5 Things

Before we get into the larger goals that we discussed in the last entry, it is best to start with something that will show how valuable having a direction is to us. This is a simple exercise which will later be expanded in scope to cover longer time periods throughout the day. However, we are going to approach this is a simplistic manner to get the benefit of the concept.

Having a plan is an essential tool for success. It provides the direction while establishing barometers along the way. Breaking down a large task into smaller segments is what allows people to achieve great things. Remember, a journey begins with a single step. Or as Brian Tracy likes to say, "you eat an elephant one bite at a time".

We are going to quickly learn the value of seamless activity. Many waste untold amounts of time dilly-dallying around because they are unclear of what to do next. This exercise will show how having something in writing can be of tremendous benefit. You will notice your productivity shoot through the roof.

Here is how it works:

1. Write down 5 things that you are going to do in the next hour. List them on a piece of paper. The order of importance is not really critical; we are most concerned with the concept. It is also best to choose activities which can be accomplished in 15 minutes or less (writing your college thesis is not what needs to be on this list).

2. Starting with the top one, focus on doing that task until it is completed. After that, go on to the second one. Continue this until you complete all 5 activities.

What this exercise shows is how much more productive we are when we have a plan. Time is saved when we move seamlessly from one activity to the next. Also, this is laying a foundation for how a "life plan" will benefit us. The concept is the same whether we are looking at 5 minutes or 5 years. Having a plan is crucial for our success.
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4 Steps To Better Motivation

This is one of the keys to all success. It is the foundation upon which all achievement is based. Without motivation, one faces a tough time reaching the higher levels in life.

People who trudge through life lack passion. It is sad to witness someone with so much potential who chooses to throw it all away because of a lack of drive in life. Most people fall into this category in one way or another. A lot of this stems from the conditioning of society. The "go to school to get a good job" mentality robs people of all their inner energy. Instead, people settle for less than they are capable of.

How does one go about creating more motivation in one's life? Here are a few basic steps that one can take which will inspire.

1. Focus on what you will feel when you achieve it.

Let us use the example of weight loss. People often want to focus upon how fat they are. A more helpful way to view it is to picture yourself as the size 3 or having those buff muscles. Feel how it is to be in that shape already. Internalize the emotions so they take hold at a cellular level.

2. Break the task down into smaller tasks.

The old saying is "how do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time". Whatever you are trying to accomplish will seem daunting, especially if you set a larger goal for yourself. This is a demotivating energy. Overwhelm does not stimulate motivation. Therefore, break the task down into manageable pieces.

3. Celebrate your successes.

In the weight loss example, do something special for yourself with every 10-15 pounds that you lose. Rewards yourself for a job well done. If you have built in points for success, you will be motivated as you get closer. One does not need to pull off an astonishing feat to celebrate. It is the little things that do make the difference.

4. Enlist the help of another.

Accountability is better if it comes from someone else. Too often we will buy our own excuses. It is too hot to go for a walk. This sounds reasonable to us, even if it is the dead of winter. Another will help to push us when the desire to pull back is there.

Those are a few steps that will help you to get motivated. Follow then to see your success rate increase drastically.
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