeks a year for two weeks of vacation to do no work.
My brain in creatively working towards developing and enhancing my clients satisfaction.
Be happy that you love what you do so much!
12.23.08
@michael You're right - I am very happy that I love what I do. I guess I just wish I could find a way to stay motivated with other things in my life. You seem to have a great grasp on that, so kudos!
12.23.08
There are many reasons as to why you are not sticking with the plan.
At work you may consciously (or subconsciously) have someone pull a carrot/stick type of situation. If you do what you're supposed to, you get praised or punished depending on the outcome. In your personal life, you don't answer to anyone but yourself, so if you want to slack off it's OK.
Now just like loving your work, so must you in turn love your extracurricular activities. Are these things "would like to" or "must do" type activities? For me running is a bore so I almost never get my motivation up to a level where I get out the door. I've wanted to teach myself Kanji, but it's been a month and I haven't worked through two chapters yet (all materials acquired though). I would like to learn them (personal curiosity), but haven't started yet. What helps me is an end-goal. I guess my end goal would be to be able to read Japanese Manga untranslated - this helps with my motivation to some extent.
What motivates each one of us to do that diet, work out, learn that second language is different. The first step is to figure out what motivates you, and proceed from there. Each person will be different (I am sounding too much like a 'life coach' and I don't like that, so I will here :p)
12.23.08
For general motivation, I can't offer many suggestions - I just focus on one or two goals, and consistently work towards it everyday.
You mentioned a novel, though, so here's my writing tip: go to a bookstore or library. Find the sh*ttiest looking book, flip through it. If it reads well, put it back, and, and repeat until you find one that is complete sh*t.
Tell yourself, "Well, if this jerk off can get published, so can I." Go home, and prove it to yourself.
Works for me.
12.23.08
@Dr Pepper You're very right about the work scenario. My pay check and 401K don't exactly hinge on me achieving my personal goals. Thanks for all the terrific advice!
@Christopher That is a hilarious suggestion I will definitely keep in mind!
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
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