Tuesday 22 January 2013

A Motivational Goal.

This is another article in my series on mental health well being.  If you missed the other postings and would like to read them, they are in the links at the bottom of this posting.

Today's topic is about Motivation.

Motivation, the driving force behind your desire to accomplish a goal in your life.  Motivation is the ability to inspire others and yourself to achieve or maintain a more positive life.

1 :  Take small steps :  Set and achieve mini-goals with the focus on a major goal.  Succeeding at mini-goals, helps reinforce further motivation.

2 :  See things through :  A partially finished project is of no use to anybody.  Quitting can become a habit.  Instil the habit of finishing projects.

3 :  Favourable friends :  The attitude of your friends can influence your attitude.  If they can't be bothered to make an effort, there is a possibility you will be the same way.  Thus, if you want to progress, you have to be surrounded by people who want to progress and encourage your progression.  Favourable friends will motivate you and you will motivate them.

4 :  Learn new skills :  New goals may require the acquisition of new knowledge.  The learning of new skills can enhance your motivation to realise your major goal or goals.

5 :  Fifteen minutes a day :  You don't have to spend hours and hours to accomplish goals.  You may discover that the greatest progress is the sum total of a series of small efforts.  Try and spend about fifteen minutes each day doing something that gets you closer to realising your goal.

6 :  Take a venture :  Yes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Failure can be the motivation behind learning from your mistakes.  Mistakes do not define you.  What you learn from your mistakes, defines you.

7 :  Positive affirmations :  Remind yourself of your goals everyday.  Have a one-sentence affirmation for your goals.  Using such an affirmation can keep you focused on the visualisation of your goal.  It can become a natural way of thinking.

8 :  Break your goals down :  Goals can be given up on because they seem overwhelming.  If your goals seem to be a daunting prospect, it's a good idea to break them down into smaller, realistic, achievable tasks.

9 :  Get it written down :  To see your goals written down and the progress you're making, will help motivate and help your chances of making your goals come to fruition.

10 :  Review your goals :  Ask yourself challenging questions.  If the progress towards your goal is not as you would of hoped for, what's impeding your progress?  It may well be that your priorities have altered and a particular goal may no longer seem applicable.  You might consider a rethink and concentrate your energy of a goal more conducive to how you are now.

11 :  Treat yourself :  Each occasion you achieve a goal,  give yourself a reward.  Knowing that you are going to have a treat at the end of your goal, is quite the motivation.

12 :   Savour the moment and  enjoy your success :  Validate the fact that you have achieved your goal. Take time out to really enjoy and reflect upon your accomplishment.  This will help invigorate you and renew your energetic enthusiasm to move on with other goals.  Positive momentum, indeed!

Through faith, hope, willingness, support and friendship, we are motivated.  To be motivated you must have a genuine desire.  Motivation is about focused dedication to gain a positive outcome.  Motivation continues through inspiration from others and inspiration from within.  We can all motivate each other to realise our goals.

And the photo at the top.  I look out my bedroom window and I have the motivation to get out there and be a part of it all.

Here are the links to the other postings in this series.

We Are All In This Together.

Recognising Our Validity.

Improving Your Self-Esteem.

72 comments:

  1. I remember reading in "Empire Falls" by Richard Russo about how the old lady who basically ran this little town in Maine would break every big task into smaller manageable ones. Which as you note is an important step. So many things at work seem way too long and boring but if you just focus on moving ahead a little at a time eventually it gets done.

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    1. Hi PT,

      That's a great example you mention. Your approach to breaking down goals into workable segments should bode you well at work and all your ongoing writing endeavours.

      Thank you, PT.

      Gary

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  2. Hi Gary, this is a great series!  
    Setting small goals actually works well, at one point in my life, I was having a big issue with procrastination, small goals and steps helped me get closer to my bigger goals and aspirations without feeling overwhelmed. 

    Thanks for the motivation! 

    Madison:-) 

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    1. Hi Madison,

      I appreciate that. We realise we have to be realistic with our goals and not take on too much, too soon. This can actually lead to procrastination. And thus, my good friend, you are well on the right track by maintaining that positive motivational momentum. I'm really encouraged and heartened for you.

      Thank you, Madison.

      Gary :)

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  3. Excellent list! Especially surrounding yourself with positive people. The negative ones will only drag you down.

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    1. Hi Alex,

      Thank you, kind sir. We certainly need to distance ourselves from those who would try to sabotage our positive ideals. Surrounding ourselves with positive, encouraging people, as you well know, works marvels.

      Thank you, Alex,

      Gary

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  4. Years ago, there was a character on a TV show, a soldier who sent an entire jeep home... one piece at a time. Just about anything is manageable if we break it into small enough pieces. The task, or goal, may seem insurmountable when looked at as a whole. So, don't. Rather than give up on it, as you say, just one little step at a time will get 'er done.

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    1. Hi Susan,

      Your example is an excellent choice of what is impossible when we have the determination to see it through, one small bit at a time.

      Sort of reminds of me when some dudes in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, bought "London Bridge", brick by brick. Only to discover that London Bridge wasn't "Tower Bridge" :)

      Thank you, Susan,

      Gary

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  5. Like the poster says, "keep calm and carry on"...my new mantra. Just keep plugging away. Seriously, it never hurts to be reminded occasionally of the basic steps to success.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Indeed, keep calm and carry on, regardless. A mantra, your positive affirmation, can reinforce those motivational, positive goals you so embrace.

      Thank you, Delores,

      Gary

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  6. I'm going to print these off and stick them on the wall next to me. I need to read them often. I particularly like #3. Can't tell you how many years I wasted hanging out with negative people. A huge bummer.

    Thanks, Gary, my man. You are a blessing.

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      I'm delighted you would stick this list on your wall next to you. And oh yes, those negative people who do their utmost to keep you in their negative world. They try to remove your enthusiasm for what you wish to accomplish. I know I got tired of the positive energy saboteurs.

      Thank you, Joylene. Positive momentum, your way.

      Gary

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  7. Hello Gary:
    How wonderfully clearly and succinctly you express this most important aspect of mental well being. We can certainly vouch for only surrounding oneself with people with a positive approach to life. The glass half empty [or less] people really do wear one down!

    A wonderful snowy picture.....get out there, play and enjoy!!!

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    1. Hi Jane and Lance,

      Thank you both. And I knew from your positive, thoughtful, articulate postings, that you embrace such ideals. Those who would try to bring us down, need to have a good look at themselves.

      Thank you for liking the snowy picture. Penny the 'snow plough', cleared a pathway for me so I could go play!

      Thank you, Jane and Lance.

      Gary

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  8. Hi Gary .. well glad the snow isn't bringing you down .. and all the points you make are so true ... and particularly as many have noted the fact that we need to surround ourselves with positive people ... or at least people who are supportive.

    If we only worry about how we react to others and don't get bogged down with others' thought processes we can at least with positiveness and hope ahead ...

    Excellent list and if we do just small things - they all help along the way ...

    Love the photo out of the window - very clever ... look after yourselves in the snowy midlands ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      No, the snow isn't getting to me. Well, maybe just a bit when I think back on Wednesday's drive to the hospital for an outpatient appointment.

      The key really is having a positive attitude and immersing ourselves with like-minded people, who do not put you down, but encourage you. And if we try to live up to perceived expectations of others about us, we can find that we are putting too much pressure on ourselves.

      Step by step and keeping it realistic.

      Glad you liked the photo out of my window. An incentive to get out there or, what the heck, have another mug of hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows! :)

      Thank you, Hilary.

      Gary

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  9. All true words and a Christmas card picture showing the untold stories of many.

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    1. Hi Ray,

      Indeed and a snowy reflection of life's stories, past, present and future.

      Thank you, Ray.

      Gary

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  10. I like this approach Gary - make this a list like this. I especially love #7 - positive affirmations.

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    1. Hi Keith,

      Although I do a lot of more philosophical type postings, I think putting it in a list gives many points to ponder.

      Number 7, a mantra for motivation, my friend.

      Thank you, Keith.

      Gary

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  11. Hi Gary,
    I find it hard sometimes to even set myself a goal, I can't think of what I want to achieve and that isn't to say that I have everything, god alone knows!
    The weather for me is a bit of a downer, can't do much about it, I am amazed at how beautiful everything looks in the snow, I just wish it could disappear though and things start growing again, just a sign of Spring, is that too much to ask?!
    With work being non-existent, it is hard to be positive, no work for me means no money, but bills are still arriving! I look forward to the green shoots of spring and long to feel the warmth on my back!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Hi John,

      I do understand this. And I could find plenty of reasons not to bother with any goals. I have nobody to kick me up the butt, so to speak, to encourage me, in my three dimensional personal life in England. Yet, the lack of personal interaction is actually my driving force to stay determined that I try to maintain my goals, one small step at a time. In actuality, I did know people here who only undermined me with their negativity. I moved on from that.

      Despite you considering the weather a downer, you still see the beauty of snow-covered land. You know, with the advent of spring, the dawning of rebirth, you will be revitalised.

      I have no work because I'm ill, John. I live on little money and support a 24 year old son who cannot find steady work, despite his civil engineering qualifications. Yet, adversity motivates me to stay determined, for my son and thus, for me.

      Soon be spring, my friend. Believe in yourself and remember you have loved ones who care for you, very much.

      Thank you, John.

      Gary

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  12. I like this list. Breaking things down into a series of smaller units seems to be one of my difficulties. Right now I've got two modes, full speed ahead, and out of steam. And I agree that surrounding yourself with people who are positive and supportive is so important.

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    1. Hi Elise,

      Thank you. Yet I know, despite it all, you are thinking that to break things down into workable segments may well be conducive to your over well being. Full speed ahead seems to drain you. Hopefully, you will take some time to recharge your energy and find a happy medium, a mode somewhere in between your two modes.

      Positivity breeds positivity. And how we all need that.

      Thank you, Elise.

      Gary

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  13. The power of affirmations is endless, I take great interest in them, especially the ones that regard my ability to socialize...And I do believe in small steps, however tedious that might sound.

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    1. Hi Petronela,

      The power of positive affirmations. Everyday and in every way, you are getting better and better. Social situations can be daunting. I sure know that. Then I discovered a lot of folks struggle with social situations and I do my best to put others at ease and thus, myself, to some degree.

      Small steps towards that dream :)

      Thank you, Petronela,

      Gary

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  14. One of my goals is to get the Trix Rabbit a bowl of cereal.

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    1. Hi Powdered Toast type Dude,

      One of my goals is to send you a bowl of Lucky Charms. They're magically delicious....

      Gary

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  15. Yes! Now you are speaking my language. Small goals, medium goals, big goals - and write them down.

    That list is perfect.

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    1. Hi L. Diane Wolfe,

      Very kind of you. You have summed it up, perfectly. My appreciation to you.

      Thank you, L. Diane Wolfe.

      Gary

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  16. Yeah those negative people can really drain you and make you want to slap them upside the head haha, great list, working on many of them now for myself.

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    1. Hi Pat Hatt,

      Those negative people would probably enjoy a head slap. I've no doubt you work on the list cause you get the gist....

      Thank you, Pat Hat.

      Gary

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  17. Excellent post, Gary. Gonna bookmark it and git 'er done!


    Tina @ Life is Good
    http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

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    1. Hi Tina,

      Thank you and I'm most flattered by that. And remember, you have my ongoing positive support.

      Thank you, Tina.

      Gary

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  18. Beautiful photograph. You captured the essence of your neighbourhood.

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    1. Hi Joylene,

      I'm glad you like the photograph. I hope that the essence of my neighbourhood depicted the motivational ambience it tried to convey.

      Cheers, Joylene.

      Gary

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  19. When I first read the beginning ofthe post I rolled my eyes and said " oh brother"
    To myself......

    But on reflection it makes a lot of sense

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    1. Hi John Gray,

      Oh yeah, oh brother and a whole bunch of meaningless jargon could well have been thought.

      Yet, good man that you are, saw that the intentions of this are from a totally sincere and caring aspect.

      Thank you, John Gray.

      Gary

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  20. Great post, Gary - excellent advice here :-) x

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      I'm heartened by that. I'm glad you can see the benefit of it all.

      Thank you, Teresa.

      Gary :) x

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  21. I'm totally loving the fifteen minutes rule. All of this if applied is monumental. I love a serious good hearted blog from you....that was so so good and useful...

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    1. Hi Tammy,

      Yes, the fifteen minute idea can be of much benefit. Incorporating these ideals and adding our own angles, helps in our motivational, positive momentum.

      There you go. See, I've been known to do a serious posting! :)

      Thank you, Tammy.

      Gary

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  22. Hi Gary. The great thing about that list is that it's very versatile and can be applied to many other situations in life.
    Goal-setting is an extremely useful tool in all kinds of achievement desires.
    I wish West Ham United would do bit more goal-setting!
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,

      Indeed, the whole idea of this list is how it can be incorporated into various aspects of our life.

      Goal-setting and our approach to the goal, are vital. Something West Ham didn't do against Arsenal. Hope that young player, Daniel Potts, is okay.

      Thank you, bazza.

      Gary

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  23. Love how this beautiful pic encapsulates all these motivational steps!

    Art and life - they're so inseparable! Take care
    x

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    1. Hi Old Kitty,

      Thanks and I'm delighted you could note how the photo tried to encapsulate the motivational goals of this posting.

      Life is art and art is life.

      Thank you, Old Kitty.

      Gary
      x

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  24. Great advice on motivation! I tend to beat myself up when I don't achieve my goals, and I know it's the wrong way to go. It certainly doesn't help me progress. Breaking things up into smaller parts or setting mini goals is one of the best options I've found to get things done.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    Replies
    1. Hi Shannon,

      Thank you for that. And we both know that beating ourselves up over not achieving goals, can make the goal seem even more insurmountable. Your understanding that it's detrimental to your progress, bodes well for you. Breaking things down to doable portions certainly makes our goals more readily attainable.

      Thank you, Shannon.

      Gary

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  25. This was fabulous!
    From #3 "and encourage your progression. " that is key...there are so many that CLAIM to want to see you succeed but behind your back they secretly are hoping you will fail ("you" in the general sense, but I experience this often)
    4 : Learn new skills :sooo important! I had to do this when I lost my last job due to downsizing. Hence...blogging!

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    1. Hi Caren,

      You are most kind. Sadly, you are correct about those who, to your face, claim they wish you the best. However, as you note, what they really want you to do is fail. If they are failing in their lives, they wouldn't want you to have success. We don't need superficial people in our lives.

      Oh yes and learning new skills, or discovering new talents, due to an economic situation, shows that what can be seen as a negative can produce a positive. May your motivational blogging continue!

      Thank you, Caren.

      Gary

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  26. Good tips here. I think I need to apply some of them now in my own life.

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    1. Hi Lost in Space,

      I'm heartened you considered these good tips. And reading your thoughtful postings, through the reflection of your art, you are applying the motivation in your life that you truly desire.

      Thank you, Lost in Space.

      Gary

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  27. Following through: that one is so important. Partially completed projects hang around and remind one of "just another proof of my failure as a human". Good post, Gary.

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    1. Hi Susan Kane,

      Seeing things through is so important. Partially completed projects can sure me a reminder of our failings. So, with all my various failings, I'm working on clearing up one doable goal. Yes indeed, clear up the paperwork I was going to finish up last week and then thought no, go do the dishes and then I thought...

      Thank you, Susan.

      Gary

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  28. I am SO glad I don't have any goals. I noticed today that my pants hurt. I've gained weight, but if I keep complaining, I'll have to DO something about it. It took me THREE ENTIRE DAYS to fill an empty ink cartridge in my printer. I don't procrastinate as much as just put things off. lol

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    1. Hi lotta joy,

      For somebody who doesn't have any goals, you have a goal in mind. And I visualise you either enduring the discomfort of your pants that don't fit as well, or go and do some exercise. And no, I'm not even suggesting you might consider getting different sized pants! I was going to tell you about my thoughts on procrastination. Maybe tomorrow, or the next day or the next day or...

      Thank you, lotta joy.

      Gary

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  29. I really like this list. I especially like the 15 minutes a day part. I love that! It's easy to find 15 minutes to work toward something that matters. When you put it that way it makes it sound so much more doable. As always, great post.

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    1. Hi Danielle,

      I'm really pleased you liked this list. The fifteen minutes idea does make our goals seem more doable, without adding that extra pressure. I appreciate your kind words.

      Thank you, Danielle.

      Gary

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  30. Hey Gary, I agree with you on trying to achieve small goals or short term goals- that you can stretch out to meet that ultimate "end goal." I read that from a psychiatrist, too, when he was discussing the fallibility of people who like to make these outrageous and hard to reach goals that they put a time limit on. the result? they usually end up feeling like failures. Like if they find they can't quit smoking or something. The psychiatrist said people should try taking baby steps to reach their goal. For instance, if they can stop engaging in a bad habit for a week, then try to stop doing it for two weeks. And so on.

    Like you said, quitting your quest to meet the goal, isn't an option. If you screwed up, just pick yourself up and go forward again. Pretty simple. Half of it is the real willingness to try.

    I personally have never had too many friends who supported me in my goals. I've had friends listen to what I want to try to get accomplished. That is something. a couple family members have been supportive, though. Oddly enough, I've encountered more friends on the net, like you,who have been more supportive. It does help to have that kind of back-up, for sure.

    I do believe that patting yourself on the back and recognizing what you've accomplished is important. I think it's important to realize your flaws, work on them. And also realize the great things you are capable of and use that positive side of you to springboard into the endeavor of making yourself a better you. Goals are more easily achievable if you have that mindset. I know from experience.

    Take care, my friend. Great post and thought provoking.

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    1. Hi Kelly,

      That's it. Folks can set themselves unrealistic goals that set them up for a fall. A bit of self-fulfilling prophecy. So yes, the "baby steps" you mention are of paramount importance in trying to achieve the ultimate goal.

      Reassess the goal you are trying to achieve, if things aren't working. Reassess what is and isn't working. And even contemplate the possibility that a certain goal is no longer important in your life.

      Like you, I've had little support in my immediate world for what I want to achieve. Too many nay sayers for my liking. However, in a weird way, those who dismissed me, have motivated me to keep trying, despite them. I have distanced myself from the negative people who seem to enjoy being negative. And just like you, I've had more encouragement, support and interaction from decent folks like you than I have in the world just outside my front door. Luckily, I'm blessed with some dear friends who sadly, live so far away. The blogging community has been a profound sanctuary.

      Yes sir, give yourself a big pat on the back for your accomplishments and how well you are doing, despite the trials and tribulations you have encountered. I know you focus on positive, motivational momentum. And your gift is you share it with us.

      Thank you, Kelly.

      Gary

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  31. Hi Gary,

    So good to be reading your latest post! Now to propel myself forward with your words of wisdom. The question is...where to propel to?

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    1. Hi Rebecca,

      Lovely to see your good self here. I know you have dreams within your new adventure. Your new adventure is giving you the momentum to continue on with your goals in small workable segments. Your motivation will make it so, dear friend.

      Thank you, Rebecca.

      Gary

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  32. And mighty fine goals they are too, good sir.

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    1. Hi Wendy,

      Why thanks and remember about that motivation that keeps your dream alive, dear lady.

      Thank you, Wendy.

      Gary

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  33. Hey Klahanie,
    I like the photo. Is that your house. Oh, yes, I can see you looking out of your bedroom window. Hey, I'm giving you a wave.

    I like your list and each one adds to accomplishing the "whole."
    The one about friends or people you surround yourself with, can work 2 ways for me. It's nice to have friends that give one positive energy and provide a comfort zone while one struggles on the personal journey. BUT I am also energized when friends or surrounding people say I can't do it. Then something sparks inside of me and I say to myself, "Yes, damn sam, I can do it. I can do it in spite of what you or anyone else thinks." And you know, then I usually can "do it." Maybe it's because I grew up without anyone believing in me and that really made me stronger. Just an old surviving broad, I am.
    You take care of yourself and Penny too.

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    1. Hi Manzanita,

      Thank you for liking the photo. And yes, that's the view from my bedroom window. Is that you out on the street throwing snow balls :)

      The one about friends and I actually alluded to what you note in an earlier reply comment, I can totally relate to. Ironically, 'friends' who said I couldn't do it, motivated me even more. Still, I do prefer to be surrounded by positive influences who I can also give positivity back to.

      And your belief in yourself have been a motivational driving energy in your life. I'm proud to know you.

      Penny is taking care of me this weekend :)

      Thank you, Manzanita.

      Gary

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  34. I enjoyed reading your post about motivation. It's good to get it all in small but realistic chunks rather than always stressing out whilst reaching for the unobtainable. One bite at a time I say. Great post. I need to return to read more from you.

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    1. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk,

      I thank you for reading my post and delighted to meet you. Yes, small steps, in doable, realistic portions. If we overwhelm ourselves with goals and put on too much pressure, we can end up giving up. Thank you for your kind words and I'm going to visit your site.

      In kindness,

      Gary

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  35. Had to copy, Gary!! Time to go back and read the other two posts. Today we're getting ice so I'm indoors, bundled up. Thanks!!

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    1. Hi Dixie,

      Very kind of you to make a copy, Dixie. I hope you stay real nice and cosy and have a most peaceful weekend.

      Thank you, Dixie.

      Gary :)

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  36. Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,

      Very kind of you. Me thinks it's Hammer Time :)

      Thanks for commenting on this archived posting, Michelle.

      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.