Episode Transcript
Have you noticed everyone and their Mum seems to have a motivational course or strategy? Some people are shouting it at you, while others are calmly reciting melodic affirmations accompanied by calming music.
Then some proclaim it's all in Neuroplasticity: reprogram your mind. Or all you need is a quick kick in the butt.
But just like joining a fitness camp where they scream and taunt you into the best shape of your life, it's all good until the coercion stops.
So what is this magical beast that is the elixir of success? Where can we find it? And how do we keep it?
"Success leaves clues." a famous Jim Rohn quote. So, let's follow the breadcrumbs. We don't have to go far because there are so many success stories of people who had nothing and turned their lives around through sheer grit and determination.
All of these people had the same thing in common. Their motivation did not come from outside themselves. Of course, they may have had external agitation of some sort. But if this were the magic key, all of us would be motivated because everyone knows what they need to do to create a meaningful change in their lives.
Simply put, your "why" is the irreplaceable foundation of motivation. Maybe it was the lover that left, a bully at school, hunger, or poverty as a child. Perhaps some form of early abuse. Or possibly the burning desire to serve humanity or loved ones. But as soon as you dig deep and find your why, only death will stop you.
So where is your why? And how do you find it? There is an excellent set of tools to accomplish this goal. First, quickly write fifty things you want out of life on paper. Take your time to read them over and think about each one. Then, write the twenty most important things from that list. Follow the same procedure, but this time make it ten items. Finally, choose one.
We will use the seven levels of why to refine this answer. For instance, you selected to be wealthy. Then, ask yourself why. Your answer may be so that I can pay my bills without worry. Then, ask yourself why. Your answer might be because I am tired of bill collectors calling me. So on and so forth. When you reach the fifth why, you will begin to find the trustworthy source of the first why. But once you get the seventh why, you will discover the real why.
It may come down to being embarrassed at school because of lack.
Use this pain point. Make a vow to yourself that you will never be in that situation again. Keep the pain alive in your belly. At this point, you may not know how. But you know whatever it takes, you will never be in that place again.
But more is needed. Actually, if you stop here, you will drive yourself up the wall. Next comes a clear set of goals. A helpful term is (SMART) goals.
S being specific, M being measurable, A being achievable, R being relevant, and T being time-bound.
Using this strategy will keep you focused accountable, to measurable and scheduled actions.
For instance, if I was to say I will lose weight. If I lost two pounds, that would be it. But if I say I will lose ten pounds, that is better. But I could put that off indefinitely; it needs milestones of accomplishment and accountability.
You will find a way if you can keep the fire of desire burning with intensity.
You will keep the picture of what you want in your mind. You will relish every minor accomplishment because it is one step closer. Setbacks will not be barriers, only stepping stones. If you need to figure out what to do, you will find someone who does or finds a source of information. But you will not stop.
As you can see, obsession will form habits. Habits are consistent. It is only a matter of time. When we do everything required, we bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go.
A functional additive is your cheerleaders. Choose a tribe of your vibe. As humans, it is often a requirement in hard times to have a word or two of encouragement. But if you don't have that, then journal. Be detailed in your journal. When you revisit the written word once a month, you will find encouragement as you see what you have made happen.
The icing on the cake is to maintain a growth mindset. Stay curious. What worked this year may fail you next year in the changing fortunes of time.
Don't try to keep up with the Joneses; be around the next corner in front of the Joneses. Preparedness is critical in business. But if you desire to take care of your family, it is equally as important. Your children get older, and so do you. And there will always be unexpected occurrences.
But the burning desire to never go back to the seventh "why" will be enough to keep you moving well out of its reach.
So there you have it. Motivation is not a mystical creature accessible only to a chosen few. Or a random gift of fate. It is a formidable power that lies dormant in all of us. Release the beast, and it will feed on all the obstacles between you and your dreams.
Are you ready? Then let's go!
You deserve the best.
Let's be great together.
Elevate, Achieve, and Soar. Make Your Only Way - Forward and Up!
