Stay Motivated!

Even the most motivated of us can feel unmotivated at times. In fact, sometimes we get into such a slump that even thinking about making positive changes seems too difficult.

Yes, it seems impossible at times. You don’t feel like doing anything. I’ve been there, and in fact I still feel that way from time to time.


But let’s take a look at some specific ways to motivate yourself:

1. Reminding yourself of your goals and ambitions. If you want something badly enough, you're going to get it... Simple. Unless you forget what it is you want, which is easy to do in today's world full of distractions.

2. Track everything! Start writing down your accomplishments to see what made you feel good and to also see what is working. If you find out what's working, do more of that! Of course, the contrary goes for what isn't working. Maybe you've been spending a too much time with distractions and you could afford to give a little more time to your goals. Whatever it may be, remember to have some concrete evidence that you can look at to keep convincing yourself that your progress is real.

3. Check your mental attitude. Try to start thinking positively and change the way the world affects your thoughts. For example, "I can't go to the gym, I'm just too tired" will become a reality. Try saying something like "Yes, I'm tired but it's not going to stop me from going to the gym". You might also think about the benefits of going to the gym and how they outweigh sitting at home.

4. No excuses! Motivation and excuses are arch rivals. They don't get along at all. You might start thinking about working on that big presentation but then the other voice in your head starts reminding you of thousands of reasons NOT to do it. And of course, it's easy to give in.

5. Role Models: Pick someone great. Someone who has done or come close to doing what it is you want to do. This brings a certain level of comfort because you now know without a shadow of a doubt that it is possible and that this person has done it. So, why shouldn't it work for you if you put in the same amount of hours as he/she did?

Once you are motivated to act you have won half the battle. You have thought about what you want. You have made mental and written notes about what you want and HOW you are going to do it. You are amped up and ready to get going.

Now the last step is all on you.

So You Want To Be a Leader?

Ah, leadership… The thought of being a leader causes some people to conjure up images of the perks, the expense accounts, the company car, the company credit cards, and the fabulous salary.

However, leadership isn’t about easy days in the office and events at night. It’s about worrying about the team. It’s about finding out that someone just caused the company property and casualty insurance to increase by 46 percent. It’s about trying to accomplish work through others but finding that you have to satisfy the demands of customers, vendors, other departments, governments, and shareholders at every level.

Leadership is NOT easy. So here is an open letter from a TRUE leader to team members:

I’m positioned to be your biggest cheerleader. If you perform well and help make us successful, I’m more than willing to promote you and to recommend you for promotion. 

Don’t let us or yourself down. Bring your ideas to me. I truly want to hear them. But please understand that many times my hands are tied by silly bureaucracies over which I have no control. 

If you don’t see your idea implemented, it isn’t because you were shot down. I may be considering the long term ramifications of how it will affect our team and the organization. 

Occasionally, we will have differences of opinion. But in the end I have to make the decision and I need your support. And we must own the outcome together. 

I know there’s a grapevine and I know it’s impossible to squash it (smart leaders don’t even try). If there’s something troubling you or if there’s some crazy rumor, ask me about it.
As far as I’m able, I will tell you everything I know, but there are some areas where I’m required to maintain confidentiality. 

I don’t believe it’s my job to motivate you. You should motivate yourself. My job is to provide you the resources to do good work, set goals, establish expectations, and follow up. I will make mistakes. 

I will screw up. Please give me the same understanding that you’d like me to give you when you blunder. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. 

If something is going wrong, or about to go wrong, tell me as soon as possible. Don’t wait around hoping it will get better. 

Always tell me the truth. I can handle the truth and deal with whatever happens. I cannot handle being lied to. Don’t force me to make a decision about a situation based on a lie, a half-truth, an exaggeration, or based on a situation where some little bit of information was conveniently left out. 

If you see me about to make a blunder. Tell me. Quickly. Don’t wait around and don’t beat around the bush. 

Part of my job is to set the targets, supervise what is being done, obtain the required resources, and deliver the results called for by the next level of bosses above me. All of that is political and I don’t like it either, but I have to play the game to get anything accomplished. Sometimes, even the targets that are set for me get moved around. 

Please respect my time by not coming at 5:30 PM with a critical issue we could have discussed at any time during that day. Emergencies happen but when they happen every day it’s not an emergency, it’s a way of doing business. I may need time to consult with others about this critical issue and raising it late in the day causes stress on both you and me. 

Don’t always be concerned about CYA. It’s a disgusting way to live and your co-workers will not like you. I would prefer that, yes, DO cover your bases, but please don’t try to spin everything in your favor. 

So, still want to be a leader? Being a leader can be a scary proposition at times. It can be a frightening proposition to realize that your career is in someone else’s hands, namely your subordinates. That’s why the best leaders hire the best people, reward them well, and have a plan to retain them as long as possible.