Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Maximizing Motivation Steps To Get Unstuck In Life

by Dr. Steve Tuggle

Maximizing motivation is the secret to living a consistently happy, fulfilled, and energetic life. The word motivation implies that we are moving forward. Our goal then becomes to maximize this movement and always keep it moving forward.
This is really a self-perpetuating cycle. As we move forward toward our goals we become motivated to keep moving. This motivation then spurs us on to higher goals. The enemy to this process is the state of being stuck. When we are stuck there is no movement and motivation diminishes rapidly. Life then becomes a great struggle.

We have all experienced being stuck at times. We feel like we just can't move at all. Albert Einstein once said, "Nothing happens until something moves." This is very true when we are stuck in life. We simply must get moving. Once we start moving positive things start happening.
Here are some steps to start us moving forward and then maximizing motivation:
1. Declutter. It is amazing how cluttered surroundings can weigh us down and keep us from moving forward in life. There is something about a cluttered desk and office that greatly inhibits our ability to get things accomplished. Decluttering can bring amazing energy back into our life. You don't have to declutter your whole house and life in one day. Start with one small area. Maybe you could start with your desktop or your email inbox. Get this one area cleaned up and you will feel a sense of accomplishment. This will propel you to take further action. What's important is that you just get started.
2. Forgive. What? This sounds too touchy feely you say. Well, you might be surprised how much of a burden a grudge can become in our life. Maximizing motivation is impossible if you are a person who holds grudges. Forgiveness is very powerful in our life and in the life of the person we forgive. You might be shocked at the difference this little step of forgiveness can make in helping you move forward in life toward your goals.
3. Think. Well, not just any old thinking. Think positively. Negative, pessimistic thinkers are simply not very motivated in life. A positive attitude is essential in maximizing motivation and living a happy and fulfilled life. There really are many things in life that are outside of our control. Yet, the most important thing in all circumstances is under our complete control: how we think about any given circumstance. Thinking positively in all circumstances is critical to not getting stuck in life.
4. Write. A pen and notepad can be very effective tools in staying motivated. Start writing down you goals, plans, and resources. You can even journal about how you feel toward the circumstances you face. Writing all of these things down and looking at them on a sheet of paper can have a tremendous influence on our creativity and ability to implement new ideas. Reviewing what we have written also allows us to easily track our progress.
5. Learn. Learning keeps us fresh and motivated. A sharp mind that is constantly learning new concepts or techniques doesn't have time to get stuck. Taking a course on a new subject may be the easiest thing you can do in maximizing motivation and getting unstuck. The benefits to this are enormous and far-reaching. You might even change the whole direction of your life. Our minds tend to stagnate when they stop moving just like water that sits and doesn't move. A learning mind, on the other hand, is like a moving river that stays fresh and clear. We live in the information age. Take advantage of the easy and accessible information that can keep your mind active and alert.
These are basic steps in staying motivated and moving forward in life. Don't overlook them because of their simplicity. They are powerful in maximizing motivation and helping you achieve your goals in life.
Dr. Steve Tuggle is a practicing dentist, certified personal trainer (ACE, ACSM), cerified wellness coach, and life coach. You can learn more about belly fat and how it affects your health and wellness at http://www.elite-wellness-coaching.com/maximizing-motivation.html

No comments: