Many of the actions we take in life require a spark—a force that ignites our drive and propels us forward. This spark, otherwise known as motivation, is essential for overcoming the obstacles that inevitably come our way. Acquiring and maintaining this motivation isn't something that happens by chance; it's an intentional practice in my life.

From a young age, I was exposed to personal development and motivational materials. I've been fortunate to have access to the wisdom of legends like Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Denis Waitley, John Maxwell, Tony Robbins, and many more over the last 40+ years. Their teachings have shaped my mindset and continue to fuel my motivation.

When I find myself lacking that spark, I've developed a habit of examining what I'm feeding my mind. This self-assessment often reveals that the books I'm reading, the media I'm consuming, or the voices I'm listening to lack the motivational impact of those great thinkers. When this realization hits, I make it a point to reintroduce their powerful messages into my life.

This spark isn't just a fleeting moment of inspiration; it's a fire in my spirit. And for me, it's vital. Not everyone feels the need for this fire as intensely as I do, but for those who do, it's crucial to understand that you can't rely on anyone else to keep it burning. The responsibility for maintaining this fire—this motivation—rests squarely on your own shoulders. You must be self-motivated.

Defining Self-Motivation

Self-motivation is more than just the act of motivating yourself. It's about creating a system where you can tap into your motivation without depending on others. Here's my simple yet powerful system for self-motivation:

1. Determine What Motivates You.

   Understanding what truly drives you is the first step.

2. Become Self-Reliant for That Motivation.

   Design a system that allows you to access this motivation independently.

   While this system may seem simple, don't let its simplicity fool you. If you know, beyond any doubt, what motivates you, and you can consistently tap into that motivation on your own, you've unlocked a powerful force.

The Importance of Being Self-Motivated 

Motivation is what lights the fire of effective action.  

It's especially crucial at the start of any journey toward success. While it's essential for teams and organizations to foster a motivating atmosphere, you can't rely on external sources for your motivation. You must cultivate it within yourself.

My 3-Step Self-Motivation System

Daily consistent, persistent pursuit of self-motivation is what is required.

1. Establish goals in every important area in your life. DTW:

   • Detailed - Be very specific about what your goal is.

   • Time Frame - Establish a deadline for each goal.

   • Written - Commit your goals to paper; they aren't real until they're written down.

   2. Create Morning Habits That Fuel Your Motivation:

• Write Down Your Goals: Keep them at the forefront of your mind.

• Read or Listen to Motivational Content: Start your day with inspiring books, articles, or recordings that energize you.

3. Manage Your Reactions:

Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.

Challenges and disappointments are inevitable, but how you respond is key to maintaining your motivation. When faced with adversity, allow yourself to feel the emotion, but don't dwell on it. Here's my process:

When these moments occur, set a timer on your phone for no more than 5 minutes and then feel it.  But, when the timer goes off, you are done with the overwhelming emotion. You more than likely are not done dealing with the situation, but the emotion that damages our mindset is over.

Conclusion

Staying motivated is essential, and it requires:

Clearly Defined Goals: Know what you're working toward.

Consistent Habits: Keep your goals front and center, and feed your mind with positivity.

Inner Strength: Develop resilience to overcome negativity and stay focused on your objectives.

Motivation is too vital to leave in the hands of others. Cultivate it within yourself, and you'll be equipped to tackle whatever life throws your way.

Expect to Win!

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