Motivation

Much is written about this subject. Those who are consistently motivated to reach a particular end are the ones who succeed in life. Individuals who live in a state of demotivation do not seem to accomplish a whole lot. I believe this is a well known fact.

Many seek insight as to how to motivate themselves. People buy cds, attend seminars, and read books in an effort to help their cause. This is an excellent way to increase knowledge while producing the results you desire. However, often we find that some of the techniques offered fail to generate the necessary motivation long term. It works for a short period of time yet the "excitement" wears off.

As we enter into the year, we are going to provide the insight into what you need for your success. Motivation is something that we are going to foster consistently. Nevertheless, instead of using some worthless concepts to "pump you up", we are going to reveal the inner cause which will push you. There is something that is present in all of us and finding out to encourage that trait is what will propel us to the next level.

The quality that I am referring to is competition. This is something that resides within everyone since we all were blessed with the human ego. Of course, this will vary from person-to-person. Some individuals are so competitive they need to win at everything. This is usually a sign of immaturity. A healthy competitive spirit is one which will motivate you to do all you can in an effort to achieve the desired results.

What is competition? When you think about it, competition is nothing more than a measuring stick. For it to be present, we need to compare ourselves to something (or someone) else. In sports, the competition is the opposing team. In business, it is another company or employee. Every facet of life has a competitive nature to it. Even in dating there are often times when two people are after the same person. This creates a competitive atmosphere where one tries to outdo the other.

When people seek motivation from a book or a seminar the result is usually that it dwindles a few days later. This is because one sought outside themselves. Motivation is something that needs to come from within. It is present, you just need to uncover it. And, competition is the key to unlocking it.

Today, I want you to think about was you can get your competitive juices flowing. In the next post, I will spell out some ways to determine what is the best way to motivate yourself. However, for now, consider what is it that really drives you. Where are those forces which will enable you to persevere regardless of what obstacles you face? Contained in this answer is the power to rapidly alter our lives.
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It Is Time To Get Started

I want to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. It is hard to believe that 2009 is already here. That being said, it is important to note that 2010 will arrive before we know it. As we age, each year seems to pass quicker than the previous. If we are not careful, the NFL training camps will arrive without us taking much action (those who read yesterday's post know what this means). The time to get started is now.

Each year brings a new beginning. The slate is wiped completely clean. In the sales game, managers like to open their year by telling the team that everyone is at "0". The superstars and those who lagged behind are at the exact same level. It is where each goes from this point forward that makes the difference.

This is the mindset that I want you to approach 2009 with. Your past performance makes absolutely no difference whatsoever. The only thing that makes any difference is the action that you take starting now. Implementing the plan that we discussed over the last few weeks ensures that this will be the best year of your life.

Athletics often sees a player vault from average to superstar in one season. Your life has the same potential. With the proper plan, we are able to consistently take the steps that will allow us to fulfill all our dreams. Hard work and effort are required. There are no free rides. However, the payoff at the end of the journey is incredible. It fosters a sense of control over one's life that few know is possible.

With that, I will congratulate you on the start of a new life. Together, we are going to raise the level of everyone's performance. This is going to be a wonderful ride.
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It is the feelings we want

Have you ever thought about why you have a desire for something? Why do you want a particular item? What is it that causes you to show up to work each day? Answering these questions will show what drives you as a person. Controlling this is fundamental to taking control of your life.

Everything that we do, achieve, or acquire is because of the feelings we get. Feelings are the motivators which drive us to do certain things. There are some feelings that we crave experiencing while there are others which we will do anything to avoid. Nevertheless, it is the feelings that we receive which influences our decisions.

Let us use the example of a new blouse. Why would someone buy something like that? We know that there is rarely a basic need for the items we purchase. Thus, there must be something else at work. Of course, it is the feelings associated with the blouse that cause one to buy it. Perhaps she likes how she will look in it. Or maybe she thinks about how others will envy her. Whatever the reasoning, it ultimately comes down to the feelings.

To further illustrate this same point, suppose the woman buys the blouse because she knows she will look good in it. This is a very positive feeling. However, what do you think her emotional state is when someone else shows up with the same blouse on? Obviously, she moves to a negative state. Now, she wishes she never bought the blouse.

This concept applies to all the goals and desires that we discussed the last few weeks. Anything that you hold as a goal is because of the feelings you associate with that particular accomplishment. For example, if you have a goal of getting a new car, the only reason you crave it is for the feelings you believe it will give you. Perhaps you like the security that comes from its reliability. Or, if it is something fancy, you might like the idea of turning a few heads. The feeling of approval of our friends and peers is a powerful motivator. Again, whatever your reasoning is will reveal the feelings that you are seeking.

To take this one step further, when we are engaged in a goal achieving system, it is important to know the feelings that we truly want to experience. Doing this will allow us to feel fulfilled when achieving our goals. Many get what they want only to realize it leaves them empty. The reason is a goal (or item) might not provide the feeling that person craves.

Another helpful part of knowing what feelings we want to experience is that we can "rig" our life to feel that way without the item or goal we are seeking. For example, many want money because it represents security. However, we know that money can be lost no matter how many dollars one has. Therefore, one with a goal like this can work on feeling secure without the need for a lot of money. This is not to squelch the idea of seeking financial gain. Instead, operating in this manner ensures that the person will experience security when he or she achieves the goal. The feeling is present regardless of what else happens.

As you can see, feelings are very important. These are the sensations that we are truly seeking. Remember this when you are on your quest to achieve your goals. It is the feelings behind that goal which you are truly seeking.
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Be the "Go To Guy"

This is a phrase that we hear thrown about quite often but how many times have you really considered its implication? Most of us scarcely give it a second thought. It is as if we hear it in passing. However, contained in this simple phrase is the mindset which will make you successful beyond comprehension. Anything that you desire in life can be yours.

The world rewards people who step up. We all like to have that person who will fill the void whenever a crisis arises. In any walk of life, there are only a certain amount of people who can fill this role. To do so effectively takes guts, self-confidence, and inner strength. Yet, those who do recieve the greatest rewards.

Sports is a fascinating genre to watch since they provide impactful examples which are truly a microcosm of life. Let us take the NBA as an example. Here is a group of people who are the best basketball players in the world. Everyone in the league is one of only 500 (give or take) who can perform at this level. Nevertheless, as good as these men are, only a couple ever get the reputation as the "go to man". Michael Jordan is one who comes to mind. He was arguably the best player ever to lace up the sneakers. However, what makes his greatness even more magical is that he was the one who wanted the ball at the end of the game. His excellence came out when the pressure was the greatest.

The same is true for baseball players. There are some pitchers who want the ball with everything on the live. At the same time, there are those who cower from that opportunity. Their fear of failure is the driving force of their decision. Does this happen in your life? Is fear the one who makes the decision for you?

Being the "Go To Guy" is all about mindset. Having the desire to excel in pressure situations begins with the belief that you will succees. Those who shy away at these times are those who focus on the possibility of failing. If this is how you approached your life, it is time to change that. Instread, focus on how you will succeed under these conditions. Do you think Michael Jordan thought about missing the shot. I am certain that thought never crossed his mind. His entire focus was on putting the ball in the hoop.

Mental toughness is one of the leading characterisitics of the successful. Develop this trait within yourself. Start the process by considering yourself a "Go to person". Whatever your present walk of life, picture yourself as the one who is capable of performing when others are overrun with fear. This requires a bit of grandiosity in your thinking but that is alright. You are now the "knight in shining armor" ready to conquer the circumstances of your life. Anyone who is around you can count on you to pull through. This is the mindset of a winner.

As you approach 2009, develop this outlook to reach level you never dreamed possible. When you have the inner belief that you will be the one succeeding, you have taken the first step in making that a reality. All success is first created in the mind.
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Never Give Up

As we approach 2009, it is important to first get our mindset right. Recent events have people filled with fear. This is only natural with all the uncertainty which was created. However, we need to look at our own lives to determine what we are going to create for ourselves. The macro situations will affect us but not as much as our own activities.

When we uncover a dream or goal(which will will discuss in a the next entry), it is crucial that we maintain the desire for that outcome. So many people get excited about it initially only to lose luster when obstacles are encountered. At this point, they usually make excuses that allow them to give up. Throwing in the towel is now an art form.

It is vital that you never give up on your dreams. Life will throw challenges your way. This is a guarantee. Accept it as reality while persevering. The only thing that can truly stop you is your mindset. Success and failure are first created in the mind. The instant that you decide to quit, that is when you chose failure. It is that simple.

The economic conditions that everyone is facing are going to create a tougher road for everyone. Yet, because of the uncertainty, many will utilize this for tremendous gain. With each crisis is an opportunity. Those who attack the situation will come out on top. Sadly, the majority will accept the difficult conditions while making excuses. This allows for you to enter the minority.

Begin the process by getting it firm in your mind that you are not going to quit until you attain the success you want in life. No matter what obstacles you encounter, you will continue until you reach the outcome you desire. The decision to live a successful life is the first thing that you need to do. Make it now.
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Begin the process of making 2009 the best

Another Thanksgiving (in the United States) is past us. Next up on the calendar is the Christmas holidays. This will put the finish to another year. We are close to kissing 2008 goodbye.

With the end of this year, my question is "how did your year go"? Did you accomplish much of what you wanted to? Or did another 12 months go by that leaves you full of regret and guilt? If the later is true, what are you going to do differently now that another year is just around the corner?

I realize that the events of the last two months have made circumstances rather tough. People lost a tremendous amount of money in the stock market in the last 60 days. At the same time, job security is rapidly decreasing. The economy is in the tank. Basically, there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the next 12-24 months.

The regular readers of my work know that one of the basics of my belief system is personal responsibility. We see many touting the benefits of the government saving everyone from bankers to automobile makers to homeowners. While there might be some merits to this idea, it is best to take control of your life. Those who wait around for others to "save" them are often disappointed.

Over the next month, I will be writing many articles offering helpful ways to take control of your life over the next year. In every crisis there is an opportunity. Since we are in the middle of a major crisis, I see major opportunities everywhere I look. Now is the time to consider making those changes which will positively affect your life. The next 30+ days will help you achieve this. Check back regularly to join us on this quest.
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What will the next year bring?

We are closing in on Thanksgiving here in the states which means that Christmas is just around the corner. It is unbelievable how quickly a year passes by. Before we know it, it will be 2009. This means that it is time to look ahead at what we want to accomplish in the next year.

I know what you are thinking: here comes another post about New Year's resolutions and goal setting. You betcha! Failing to plan is a recipe for disaster. We need to look at doing things differently if we are to attain greater heights in the next 12 months.

To start, we need to look back reflecting on how we did. So, how was your 2008? Did you achieve the major goals you set out for the year? Or did you not even set anything down in writing that you wanted to achieve? The answers to these questions reveal how much work you have ahead of you.

If you set something down as a goal and worked towards it, congratulations. The next year will see an increase in the heights you attain since you are already in the habit of going after something. On the other hand, if you failed to set anything out, this usually shows that you lack the clarity in your mind as to what you want. The first step for you is to determine what you want out of life. Omitting this process is like planning a vacation without ever choosing a destination. The chances of you ever getting anywhere are slim.

Therefore, begin with the question, what do I want in my life? I wrote an article titled "What do I truly want" that might offer some insight into what you need to determine. Basically, it is time to uncover the dreams that you have. Most people settled into an existence. They do not spend their days in a profession they love. Instead, they fell into something in an effort to pay the bills. If you are going to reverse course in 2009, it starts with the dream.

You can make the next 12 months the best year of your life. It is possible to achieve all of your dreams. Life can be a spectacular journey if we are willing to put the effort in. What is insane is people are already putting in the work, just it is focused in the wrong direction. Uncover the dream that is within you and then you can lay out a plan to achieve it. But it all starts in your head.
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