Posted 7 years ago
One of last year’s Users Conference keynote speakers, Jim Cathcart, knows a thing or two about motivation. After writing 17 books and delivering over 3,000 professional speeches around the world, he’s studied motivation in every imaginable context. During that time he’s interviewed thousands of achievers and many non-achievers, while observing the principles of motivation in practice all over the world. Uniquely, Jim steers clear of platitudes and offers up something much more grounded and practical.
by Jim Cathcart
For years people have railed about the superficiality of “motivation.” Even motivational speakers sometimes claim, “I’m not a ‘motivational speaker.’ I am an Activator (or Accelerator, or Igniter, or whatever.) It seems that the expectation is; if something doesn’t last then it cannot be important or useful. Whaaaat?
How about music? A song doesn’t last.
Food? Meals certainly don’t last.
Exercise? Once and done? Nope.
Saying, “I love you”? I’d prefer to hear it often, how about you?
Even sleep doesn’t last.
Now, which of the above items are you prepared to eliminate from your life because they are so temporary in nature?
The achievers I’ve known in every industry are people who have taken charge of their own motivation by finding the sources and reasons that will activate their motives. It may be that you need to change your daily “thought diet”, the information feeds that you tune to on a regular basis. Look for sources that encourage and empower you, not just news reports that scare or enrage you.
Make a habit of feeding your mind the kind of wisdom and information that helps you see the possibilities where others only see limitations. Find the mentors and coaches who help you feel more confident and capable. Spend time with people that you admire and who bring out the best in you. Take charge of your own motivation, don’t default to what others may bring.
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