Your Own Worst Enemy - How Not To Be! (Part 1)

Your Own Worst Enemy - How Not To Be! Top secrets to staying motivated and on track with your goals Have you ever set yourself a goal or committed to stopping or staring something (a diet, an exercise plan) and not managed to follow through? If you are like every other person in the world then I am guessing the answer is yes, at least once! Just because you set yourself a goal it does not mean that you will achieve the outcome you want. Do you sometimes have a that little voice inside your head that says “I am finding it really hard to stay motivated to stick to this goal or “I wish I was more motivated to do the things I know need doing” For all of us at one time or another we have found it difficult to find the motivation and keep it. Unfortunately motivation won’t just fall into your lap – you have to take steps to create it. Wanting to do something and then actually doing it can be really hard. We often mistake sheer will power with motivation. Will power is no good without motivation. If you try to achieve your goals through sheer will power without motivation you will be likely to fail. Here are 5 effective ways you can help yourself to more effectively achieve your goals. 1. KNOW WHAT MOTIVATES YOU Are you motivated by EXTRINSIC motivators-things that are exte al to you such as:

• Money
• awards
• praise,
• punishment,
• status
• security

Are you motivated by INTRINSIC motivators – things that are internal and emotional eg:

• When something is really important and meaningful to you
• When something brings you pleasure
• When something provides you with a sense of satisfaction
• When something challenges you
• When you feel a sense of responsibility

You will need a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. Identify what works for you and reward yourself when you reach your goals 2. KNOW YOUR PAIN AND PLEASURE What is the PAIN of NOT achieving your goal and what is the PLEASURE ofrnachieving it. Write these down and put them where you can see them. When ever you rnfeel unmotivated look at them and remind yourself. 3. SET UP STRUCTURES Set up structures to help you stay motivated. These are very personal and you will need to identify what works for you. Some examples are: Set up a vision board – all the reminders of what achieving your goal will give you. Set your Screen saver on your PC to remind you. Get motivational emails – type in Google and get motivational emails Set your mobile phone greeting message to remind you of your goal so it is therewhen you turn it on. Find a buddy – stay accountable and motivated. Get someone to help you stay on track. Spend time with like minded people. That is mix with people you want to be like not people who keep you where you are. Get a wall planner – set activity deadlines, pictures of a reward attached to achieving your goals. Set aside a time for mental management each day .Make it part of your routine. Keep fit mentally as well as physically. Just 10 mins a day. 4. POSITIVE LANGUAGE Use positive language when you talk about your goals to yourself and others. Your words will become your action. What our brain focuses on will come into our lives – so make sure you are focusing on positive language. Prefix statements with I will, I can I want to as this will direct you to take action. 5. TAKE ACTION Do something, anything. Every action WILL move you forward towards your goals. One step at a time. Those individual who are most successful at achieving their goals say persistence is the key – just keep taking action. Warm regards Louise Carter Click here for Part 2 of the article