For years before I started blogging I was a motivational junkie. I read blogs, books, and articles that were motivational and inspirational. I attended seminars and programs that filled my head with encouragement. Getting motivated was a high.
When my health hit bottom, I realized I needed to make some changes. Real changes. I started blogging about my journey to work-life balance, reduce stress, and increase happiness. Now I was accountable to someone- I was accountable to all of you. No more getting my motivational high and repeating the same unmotivated patterns over and over and over. I started doing things differently.
Today, as a career and business coach I notice the motivational junkies at conferences and seminars- they’re just like me. They love inspirational quotes, vision boards, and post motivational messages on Facebook. They come for the high, to feel good for a little while, but ultimately go back to their miserable life.
Like any addict, they think they are okay, especially when they’re not. They think they can go it alone. They think they are in control of their life and nothing is further from the truth.
Look at me- it took 7 surgeries in 6 years for me to realize I wasn’t in control. It took losing my health to accept that I was abusing myself with my expectations, ambition, and never-say-die attitude. I can do it all- just watch me. Yeah, right, watch me sit on my ass in a hospital bed recovering from surgery again and again and again. Watch me suffer in pain from shingles.
I’m here to scare you straight! Or, you know, scare you into action! Action to stop getting high from motivation and to get motivated to do something differently in life.
How to get motivated to create change
01. Start one positive habit
Write a daily gratitude list. Choose to have a great day. Take care of yourself. Practice random acts of kindness.
02. Stop one negative habit
Stop complaining. Stop blaming. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, or not doing.
03. Confront your fears
Change is scary. Stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something new will feel uncomfortable. Confront your fears.
04. Accept responsibility for the quality of your life
Stop waiting to be happy. Start being happy.
05. Get support
Find a group of like-minded people who are living a healthier and happier life. Join a group or club! Spend time with these people!
06. Be accountable
Get a coach. Get an accountability partner. Teach others what you’re learning to do. Find someone to be accountable to.
07. Be the change
Do the work. Be the change.
Ready to create some change? Subscribe to my newsletter. Join my Facebook group. It all starts with one step forward.