Tag Archive for: motivation

pivotal stories - Kung fuMyth 1: Motivation is something you've got or you haven't

Fact: Motivation levels are different in different people. Some people seem to be highly motivated most of the time. But before you think you are one of those people with low motivation think again. Generally we are motivated by things that matter to us, by the things we value, that are meaningful and purposeful to us. Those people who are highly motivated often have a very compelling reason to be motivated; the more compelling the reason the higher the motivation. For most people it is a matter of finding out what it is that compels them and motivation will follow.

Myth 2: You need to be positive in order to be motivated

Fact: While perhaps not obvious on the surface, you might be surprised to learn that fear is often a motivator. Most people would have heard of the carrot or stick principle; move towards the carrot and away from the stick. Some people are motivated by the reward, the gain, while others might be more motivated by fear, discomfort, potential loss or pain. Gain and pain are both strong motivating factors. In many cases it is not one or the other but a combination of both.

If you really fear something for example, say that you might lose everything you have worked for then you might be extra motivated to work hard to succeed. The fear of illness or being obese will often motivate people to stay fit and healthy. If you don't pay your mortgage you might lose your house, if you don't pay your taxes you might be in trouble with the law etc. etc. This secondary or 'negative' motivation motivates more people than you think. It is preferable to be motivated by real desire rather than by fear, but remember that you will not only be motivated for positive reasons. You might desire to be very successful as you fear insignificance or not living a purposeful life. It's important to be aware of what fuels your motivation and if that is what you really want.

Myth 3: You have to be motivated before you start anything

Fact: This is why so many people never achieve their goals! It is like waiting for the motivation bus...it isn't coming and it never will. Don't wait! You need to get up, start moving and get going. True, sometimes the first steps might be the hardest to take. Remember that motivation means 'movement' and movement is something you can activate by creating momentum. Have you ever seen someone pulling a truck or jumbo jet on their own? Once the truck or plane starts rolling momentum is created and less effort is required. Once movement is activated, it is easier to keep it going than to make it move in the first place. In other words 'Just Do It'!



Myth 4: You think you can be motivated without a clear and specific goal

Fact: When you want to travel to a destination, first you need to know where you want to go. Like the saying in Alice in Wonderland "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there". Imagine going to a train station and asking for a ticket, the first question asked will be 'Where to?' First you need to know where you want to go and you need a reason for wanting to go there. You need to feel the excitement of reaching your destination. The feeling of arriving at your destination needs to be more powerful than the feeling of staying where you are.

The more compelling the reason, the more it aligns with what is important to you, the more you will be 'pulled' towards it. You need to imagine and have a vivid picture in your mind (as well of external representations such as a vision board) of what this destination looks like. If you have no idea what your goal or your destination looks like and how you will feel when you get there, then why would you want to go there in the first place? You generally can't be motivated for motivation sake. You need a compelling reason and a clear purpose; somewhere to direct your attention and focus your energy.

Myth 5: You should be motivated all the time

Fact: While this might be true for some people, for most of us there are times when motivation wanes. There might be some obstacles along the way, challenges or difficulties that appear to stand in the way of reaching your destination. While some people become more determined, others might get disheartened. It is unrealistic to expect there won't be times when you might want to give up and go 'back home' to what is familiar. Remember that after the initial period there is often a time when the desire and excitement diminishes. During these times it is especially important to keep the momentum going; keep that plane or truck rolling! The key is to keep the momentum going even though part of the journey might be uphill at certain times. Remember to always keep the end in mind clearly and firmly.

 

Related:  Boundless Leadership: 3 Ways to Boost Morale and Break Down Barriers to Engagement

 

Myth 6: Motivation is the same as using will power

Fact: When the going gets tough there may be times when you need to put your shoulder to the grindstone. But if your journey is only driven by will power, you are likely to tire and it's unlikely that you will succeed. If you are clear about why you want to reach your destination, together with a real desire to get there, you will use your inspiration rather than relying on will power alone. Strong desire and emotionally connecting to the excitement of reaching your destination is far more powerful than using sheer will power. Without engaging your emotions and feelings (the subconscious and the limbic part of your brain), you have to work much harder. Inspiration is more powerful than perspiration.

Myth 7: When you are motivated it gets easier and easier

Fact: "The old Gods will always come and challenge you at the border of the country that you are leaving". You want to change something and move away from a current situation, in order to achieve a goal. For most people there comes a stage which is called the point of greatest resistance. It is often when you least expect it. All of a sudden something pulls you back and stops you from moving forward. This is often just before you are about to succeed. Why? Just like being tied to an elastic band, the further you move away the stronger the pullback. The point of greatest resistance occurs just before the elastic band breaks and you hurdle forward.

In psychology this is called a 'pay off' or a 'hidden benefit'. At some point the 'pay' off, the 'benefit' of not 'travelling' any further motivates you more than the destination. Well ingrained habits have a lot of pullback power. That part of you that is attached to the old habits will pull you back (especially after 3-4 weeks and then again at a later stage) as it does not want to lose those 'benefits'. When you want to move to a new way; a new world or a new country so to speak, the old habits will often try to call you back. This is one of the most important aspects to understand in the motivation process, yet it is often not addressed in popular motivation information. Why would that part of you that just wants to 'stay home' and blob in front of the TV get excited and co-operate with another part of you that wants to actively pursue your goals? You need to negotiate with these various and often conflicting aspects within yourself so they come on board. Once you understand and effectively address the pullback factor, you are far more likely to succeed.

Myth 8: People believe they are lazy

Fact: Believe it or not you are always motivated. Is a teenager lazy for not wanting to tidy up his or her room? NO! Their motivation just lies elsewhere. They might be motivated to go out with their friends, play video games or sleep. They value these things much more than tidying up their room. There is always motivation, although sometimes the motivation 'movement' might not necessarily go in a direction that is constructive or useful. So next time you think you are 'lazy' replace that thought with, I am not motivated. Labelling yourself or others as 'lazy' is very unhelpful. Labelling someone or something means that it is a fait accompli (an irreversible fact). There is nothing much that you can do about it. Exploring what does and what does not motivate you is the key to addressing motivation.



Myth 9: You've got to try harder

Fact: A real indication of lack of motivation is when we use the word 'try'. 'I will try' means I am not really committed but I feel I 'should' be. Rather than choosing to do something because we really want to, we give it a try. Have you ever met someone that has been trying to give up smoking? Answer one question: Do they or don't they smoke? The answer is they are still smoking. If they weren't they would not be trying to give it up, they would have done it. How well do you think it works when you feel you 'should' give up smoking, 'should' lose weight, 'should' drink less or 'should' exercise more, when you don't really want to?

The problem is with the implication of the word trying. Trying means it is not happening because there is not a firm decision or commitment made. I know people that have made a very clear, firm and conscious decision to smoke, despite knowing the dangers. While it is not a choice that I would make, I respect their decision. Why? They stopped the struggle.

Make up your mind, consider the cost-benefits and make a decision. The space between doing and not doing is called ambivalence. Continuously dancing 'the ambivalence dance' is very tiring, disempowering and ultimately does not get you anywhere. Stop trying; just do it or don't! Ultimately it is that easy.

Myth 10: All you need is a destination, motivation and inspiration

Fact: You need to keep on track to reach your destination, but if you haven't got a map, then what track are you on? Without a strategy it is far too easy to stray from your intended destination, your intended goal. If you haven't got a good map or navigation system you might find that all of a sudden you have come back to the place you started from. You can have all the motivation in the world, but if you leave home without knowing where you are going or how far you have travelled, you're going to feel lost and discouraged and more than likely, you will give up.

Having a system that keeps you focused and on the right track is extremely important, especially during times when your motivation is low. Having a clear vision of your destination, knowing where you're at and keeping track of your travels and progress is one of the most essential aspects as it encourages you and leads you to act. This is such an important and fundamental element of achieving what you want to achieve, yet it's probably one of the most neglected. There is so much information about motivation yet often the most important aspects are absent. Many people, books and products can inspire you and get you on your way, but that is the easy part. After that you are left to your own devices and this is why most people don't stay the course or reach their intended destination.

Determining where you want to go and understanding the all-important why factor as well as having access to practical tools, resources and support to help get you there (from start to finish) is what people really need to succeed. With this in mind, using a specifically tailored system to help you stay on track is the most beneficial tool one can use.

Numerous studies have shown that people who set goals consistently achieve more in life than those who do not. Yet there is so much more to goal setting than most people think. Not only do people need to be clear about what they want, they need to create an environment for success and achievement; an environment that guides and supports them, keeps them focused and on the right track.

Just think about New Year resolutions. Despite having the best intentions, most people don't make it past the 7th day of January! At Minds with Integrity we have developed a unique and personalized system that will help you move from hoping and wishful thinking to living your life according to what is really important to you. Experience immediate and tangible outcomes with a system that gets results.

By Tao De Haas   The Life Navigation System is your own personal GPS; an easy and practical online DIY coaching system. It puts you in the driver's seat and more in control of your life and where you are heading.

Sign up for your free trial and test drive The Life Navigation System today. Take your free test drive now.
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Engagement and interpersonal relationships form the core focus of my work with teams. I'm obsessed with dissolving barriers to workplace results and relationships. Morale is often a casualty of things gone wrong.

A workshop participant asked, 'is there anything I should or should not do when it comes to encouraging positive workplace morale?'

Let's look at an example to tease out the solution. Consider one of your workplace first day stories. Do you remember what it was like arriving in to a new workplace? What happened in your first interactions? Were they inspiring? Energising? Or cold and depressing?

In my experience, how you start is how you go on. And in this we discover the secrets of morale.

My first day at Outward Bound Australia was hugely enjoyable. It started the night before where I was met by some staff and had drinks at a pub. This was my first night in a new country, and I was already making friends. My new colleague drove me from Canberra out to Tharwa and was gracious enough to let me know about some of the day to day rituals, starting with the morning meeting. Here I met my tribe. I knew they were a tribe because of the uniform: shirts and jackets with the Outward Bound logo, people wearing outdoor fleece jackets, jeans, and hiking boots.

I was introduced and welcomed publicly to the community, given a tour, shown my accommodation, and given my gear: all emblazoned by the OB logo. I was so excited to get a pack of my own with that logo! I felt proud to wear it from the start.

Everywhere there was a sense of hustle. Energy, enthusiasm, and an open curiosity about who I was and where I came from. In short, I felt embraced. I felt SAFE.

Chances are your first day was not at all like this. I find many organisations do a pretty poor job of welcoming people in a genuine and authentic way. And morale is in check from the beginning.

If we tease out what does not work, we find the secret to boundless morale.

1. Belonging
We are hard wired as tribal animals to seek belonging and safety in a tribe. It's an early development stage that stays with us and is a primal requirement for security.

Here's what not to do: not being ready for the first day (computer, work space, induction plan), treating the new person as an inconvenience to be squeezed in between meetings, not asking how they are feeling, where they came from what they are looking forward to and what experience they can contribute. Not making a big deal, or any deal at all about the new team member. Not explaining who's who at the zoo, what's important to each stakeholder, and what core projects they are working on.

2. Meaning
A sure sign of poor morale is when individuals have a uni-focal perspective on "what's in it for me". This usually results from the belonging needs not being addressed and people default into survival mode. By focusing on meaning and purpose greater than the individual contribution, and feeling the link between individual contribution and higher purpose, some of the tension from self protection eases. It's protective energy versus expansive energy.

3. Gaming
Work is meant to be enjoyable! How is the 'game' of your work? What rules are you playing by? Are they clear and agreed? Or are there some outdated rules that are clunky? What systems create friction rather than flow? Frustration instead of fun? How do you know if you're winning the game of work? Is progress visible and meaningful? What prize do you get when you 'win' at work? How often do you celebrate wins and winning? Cleaning up the game of work is a very pragmatic way to boost morale. Just make things easier, simpler, and more fun.

Many leaders let morale take care of itself. This is a huge mistake. When we cultivate morale deliberately, we clean up blocks to boundless success.

What do you need to improve, let go of, or incorporate to manage morale better?

***

Zoë is on a mission to encourage big thinkers with big hearts to make a big difference. She is passionate about showing leaders how to challenge limitations so they can live and lead with boundless energy, confidence, and conviction.

With over 30 years experience developing leaders, she has published "Composure: How Centered Leaders Make the Biggest Impact" and "Moments: Leadership When It Matters Most." http://www.zoerouth.com/book/

Photo by Paul Bence on Unsplash

Over the course of thirty years, I have competed in hundreds of road races, duathlons and triathlons, including dozens of national world championship events. The competition at most of these events is intense. Usually, only three people in each five-year male and female age group win prizes (gold, silver and bronze, just like in the Olympics). The rest, hopefully, have a good time, don't get hurt and away feeling good about the experience. But, it is well-known that not everyone goes away happy, in fact, the vast majority of people do not even enter competitions, for many different reasons. One might be bad experiences with the whole idea of competing. How do you feel about competition? Do you have enough of it in your life, or way too much? Do you welcome or avoid it? Do you think competition is overemphasized in our schools and work settings? What about our national focus on spectator sports - do you sometimes think these competitions are taken too seriously?

Runners - competition

The proper place of competition in the context of a healthy life is a much-debated topic in mental health circles; as far as I can tell, there is little consensus. As a lifelong athlete, I enjoy competition but I recognize there's a price to pay, that competition has a dark side. Decades ago, I started thinking about these kinds of questions, perhaps a bit more than my fellow athletes who all seem committed to the unbounded joys and benefits of competition. Then I came across the tale of "The Dodo and the Caucus Race" in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." In the third chapter of Alice, all the characters, after getting thoroughly soaked, have a discussion about the best way to dry off. The dodo says, "The best thing to get us dry would be a Caucus race." He then lays out a circular track and lines everyone up at random starting places. There was no`One, two, three, and away!' but they began running when they liked, and left off when they liked, so that it was not easy to know when the race was over. However, when they had been running half and hour or so, and were quite dry again, the Dodo suddenly called out, 'The race is over!' The participants were puzzled and asked, 'But who has won?' This question the Dodo could not answer without a great deal of thought, and it stood for a long time with one finger pressed upon its forehead while the rest waited in silence. At last the Dodo said, 'Everybody has won, and all must have prizes.'

That's how it is today with kids races. Scheduled just before the start or shortly after the completion of triathlons and road races wherein adults compete - without expectation of any medals or prizes save for a few top finishers, all finishers get medals at the kiddie races. Maybe we should organize adult races more along these lines. I say that, but I don't mean it, believe it or think it's a good idea, nor would I want anything to do with a race wherein all must have prizes. On the other hand, I say, let's have Caucus races in schools, workplaces and throughout society. There can always be optional chances for those of us who enjoy harmless competitions to play our games and, on occasions, to feel swift and strong, and sometimes brave and smart, at least for the moment, though we really know better. But there is much to be said for the approach demonstrated by Lewis Carroll's wise dodo: No judgments of superiority or inferiority among participants; no winners or losers and cooperation with ends attained and prizes for all.

Trophies - competition

So, I am of two minds: prizes for all, but not in selected events where awards go only to the swift and fortunate. Some achievements (examples might include playing the piano, competing in triathlons and hitting home runs) are done better by some than others and deserve acknowledgment and reward. However, on matters pertaining to the intrinsic and ultimate worth of a human life, or the ability to live in accord with known precepts for REAL wellness, the judge of the caucus race appears to be the wisest of men.

And yet, there are many complications associated with competition that can be acknowledged. Many familiar with my racing career ask how I deal with the downside, including but not limited to anxieties common to competition. I've been asked about how to deal with defeat, about worries of making mistakes or not being good enough or getting hurt and so on.

The fact is that there truly is little room at the top. Does competition really fit with REAL wellness? How about that focus on happiness, reason and quality of life? Also, what about the others involved in the competitions? If I win, does that not by definition mean others lose? If I have more of something (e.g., trophies, medals, ribbons and the adoration of the crowds, for instance!), is there not less of such for everyone else? Is that fair, or nice or a situation we want to encourage? Isn't competition a zero sum game? How can it be healthy to focus on beating everyone?




The critics do make good points. It would be nice to live in an ideal world where everyone gets the same of everything and all are equal. But, we are not all alike, and what floats one boat will sink another.

The questions posed and others like them are competition issues with which most of us have had to deal. We are all shaped by competitions of varied kinds over the years. In the first part of life if not continuing as adults, we often did not get to choose the competitions in which we found ourselves. The competitions were thrust upon us! Think of the early years of school, and competitions for grades, honors and so on. Our attitudes toward those competitions have surely shaped some aspects of our personalities and values. It should not surprise us when people react to competition differently one from another. How clear are you about your own attitudes toward competition?

At this point, we might define what exactly we view as competition? The dictionary (Webster's 9th) offer this definition: "The active demand by two or more organisms for some environmental resource in short supply." It could be a yellow jersey, an oval office in Washington, the vote of a Congressperson, finding an affordable home in a desirable area, winning Pulitzer Prizes for best Ezine essays - whatever. For me, competitions most often take the form of athletic pursuits, as in weekend age group rivalries. If the question is phrased in this manner - "Is competition a good thing for you, Don,?" the answer is easy: Yes, very much so.

The reason competition is such a positive experience for me is that I try to usually succeed in making competitive events a no lose proposition. More important, with a little bit of mental rehearsal and physical practice, you can do the same. Here's how. If I win, I'm happy. Naturally. If not, however, I can win anyway, but in different ways. It's all how you choose to think of competition and the winning/losing part. If I can put this desire to creatively interpret winning into my brain and emotions, it works well. This thinking guarantees a winning experience of one kind or another. The trick to enjoying competition is to have more than one way to win. For instance, if I am not the first across the line, which has occurred more often than I like this year (though second is not so bad if the times are fast enough), I make a point not to mope or get down and out about it. More often than not, Lance Armstrong finishes in the middle of the peloton (the pack of riders), and everyone knows that Babe Ruth struck out more often than he hit homers. There are other gains from participating in the game, such as the thrill of the race, the camaraderie and the excitement of it all. I focus on the fact that I have worked hard (athletes always push beyond the pale in a race in a manner not possible in training) and thus gain added fitness. If I have done my best, and I almost always give nothing less, there is no basis for despair or disappointment at not being first.

Related article:  The Potential of Change

An inspirational 27-minute film about fitness and competition called "Coping With Life on the Run" was produced and narrated by the late running guru George Sheehan in 1977. It was a big hit - I loved it and found much that was inspirational, including the soundtrack. The film depicts runners of all ages and physical abilities excelling in competitions in their own fashion, and getting emotionally high on a feeling of having performed in outstanding ways. One scene shows a man in a wheelchair coming through the finish line, doing wheelies. Another participant in the run is on a bridge during the race, alone, because the rest of the competitors have long since crossed the finish line. As he nears the camera, it is apparent that he is running with one leg and a prosthetic limb. To this athlete, the competition has great meaning. His goal is to finish, which he does in the throes of triumphant exhilaration. Most of the other competitors, particularly in the middle and back of the pack, seem to experience similar thrills, exuberance and connectedness. While they don't win in a formal way, they prevail in terms of personal goals and individual pleasures. This is exemplary of what competition offers, at its best. It motivates people to excel. It promotes self-esteem! It gives meaning. I can almost hear Robert Green Ingersoll describing the passengers on a metaphorical train of life, all doomed, having a grand time, despite knowing the common fate that awaits them all - "I tell you, we have got a good deal of pluck."

I could go on about the benefits of competition but I think you get the idea. The fears associated with it, the bad feelings it arouses in some, are more related to the way they respond to it before, during and/or especially after the fact - and those outcomes are subject to change, if such is desired.

Competition is not always a good thing for everyone. Some should reform their attitudes about it or just avoid it. Competition is best if not viewed as a big deal with permanent winners and losers. A healthy perspective is simply to be part of something special, a step up on a stage worthy of your time and a venue suited to your talent. Make winning inevitable by the way you choose to view the process. Make it a game broad enough to enable you to win your division. When people ask what division I'm in, I say, "The master male category for people over six feet three inches and 170 pounds who are right-handed with blue eyes, produce a wellness report, host a wellness website, live in Florida and have a strange sense of humor." If you get yourself in the right division, you can win, too - and then you will LOVE competition. As Ashleigh Brilliant observed in one of his marvelous 17-word epigram Potshots, "To be the best, be the only one in your group."

Related article:  9 Attitudes of Successful Business Owners

Sheehan wrote that the purist form of competition comes from attempting to be the best you can be. Competition is the road to excellence..."Each one of us must be a hero. We are here to lead a heroic life...the heroic act, the courageous act, is its own reward." (Personal Best, Rodale, Emmaus, PA. 1989, pp. 7 and 8.) All the best. Be well.

 

Author:  Donald Ardell is publisher of the ARDELL WELLNESS REPORT - an electronic newsletter devoted to weekly commentaries on current issues that affect personal and social well-being from a quality of life perspective. The emphasis is on REAL wellness. REAL stands for the key issues embraced and advanced in Don's philosophy, namely, Reason, Exuberance, Athleticism and Liberty. Sample copy of latest edition by request. If you like it, you can sign up - the price is right - free. awr.realwellness@gmail.com

 

 

If you’re leading a group of people towards success, you must learn how to motivate others. If you concentrate on understanding what motivates others and you meet the needs of these people, you’ll be on the right track for a positive and enlightening experience for all involved.

 

 

Once a person’s base needs are met, they usually move on to working on certain needs of self fulfilment. For example, if someone is hungry, they won’t be able to concentrate on a critical thinking task. In this case you’ll need to make sure that this person has had lunch before the task needs to be completed. But how can you motivate them to complete certain tasks once base needs have been fulfilled?

Try one or more of the following ways of motivating people:

1. Treat People Kindly. As a leader you need to treat the people helping you with the utmost respect and kindness. Hand out praise when it’s warranted. You might not know it, but it’s a big motivation booster when people are treated right. People enjoy knowing when they’re doing a good job and enjoy working with people that treat others with kindness.

2. Give People Responsibility. If there are certain tasks that you’re allowed to delegate to others, by all means choose someone to take responsibility for that task. When people are fully responsible, they’ll be more likely to find the motivation to complete the task. This is because, as a part of a group, they may not feel like their hard work matters, but when they’re responsible it certainly matters. They also know that they’re being held accountable for the success or failure of the project.

3. Be a Good Listener. No one likes to feel like they don’t matter. Just because you have final say doesn’t mean that you can’t get some help with important decision making. People enjoy feeling like they’re making a difference. Always keep an open ear and you’ll be motivating your team to come up with solutions and creative ideas.

4. Set Stretched Goals. Think long and hard about how your goal setting abilities can teach you how to motivate others. You don’t want to set goals that are too easy. Your team might reach them quickly but they won’t be pushed to become the best they can be. On the other end, you don’t want to set goals that are unattainable either. Your team will quickly lose motivation because they’ll never get the feeling of having met their goals. You want to find a goal that would push them to achieve just a little more than they have in the past and keep going from there.

5. Get to Know People. You may not want to be personal friends with your colleagues, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get to know them as people. Keep lines of communication open and get to know your team by paying attention to their wants, needs, strengths and weaknesses. People are smart and they’ll know when they have a leader that cares and a leader that doesn’t. They’ll certainly be more motivated to work hard for somebody that cares about them.

6. Keep Everyone in the Know. Nobody likes to be left in the dark. Make sure that you’re open about your thinking and decisions with the people you’re motivating. Sure, sometimes there will be things that you’re not supposed to share. You just need to make an effort to spread the word around when you can communicate important issues.

Remember that when you’re working on motivating others, it’s definitely important to strengthen their sense of belonging. You’re leading a little family and when everyone’s happy, they’re motivated to achieve big things.

This article was written for the Life Optimizer Blog by Mark Foo.  Mark Foo has brought together 48 personal development bloggers and writers to co-author The 77 Traits of Highly Successful People eBook that spells out all of the success secrets of the very successful people. This eBook is available to you FREE and you can grab your free copy now at http://www.77SuccessTraits.com.

 

Do you often feel unmotivated?

Wake up with a feeling of anxiety that you should do many things but you lack of direction where to begin so you end up doing nothing?

Do you feel that you do self-sabotage after you wake up by doing nothing productive and waste your day?

If you respect only three tips of this book, I guarantee that your first wake up hours can become the best and most motivating part of your day!

 




Daily Routine Makeover Morning Edition teaches you every method how to be productive and energetic when your day starts. 

This is an actionable book without any fake it 'til you make it, brush your teeth or wake up at 5 am advice. 

It is a comprehensive psychology, biology and motivational manual that lets you know why are you an early bird or night owl, gives you the best practices how to bring out the most of them without overwhelming you with too many new habits. 

Daily Routine Makeover – Morning Edition has lots of real-life stories and examples, proven techniques of high-performers, and physiological explanations backed up by countless research studies, all of which will help you change your a mindset about the power of the first hours after waking up (be it 5 am or 11 am) with concrete and simple techniques. 

The 5 am magic doesn't apply to all of us and it'’s borderline terrible advice for most. 

During my endless months of nocturnal working, I developed special practices that don't require an early day start to boost your productivity and energy level to the sky. 

By consequently following these 3 simple steps I could leave my night-shift job, finish University and start to be a full-time writer. 

How will you become a productivity machine?

•Learn the 3 simple exercise I did to boost my spirits and productivity.

Get familiar with 10 practices recommended by world leaders, high achievers, and top class artists. 

Understand why does your body function the way it does on a biological level.

Learn to diminish the harm your body gets by nighttime, shift work or even jet lag.

And further ways to bring out the most of your day.

•The right way to use caffeine as a wake-up booster.

How to eat nutritious food and lose weight.

Simple steps to detect when you are the most productive during the day.

Advice from a world class dietitian how to combine food to keep you energized all day - starting in the morning. 

Find out which of the 3+15 after wake-up habits could make the difference in your life.

The Book Depository   or    Amazon

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.
 

 

A legend tells of a French monastery known throughout Europe for the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo. Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately, they began to bicker about who should do various chores.

On the third day they met another monk going to the monastery, and he joined them. This monk never complained or shirked a duty, and whenever the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer and do it himself. By the last day, the others were following his example, and from then on they worked together smoothly.

When they reached the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them laughed. "But our brother is among you!" And he pointed to the fellow who had joined them.

Today, many people seek leadership positions, not so much for what they can do for others but for what the position can do for them: status, connections, perks, advantages. They do service as an investment, a way to build an impressive resume.

The parable about Brother Leo teaches another model of leadership, where leaders are preoccupied with serving rather than being followed, with giving rather than getting, with doing rather than demanding. Leadership based on example, not command. This is called servant leadership.

Can you imagine how much better things would be if more politicians, educators, and business executives saw themselves as servant leaders?

Michael Josephson
www.charactercounts.org

Just like riding a bike or playing piano, motivation is a skill that can be learned and mastered - and with ease. It's not that getting yourself to act is difficult; it's simply that no one has ever shared with you the entire process in a way that was easy to understand and apply, if they taught you at all.

To solve this problem for the millions of people just like you who want to live richer, more rewarding lives, I dedicated several years to uncovering the secrets and outlined every step of the process in The Motivated Mind - and made the entire guide easy to understand and even easier to use.

Simply by following six short steps you will gain the rare ability of instant motivation. You will actually be able to overcome all of your fears and worries and instantly feel driven to act toward your goals.

Just imagine what you could achieve in your lifetime with the ability to motivate action at the drop of a hat. You could be like one of the many readers who have made The Motivated Mind a part of their lives and enjoy experiences like...

A career you absolutely love. Challenging, exciting, and satisfying work you can't wait to get to in the morning. Co-workers you count as good friends and a knowledgeable boss who greatly admires you and your work.

A brand new body - in shape, attractive, and healthy. More energy and juice than ever before, without a hint of the old aches and pains, not to mention the worries that come from living an unhealthy lifestyle. And best of all - a longer life.

Earning enough money to save, invest, and prepare for a comfortable retirement. Being able to donate to those in need and provide for your loved ones. And finally, enjoying a few perks in life - a new home, a new car, and vacations to the tropics.

Finding it easy to make new friends and develop relationships that make you feel on top of the world. No more worrying about fitting in or trying to live up to everyone's expectations. Being comfortable in your own skin and in every situation.

Feeling happy. Truly happy with who you are and where you're going. Enjoying the peace of mind that comes from being in total control of your life and its future.

How would you like to experience these things on a daily basis for the rest of your life? You can, and The Motivated Mind will show you exactly how to make it happen.


The Motivated Mind: A Complete Guide to Personal Change
by Jason M. Gracia

A complete motivation program in one place. The Motivated Mind will guide you, step by step, through each stage of controlling your motivation and changing your life - automatically. When you know the secrets to motivating yourself to take action, nothing is out of reach. Digital Download, 19 Chapters, 352 Pages, Exercises and Illustrations.

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