 Motivation
- Satying Motivated During Turbulent Times
By Nicole Attias - Presentation-Skills Trainer & Coach
It’s Wednesday morning; you’re halfway through the
week. As you wake up, you ask yourself,
“Why am I struggling so much?” Struggling in your business that is. You are
about two years into your work, you have made many new connections, and have revised your
promotional materials and accomplished some great goals. Yet, this internal voice keeps
asking, “What am I doing here?” You question whether you should get a job or
‘stick it out’.
How did you reach this point? You didn’t see it coming. Both new
and well-established business owners face a multitude of transitions throughout their
professional journeys. What once worked for you, no longer works as well. Does this mean
you should quit? At one time you enjoyed working from home, but today you are bothered by
the isolation. At one time you enjoyed setting your own work hours and appointments, but
today you find it extremely difficult to separate yourself from your work. This is
especially true if you’re a consultant. At one time you were willing to do just about
anything to make your business a success. Today, you question whether it’s worth the
stress.
Wow. That’s a lot to handle. Take a deep, deep breath and ask
yourself these questions instead:
- What if I was no longer working in isolation?
- What if I enjoyed more time completely away from my
responsibilities?
- And, more importantly, what if success is right around the
corner?
Success means many failures overcome. So how do you get to be where you
need to be? Instead of aiming to accomplish an enormous, abstract goal, break it down into
smaller, more attainable ones. Reward yourself with a massage, new shirt or mini-trip as a
positive reinforcement when the smaller goal is met.
Instead of isolating yourself, wondering how you’re going to get
by day to day on your own, schedule lunch meetings, regular networking groups, and
surround yourself with strong mentors. Every time I need a boost, I find someone to talk
to. For example, I go to the gym where I meet up with a yoga instructor who offers words
of motivation, encouragement and, of course, new exercises to reduce stress. This woman
has more flexibility than anyone I’ve ever seen, especially with matters of living!
She is one of my mentors, but she doesn’t know it.
Although drive and ambition come from within, we are not machines.
Sometimes we need to find inspiration from outside sources to help keep us moving forward.
I found inspiration from a book titled Who Moved My Cheese? written by Spencer Johnson. It
discusses how we ‘complex humans’ dislike change and would rather suffer than do
something differently, even if the old ‘way’ no longer works. We don’t have
a boss to direct us; we must manage ourselves, which leads me to my last point: when
should you stop everything you’re doing?
If you find yourself asking any of the above questions, stop
right now. Before you can logically assess your situation or set new goals, you must let
go of everything you’re doing right now. This answer is so obvious that you may miss
it. I’ll repeat: stop everything you’re doing and get a life!
Remember getting into trouble in high school for coming to class late
or not completing your homework? Remember staying up to four o’clock in the morning,
partying at university? Have fun letting go today. When you least expect it, solutions
will come. Nothing disastrous will happen if you put your work off until tomorrow, or two
days later for that matter.
I am in no way suggesting that you give up on your business or your
dreams. Clarity and happiness will lead you in the right direction should you take the
time to find it.
Nicole Attias is a presentation-skills trainer & coach who assists
entrepreneurs & corporate clients to deliver strong speeches & workshops. She may
be reached at 416.221.0817 or at peakpresentations@hotmail.com
|
