(M)otivation: Cure or Curse

All of us have either set a goal or seen a speaker that has inspired us to change behavior or reach new levels.  We begin the new journey with positive thoughts and actions along with a vision of what it will look like on the other end. Some of us get stimulated to work through the challenges.  While others defuse or deflate when life places a boulder in our road to success. 

Motivation can be a cure if we are willing to layout a plan and commit to win regardless of what it takes to reap the rewards.  For example, a marathon runner doesn’t show up on race day and begin the 26.2 mile run.  They prepare for at least six months with a consistent plan of action.  During that time, there are challenges in the form of weather, potential injury, tiredness, and time constraints.  By placing their foot on the track at race day, they’ve already reached the finish line due to their motivation to stick it out and see it through.

On the other hand, motivation can be a curse if we have set high expectations with an inappropriate time frame.  For example, we start training for the marathon two months prior to race day.  We also risk lowering our self esteem and the “stick to it” glue to reach lofty goals and self transformation.

Use motivation as a tool to help stay the course realizing there is no magic pill for success.  Motivation is ultimately INTERNAL, meaning we are the drivers for success.  Motivation that’s EXTERNAL, as in other peoples needs and wishes, has a high probability for failure.  Choose your correct motivation and reach for the stars.

August 3rd, 2009 - Posted in ABC's, attitude, emotional, habits, intellectual, performance, productivity | | 0 Comments

(J)ustifying Our Measuring Stick

Where you ever in a conversation where you didn’t totally agree with someone.  Your kinda looking at them sideways trying to understand their point of view but are not quite getting it.  This happen to me recently.  Jim was telling me how he “coached” a co-worker into looking at their own personal measuring stick to measure results. 

Jim was approached by a co-worker, Kevin, and given a great compliment.  Basically, that the job he was doing was “great” and that Kevin could never measure up to the work ethic or results of Jim on this particular project.  Jim commented that we have our own personal measuring sticks on how we measure results.  Kevin should use his own measuring stick to find his own “job well done”.

I agreed with Jim on using his own personal measuring stick.  The first person we need to please is ourselves.  That’s what produces our self confidence for the future.  In contrast, our measuring stick is made up of many inches.

  • Inch one -past personal and professional experiences
  • Inch two -family upbringing
  • Inch three -work ethic
  • Inch four - failures in life and business
  • Inch five - successes
  • and … so on

But ….. what if …. our personal measuring stick is too low and we use this as a way to quit, avoid and not strive for success. 

Joining my own thoughts to Jim’s would look like this. 

We have our own personal measuring sticks on how we measure results.  We should visualize a measuring stick that is much longer.  Those inches should reflect a variety of expectations

  • what is required to complete the job
  • how my management team will measure me on a “job well done”
  • how does this fit into my personal and professional development plan
  • the areas of growth I need to be successful
  • s-t-r-e-a-t-c-h-i-n-g   and   g-r-o-w-i-n-g  even though it’s uncomfortable

When we stop striving we settle.  Right now in history, we have tremendous opportunities.  Regardless of the economy or our financial status, we can continue to stretch ourselves to prepare for a greater future.  Our measuring stick should be growing by yards as our experiences and development increase.  We are forging the inches on this stick to be even better for future opportunities. 

Keep adding inches to your personal measuring stick.  To stop striving is settling.  Status quo may not always be the way to go.

Be healthy and fabulous!

Sandra

September 16th, 2008 - Posted in ABC's, Uncategorized, attitude, change, intellectual, occupational, performance, productivity | | 1 Comments

(D)aily Workplace Health Commitments Improve Our Performance

“Exercise!  Eat healthy!  Keep a food journal!  Yeah, right.  I don’t have time to take a break at work how do you expect me to take better care of myself!” 

Many of us have repeated this mantra over and over again only to find ourselves stressed out physically and emotionally.  Been there, done that!  Unfortunately, I ended up with more serious physical problems that swirled out of control.   When I was sitting in the doctors office waiting for my MRI results, I wasn’t thinking about how the next project or the next meeting.  I was thinking about if I was going to be around for the next day.  Funny, and this was all for

  • the love of the job
  • the thrill of the chase
  • my commitment to my employer and teammates who could not live without me
  • ego
  • money
  • fame
  • position
  • status

By ignoring my daily health commitments, I put my family at risk in more ways than one financially, physically, emotionally and socially.  Who was benefiting from my ill health and not so stellar attitude?  It wasn’t me and that was the most important person I needed to take care of. 

Professionals place high expectations on themselves.   Good for the employer.  When we cannot distinguished when we are in the the “51% zone”, then our health and productivity start to plummet.  The “51% zone” is when you are giving 51% or more of you physical, emotional, social and intellectual energy to one particular event or period of time.  For example, you are professionally devoted to your position, this is great!  But when you cannot shut it off enough to take a break, go to the restroom, take lunch, exercise, or be somewhat social with your co-workers, you’ve probably crossed the 51% zone.  The whooping benefits can be … drum-roll please …..

  • headaches
  • migraines
  • upset stomach
  • anger or short temper
  • shortness of breath
  • overweight
  • overwhelmed feeling
  • acid reflux
  • bad attitude
  • poor eating habits
  • tired
  • achy breaky feeling
  • loss of energy and feeling of importance

Some people are energized by being totally enveloped in the 51% zone.  Wonderful!  Please make sure you are seeing your physician at least 2 times per year for a complete checkup.  Sometimes intensity that makes us feel great doesn’t show up on the outside but still may have internal silent effects that you not be aware of.

Each person’s prescription for energy and productivity is different.  Here are some suggestions to move yourself away from the 51% zone.

  •  Give yourself permission to take a break or lunch.  Start by affirming that it’s okay to take move away from the desk.  No one will get hurt in the process.  My teammates can go on without me for 15 minutes or more.  When you come back, look around.  Is everything the way you left it?  More than likely, yes!
  • Take the steps to move from floor to floor.  This will move you one step closer to any fitness goals you have established.  The immediate benefit is that your burning more calories and getting you circulation moving.  Hey, you may even meet some really interesting people that you haven’t seen for awhile in the stairwell.
  • Start your own personal walking program even if you need to do it alone.  We had a parking garage on the lot where our building was located.  I would walk up the garage levels (creates resistant) and take the garage steps (increases cardio) in 32 degree weather or above.  Why 32 degrees and not ALL degrees?  Basically, I didn’t want to have to deal with ice in more ways than one.  The benefit is that I lost weight!
  • Graze on healthy alternatives during the day.  Suggestions would be left over salad, nuts, fruit, or 100 calories healthy snacks.   Your local grocery store has alot of healthy offerings.  It’s a matter of taking the one time and discovering what’s available. 
  • Be in silence.  When it just gets too much go to a quiet place in your office building or complex or even your car to be in silence.  Sometimes we need to quiet all those demands in the form of people and projects to get ourselves in shape for the next round of meetings.  Silence helps us sort-out the real from the imaginary and helps us take control of our attitude.

 These are all suggestions we have heard or read before over and over again.  It’s time to make the commitment to take control of our daily health.  Small changes will not impact you negatively but will allow you to keep in the race longer.  They will increase your productivity and health a little more each day.

Be healthy and fabulous!

Sandra

January 21st, 2008 - Posted in ABC's, occupational, performance, physical | | 1 Comments