09/ 05/ 2007
You've probably learned how to motivate your small-business employees and other people in your work and personal life. But sometimes, the one who may need the most motivation is you.
Here's how to get started:
- Talk to yourself. Imagine there's a little guy or gal in your head suggesting how you should lead your life each day. Listen to that voice.
- Pay yourself for work well done. Invest a small sum of money after each professional success or put some money aside for a special treat.
- Complete your reports. Sketch out a brief monthly report on how well you've achieved your goals at the end of the month. Do the same thing at the end of the year. And then set new goals for the next period.
- Stage a sales meeting. No, you don't have to bring anyone along! This meeting is just for you. Get yourself excited by listening to some motivational speeches or taped seminars. And psych yourself up to pursue new initiatives in the days ahead.
- Reward yourself. After you've completed a difficult task, spend time doing something you like.
- Set great goals. While most of today's motivational literature suggests you set bite-size goals, there's nothing wrong with setting some truly ambitious long-term goals. They may energize you.
- Ask others for help. Share your plans and ideas with other people. Ask them for their ideas in turn and give yourself the chance to let them know when you succeed in doing great things. They'll maintain an interest in you along the way.
- Organize your stuff. Don't let yourself be cluttered by equipment, ideas and paper. Keep everything organized or filed, so you can focus your mental and physical energy on what's really important.
- Do your best work in your best time. You know the time of day, week or month when you get your most productive work done. Be sure you spend this time on your highest priority tasks.
- Give yourself something to look forward to. It might be the occasional weekend away or time spent relaxing with a friend. Besides motivating yourself, you'll create balance in your life as a result.
- Make things a game. If you like basketball, pretend that overcoming minor obstacles during the day is like making tough baskets. If you're a baseball fan, liken your work to the game and seek out the metaphorical home runs as you work through your day.
- Surround yourself with “up” people. Cultivate personal and professional relationships with people who are enthusiastic and excited about life. Some of that enthusiasm will rub off on you.
- Read motivating stories. Stop at your bookstore or library and pick up some autobiographies of people who've made it. Glean some lessons from the lives of these great masters that you can adapt to your own work life.
- Work where you're most comfortable. This might be a specific room in your home or a specific part of your office. It might also mean that you arrange your desk or work space in the most comfortable manner possible. Remember: Environment influences productivity and satisfaction.
- Use great tools. Whatever equipment you use in your work or personal life, get the best. You won't be disappointed, and you'll end up fostering comfort in whatever you do.
- Take pride in your results. Boast just a bit about things you've done well. If your business or profession serves the public, let the media know.
- Offer advice. Offer to help other people. Willingly share what you've learned through the years, and you'll gain confidence as you help other people perfect their skills. And you'll learn new things yourself as a result!
- Build your work around a theme. If there's a particular motive driving your life—say, adventure, service, exploration or learning—organize your goals and your work around it.
- Exercise. Physical exercise stimulates the muscular and nervous systems, helps you sleep better and leaves you more energetic during the day.
- Learn how to do things better. Always seek ways to build your knowledge and skills. Liberally read, for example. Attend a seminar or class. Or simply sit with a wise friend and expose yourself to new ideas.
Put a few of these simple tips into action each day. They will help you become a more productive, motivated person. And the results will show: Other people will notice the gleam in your eyes and the success that follows.
