Finding motivation

As always, you can always determine how busy life is and how on or off track I feel based on my blog posts, and this break has been no different.

Many doctors appointments, ups and downs with eating and exercise, new job with odd schedule, all lead to the blog being on the back burner.

But this got me to thinking- what many of us have trouble with is motivation. 

How many times have I thought or said If I just had enough motivation or will power something would be easy?  And it's true.  I mean, think about it.  If it were easy- we'd all do it. 

Working smarter and harder
Being more successful
Exercising more
Eating healthy and clean

We'd all do it if it were just that easy.  So why isn't it?

A lot is our habits and the way we've wired ourselves.  I believe humans are generally lazy creatures- we're always trying to find ways to do things easier.  The easier it is, the more likely to do it with the exception of basic survival.  However, thanks to technology it's easiest to sit on our couch, eat a microwave meal or freezer pizza and drink things that make us feel good instead of nourishing our bodies. 

It takes effort to get off the couch.  It takes time and planning to make a healthy meal.  It takes a whole lot of effort to be successful in a field.  How do we get this?

Well, I'll tell you I wish I had the magic.  I want the special thing that does this and I don't.   But I can tell you that when I had many of these boxes ticking well it was due to some motivational reading, podcasts, and listening.   

My advice while just trying to be the best you possible is to read, listen, and find someone who lights you on fire.  I personally love Rachel Hollis- but she's not everyone's cup of tea.  Listen and read from many and find someone who speaks to you and in you.  Find someone who can help you through the journey with advice, tips and cheer leading. 

Find a motivational speaker or book to help change your mind, which can help you move in the direction that motivates you to put forth the effort for change, and start working on the best you possible.

Blessings in Health and Happiness-

Affirmation Station

After years of working on my own personal growth and development I feel like I've learned a thing or two about mindset and the importance of positive thinking.

One of the things I hear often from friends on Facebook is they love my positive attitude and encouragement!  My most recent read on personal development has clued me into my success in life and how trying to always look on the happy side of things has helped me get where I am in life.

I was reading Brendon Burchard's book High Performance Habits and one of what he calls the 6 high performance habits called Clarity really spoke to me.  When I completed Brendon's assessment, I scored the highest in this category.  Some of the keys to this category including being intentional, knowing and projecting feelings we want to have, finding meaning in life, and being focused and determined in our goals and bettering ourselves. There are several ways I've done this in the past.

I often visualize important things in my life before they happen including phone calls, speeches, interviews.  I'll think about how I want meetings to go before they happen.  I even will picture myself writing these blog posts so the thoughts come more clear and focused!  This practice can give you peace and confidence in your daily actions.   Brendon discusses in his book how some of the most successful people in their fields and in life do this action and it really drives success.

When I set a goal that I truly believe in, there is no stopping me.  Ever.  I may sometimes slow down, I may get tired, I may hit the pause button from time to time- but most often it's always a go.  This is how I got through nursing school, grad school, moved to another state, ran a marathon, and lost over 25 pounds.  In some ways this is stubbornness, but really it's being focused and going through the steps it takes to be successful in your dream.   Eye on the prize.

Another thing I am successful at is hitting the reset button.  What I mean, is when life gets me down (and it does and will again) I take my wallowing time and get back going again!  I use quotes, music, and exercise to help reset.

So where does affirmations fit in this conversation?  Affirmations help with building intentions, purpose, clarity and goals.  Personal affirmations are statements we make in the present tense and repeat to ourselves daily.   For many people this seems silly, but after time it can make a big difference.  For those that affirmations don't work for, there's another style called afformations by author Noah St. John.  This changes these statements into questions.

So anyone who reads the sentence "I am beautiful" and immediately throws negative thoughts about themselves should change the way they say it to "Why am I beautiful?"   This will force you instead of doubting yourself immediately thinking of positive ways to answer the question.

I highly recommend working some of these tips into your routine, especially if you feel like you never succeed or you don't have clear goals.

Some books/resources to look into include:
Brendon Burchard- High Performance Habits
Noah St. John- The Secret Code of Success
Shad Helmstettler- What to Say When You Talk to Yourself
Rachel Hollis- Girl Wash Your Face

That would just be a starting place, but that's what personal growth is: a journey!  Make it enjoyable!

Blessings in Health and Happiness!