{"id":888,"date":"2009-06-02T09:10:20","date_gmt":"2009-06-02T17:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/a-simple-sticky-secret-for-motivation\/"},"modified":"2013-09-26T09:36:42","modified_gmt":"2013-09-26T17:36:42","slug":"a-simple-sticky-secret-for-motivation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/a-simple-sticky-secret-for-motivation\/","title":{"rendered":"A Simple, Sticky Secret for Motivating Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever had one of those days where it feels tough just to get out of bed?\u00a0 Now if you’re reading Pick the Brain, it’s a safe bet you already have goals in place, and you’re probably fairly motivated.\u00a0 But still, you are draaaaaaaagging.<\/p>\n

You get up, head over to the kitchen counter and grab a cup of coffee because you just needed a bit more sleep before the alarm went off.\u00a0 You accidentally pour too much milk into your cereal and you wonder how you’re going to summon the motivation and energy you need for the day.<\/p>\n

The phone rings.\u00a0 It’s your boss telling you he’ll need you to stay over a bit today because the project is running behind schedule.\u00a0 You notice a note from your spouse telling you they’ll be home late and won’t have time to make dinner so “if you could just pick up something from the store on your way home since you’re coming home early today, that would be great.”<\/p>\n

You’re tempted to call in sick.\u00a0 Better yet, you’re tempted to get into your car and keep driving until you find the nearest beach so you can surf the day away just like you did in college.<\/p>\n

The Trick Is To Have the System In Place Before You Need It<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now let’s assume you already have a big goal or dream you’re working on.\u00a0 It’s something that’s so meaningful to you, you are able to stay motivated on most days.\u00a0 However, today is just one of those days where you could use an extra boost because the waves of the real-world are crashing down on you.\u00a0 Don’t worry, because you’ve already done the following to prepare for just such an occasion.<\/p>\n

It’s the simple, sticky secret <\/strong>I talked about.\u00a0 Are you ready?\u00a0 Got a pen?\u00a0 Got some Post-it notes or paper?\u00a0 The secret is this: go find at least 3 inspirational quotations<\/a> that resonate with you and write them down, one per Post-it note or sheet of paper.\u00a0 Use the sheets of paper if you’d like to write bigger and see it at a distance.\u00a0 Post or tape them in locations where you know you’ll see them in the morning.\u00a0 Ideally, they’d be in places where you can reflect on them while you’re doing something, such as eating breakfast.\u00a0 Perhaps you want to put one in your daily planner so when you flip it open, you can get an extra shot of motivation.<\/p>\n

For instance, I have a quote posted near my computer which is where I do a lot of my work.\u00a0 If I feel I need a little motivational boost, I can look up and immediately read something inspiring.\u00a0 The quote I have is one Christopher Reeve posted on the wall in his exercise room as he did physical therapy to recover from the horse riding accident that left him with a broken neck.\u00a0 It reads:<\/p>\n

“For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it, for everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it, for everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible,’ see you at the finish line.” <\/strong><\/p>\n

Here are some other favorite quote<\/strong>s t<\/strong>hat can help keep you on purpose:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Never work just for money or for power. They won’t save your soul or help you sleep at night.\u00a0 <\/strong>(Marian Wright Edelman)<\/em><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.\u00a0 <\/strong>(Benjamin Disraeli)<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.<\/strong>\u00a0 (George Seaton)<\/em><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. <\/strong>(Nelson Mandela)<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/em>Wherever you go, go with all your heart.\u00a0 <\/strong>(<\/em><\/span>Confucius)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

In terms of focusing my productive powers, I find it helps to use inspirational quotations from people that I know have gone through hard times.\u00a0 That’s why I like the quote from Christopher Reeve’s exercise room above.\u00a0 I use it to remind myself that if someone who lost the use of his legs can still get up and stay committed to his goals, then as someone who still has good health, I have no excuses left.<\/p>\n

So get committed.\u00a0 Post some inspirational quotes up on your wall to inspire you.\u00a0 It’s a sticky secret that will help you succeed.<\/p>\n

Adam Appleson is a guest blogger for PickTheBrain. He i<\/em>s t<\/em>he founder of a self help website for survivors of dysfunctional and abusive families<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Because of his commitment to serving others, he gives away free personal growth advice and tools via his website. Visitors can also subscribe to a free monthly email newsletter<\/a> that provides acces<\/em>s t<\/em>o free tips and resource<\/em>s t<\/em>o help them find the health and happines<\/em>s t<\/em>hey deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t Forget To Follow PickTheBrain on Twitter! <\/a><\/p>\n

Related Articles:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Reclaim Your Dream, It’s Time to Come Alive <\/a><\/p>\n

Why You Should Read Personal Development Books <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have you ever had one of those days where it feels tough just to get out of bed? Now if you’re reading Pick the Brain, it’s a safe bet you already have goals in place, and you’re probably fairly motivated. But still, you are draaaaaaaagging.
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