Success Depends on Motivation

But motivation can feel like a roller coaster…
Up one day, down the next…

On a roller coaster the going down is exhilarating.  Having your motivation drop down is not. Click To Tweet

Motivation is the force that moves your intentions into action.

Motivation is a driving force to take action.  The higher the level of motivation the greater the action.  Knowing how to fire up your motivation is the life blood of your personal success.

Here are 5 Ways to Fire-Up Your Motivation

1.  Remember Your “Why”

Knowing what you desire is a compelling force.  Ask yourself the question, “What do I desire?” and then write down the answer.  Ask again and again.  Soon you will have a list.  Look at this list through the eyes of faith (see it as already done).  Your motivation and resolve will grow each time you do this.

Core Desires

Once or twice a year I enjoy running a “tournament of desires“.  Several decades ago we invited Kevin McCarthy to be our keynote speaker.  His message changed my life. More than 20 years later I still highly recommend his powerful book, The On Purpose Person!  It contains exercises to clarify what you truly desire.

After completing the tournament you will have identified your core desire in 7 areas of your life. Write your core desires in your journal for daily review (to learn how to create a motivation journal get a free journal template here ).

For additional inspiration create a vision board with images of your core desires.

Motivation Booster (Time 5 min or less):  Review your list of core desires.  Engage your senses.  FEEL them as if you already have them.  Look at the corresponding images on your vision board .

2.  Renew Your Mind

To achieve higher levels of motivation and success we need higher order thinking. Your current mind-set got you your current results.  Consider this verse found in scripture:

” Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Rom 12:2

It explains how transformation occurs.  Transformation is the result of a new mind-set. When we stretch our mind with new ideas it is forever transformed.  Emerson said it well,

“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”

Find ways to expand and shift your thinking. Read biographies of people you admire. Watch TED talks or inspirational YouTube videos.  Listen to books in your car while you drive.  Surround yourself with art, music, beauty and writings that inspire you.

Motivation Booster (Time 5 min. or less):  Read from a book of Psalms, poetry, meditations, devotions or inspirational quotes.  There are many great lists of inspirational quotes about motivation. Choose one quote that inspires you . Write it in your journal. Go a step further and brighten someone else’s day by posting online, emailing or texting. We become what we most think about.

3.  Revitalize & Refresh Your Body

The mind and body are connected.  A strong body will go a long way towards having a strong mind.  Spikes and drops in blood sugar play havoc on your body and your emotions.  Think about it.  How motivated do you feel when your blood sugar crashes?

Add things to your daily routine that increase your vitality.  Choose whole foods and whole food based nutritional supplements.  My favorite is to juice fresh fruits and vegetables. I feel the energy surge as I drink my 7 servings of fruits and vegetables.  

A brisk walk in the fresh air will increase your energy. Just changing your environment revitalizes creativity.  

My personal re-fresh favorite is Salsa Dancing!  As a coach, author and speaker much of my work is intensely mental and requires a lot of focus and concentration. I also spend too much time sitting.  When I get out and dance I know I am doing the best thing for my mind and body. And it feels good. I feel as if I have taken a mental and emotional shower!

Brenda at Costume Dance   “Dancing refreshes mind and body!”

Motivation Booster (Time 5 min or less): Oxygenate your body.  If weather permits go outside and move.  Stretch. Breathe in the fresh air.  An alternate choice is to take a 5 minutes yoga stretch break. Practice deep breathing.  You can also give yourself a boost with a brisk walk or a quick “get up and boogie” dance break.

4.  Raise Your Vibration With Essential Oils

The beautiful scent of essential oils can have a rejuvenating effect on the mind and body.  There are many books and articles available about the healing properties of essential oils.The use of essential oils such as frankincense and myrrh in meditation and prayer, healing and even romance can be traced back thousands of years. In the Biblical story of Esther we read of the oils being used for purification.

“…for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with [sweet] spices and perfumes and the beauty preparations for women…” Esther 2:12

Oils were used in the temple and for prayer and anointing because of their ability to raise the vibration and increase spiritual awareness and meditation.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14(NKJV)

Essential oils can be mixed with a carrier oil such as pure almond oil and be used topically for massage or healing. E.g. lavender oil applied to a burn works miracles!, They can also be added to a bath for a sense of deep relaxation. Place a couple drops of an essential oil in hands, cup over nose and breathe in deeply. Peppermint or eucalyptus will clear your breathing and mind!   Add Essential oils into a diffuser to fill an entire room with fresh energy.

Motivation Booster (Time 5 min or less): Give yourself a mood lift!  Put a couple drops of grapefruit and/or orange oil in your hands, cup and breathe deeply. Feel your energy and motivation rise.  Add a couple drops of frankincense for an even deeper spiritual energy.  Use in a diffuser and fill the room you are working in.  Peppermint oil is very refreshing after long periods of concentration.

5.  Surround Yourself with Motivated People

We become like the people associate with.  Success Guru Jim Rohn said it well: 

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn

The book of proverbs extends this to wisdom

“Walk with the wise and become wise..” Prov 13:20

In Napoleon Hill’s classic Think and Grow Rich having a mastermind group plays a key role in your success.  I have found it useful to attend at least one personal development course a quarter.  Not only do I gain valuable insights from the content but the energy in the room is usually highly motivating!

Motivation Booster (5 min or less):  Watch or listen to clips from a favorite seminar leader or speaker.  In your imagination feel yourself in the room.  “Catch” the energy. While you are at it be sure your next motivation event is on your calendar 🙂

One Final Motivation Suggestion:  Join Motivate Me Monday!   Learn more here

Every Monday morning 7:30 am PST (online) add faith-based, high-octane motivation that will keep you fueled all week!  Get off the motivation roller coaster (up one day and down the next).  Stay motivated all week.

Say goodbye to the ups and downs of the motivation roller coaster. Your dreams await.

About Personal & Business Success Coach Brenda Byers
Brenda is the Founder of Prosper in All Things and “Motivate Me Monday”. She has built multi-million dollar companies and sales teams. She has mentored leaders from many walks of life ranging from single moms and budding entrepreneurs to founders of large corporations. Her coaching clients increase their income exponentially while learning to live their bliss and serve their communities.  She believes God is the business partner of choice and shares cutting edge science and spiritual wisdom that will set you free and your business soaring.