The Art of Self-Motivation - A 5 Step Process to Success

Why is it that some people just seem Little Miss No Name iron man comic on with things whilst others procrastinate, put things off, shuffle paper around their desk and generally never quite seem the get going?

I'm sure we could all list many reasons why the motivation just isn't there - and what a great distraction writing the list would be! However, if you "Valley Girl" want to get things done and to find some self- motivation, the first things to ask are:

1. Am I really interested in this?

2. How much do I want to do this?

If you're working on personal goals then answering 'Yes' to question 1 and 'Very much' to question 2 would mean your chances of success were going to be pretty high. But what if the task in mind is some dull and boring work activity? The answers to those two questions would, I suspect, be 'No' and 'Not very much'; hardly the route to success nor a foundation to self-motivation. Here's a 5 stage process which may help you to generate some energy to complete the tasks you don't want to do:

1. Identify the benefits of doing the task - What will Lava Lamps it enable you to do next? What isthe general pay off for you? Picture yourself getting the job done; how will you feel?

2. Set yourself a goal for the task - What are you going to get done and by when? Be realistic and be gentle with yourself; if it's really dull and boring then forcing yourself to do something for hours on end will not help your motivation or energy. Also, be aware of being a perfectionist - do what needs to be done to get the job done.

3. Make an agreement with yourself - how long do you want to spend on the task? What rewards do you want to give yourself for completing the task or stages of it?

4. Create a plan - plan a strategy for getting it finishd. Go back to imagining you've completed the task then work backwards breaking the task into smaller chunks, you will then be able to see howyou can get it completed in small, digestible chunks.

5. Reward yourself - think back to your agreement (Step 3); allow yourself to enjoy your rewards; a cup of tea, chocolate bar, going home on time, a game of golf or tennis.

And if you still can't find the motivation ask yourself two further questions:

1. Does this really have to be done?

2. Does this have to be done by me?

If the the is 'yes' to both then make a decision to 'just do it' and return to Step 1 above.... I never said it was easy...... and remember to enjoy your reward, you deserve it.

Copyright: Sharon Langford 2007. I'm a personal development coach and work with groups and individuals who want to change, grow and become the best they can be. I offer 1:1 coaching, e-courses and group workshops. More information can be found at my website: www.sharonlangford.comwww.sharonlangford.com and you can sign up for my monthly newsletter which has hints and tips on personal development and quotes to amuse and inspire ...... you'll also be kept up to date with 'what's new' and up coming events and offers.