Staying Motivated – Keep Moving Forward!

Several weeks into a ‘fresh start’ can be when it starts to slide…. your motivation that is!

I find it interesting to rediscover the origins of a word such as ‘motive’ as invariably the original meaning has a totally different dynamic – a generally more positive and empowering one! When I looked up ‘motivation’ on the internet, I found that the Latin origin was the word mōtīvus, which means ‘serving to move’, or ‘helping’ to move.

Abstract Glowing Physiogram Motivation is closely linked to ‘movement’ – the key to ongoing success is to keep moving along your path, and as you go, keep your eye on what it is that serves to move you on. By reading this Blog, you are already primed to continually seek out that which is helping you to move from where you are now towards your desired outcome.

Almost everything we’ve covered in the Blog to date, starting with your Statement of Definite Purpose in the first week, through goal setting, visualisation and affirmation – all the tools we’ve discussed and used – will serve to move you along. You are now creating the space and providing the right environment to make your intention an actuality. To keep moving yourself towards your goal, despite all of the excuses, reasons and other stuff that comes up to waylay or distract – do everything you can to stay motivated – serve yourself as best you can!

“Motivation is a force which moves us to action, and it springs from inside the individual.” Dr. Denis Waitley – The Psychology of Winning

bcb_rosequartz Personally, it’s when I sense my driving force waning away, that I literally want to lay my hands on something tangible and solid, such as an inspiring book. I also receive a lot of comfort from using crystals and essences. A crystal that has jumped out at me in the shop is easy to hold or have under my pillow as a physical support towards my goals. For example, clear quartz brings strength and clarity, or for self esteem and self love pick rose quartz, both can work wonders! Energy Essences are small enough to carry around and are surprisingly powerful and effective during transitional periods.

The books mentioned thus far I tend to have within arms reach, and a randomly opened page can reveal a quick line or two of inspiration or a needed confirmation.

These tools and others work for me and have done for years – enjoy finding out what works for you – widen your repertoire!

Keep it fresh!

When you were setting goals, did you put in milestones that you could achieve comfortably, and were they milestones that would keep you moving towards your ultimate goal? Are your visualisations vivid enough, and do they really represent what you want? Never be afraid to reassess your goals – if you find something isn’t working for you, take another look at them. Don’t give up – nothing is too hard if you keep making moves towards your goals, just ensure you’re moving in the right direction, climbing the right ladder, a ladder that’s leaning against the right wall!

“You see, without a purpose in life, it’s easy to get sidetracked on your life’s journey. It’s easy to wander and drift, accomplishing little. But with a purpose, everything in life seems to fall into place. To be ‘on purpose’ means you’re doing what you love to do, doing what you’re good at and accomplishing what’s important to you. When you truly are on purpose, the people, resources, and opportunities you need naturally gravitate toward you. The world benefits, too, because when you act in alignment with your true life purpose, all of your actions automatically serve others.” Jack Canfield – The Success Principles

The sheer act of working towards your desired outcome, which is for your betterment, can almost feel divinely assisted. I found that the more I stepped up to the mark, the more coincidence, synchronicity, tools and support came my way. Staying actively motivated is wonderfully rewarded as the Law of Attraction kicks in!

“The good life consists in deriving happiness by using your signature strengths every day in the main realms of living. The meaningful life adds one more component: using these same strengths to forward knowledge, power, or goodness. A life that does this is pregnant with meaning, and if God comes at the end, such a life is sacred.” Martin Seligman – Authentic Happiness

Pills or products of nature It can be helpful to understand the psychology behind motivation, as knowing why you behave and think the way you do can allow you to change it if it’s not serving you. Scientists will tell you that there are two things that motivate human beings – the first is the need to move away from pain or discomfort, the second is the desire to move towards pleasure. Classic carrot and stick!

The point to watch out for is midway – when the discomfort has faded and the pleasure is still a little way off it’s easy to lose motivation, to stand still. Find the tools that serve you best, your ‘signature strengths’ – and keep moving!

“I do not believe that you should devote overly much effort to correcting your weaknesses. Rather, I believe that the highest success in living and the deepest emotional satisfaction comes from building and using your signature strengths.” Martin Seligman – Authentic Happiness

TASK

To continue to serve yourself as best you can, and to keep moving, focus on your strengths.
• Use this link: Authentichappiness, and explore the amazing self-assessment tests which are offered for free!
• Start with the “signature strengths” test and enjoy getting to know yourself better.
• There are other scientifically validated tests to investigate, ranging from gratitude and meaning to optimism. Find out what your strengths are, and play to them!

“Unlike dieting, learned optimism is easy to maintain once you start. Once you get into the habit of disputing negative beliefs, your daily life will run much better, and you will feel much happier.” Martin Seligman – Learned Optimism