Why Motivation is Like Caffeine

Have you ever attended a seminar, or read a motivational book where you loaded up on all kinds of new and exciting ways for improving your life, only to find yourself back in the trenches by months end? If you have ever used coffee, chocolate, or energy drinks for a boost or a means to get things done, you can relate to why motivation is like caffeine. And, just like caffeine, when you come down of it’s effects – things can get ugly. In order to avoid the emotional rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, remember these tips:

#1  Moderation is the key to success. Staying motivated is tough to do for extended periods and it’s a sure fire way to burnout before the work is done.

#2  Prioritize. Pick and choose wisely how much energy to put into something before you begin.  Putting things off until they have reached last minuet status will only cause stress. Motivation is not possible when you really don’t have the time to care about how well something gets done.

#3  Keep it positive. Remember that motivation is supposed to be a positive emotion, not a negative one. You can either be motivated to turn out an excellent piece of work, or you can be motivated by panic to get it finished or get fired.

The choices are yours. By moving toward the positive side of motivation, things get done in a rewarding manner. So, the next time you get all loaded up on motivation remember to save some for later. And keep in mind, some things are not worthy of your time and energy.

Motivation Boosters

1. Keep a file of things that make you feel good like a photo, a thank you note to you for something you did, or quotes and tips from your favorite self-help books. Occassionally update that file to keep it’s impact fresh.
2. Burn a collection of your favorite feel good songs. Remember to only play the CD when you need motivation. Otherwise, the music will lose its magic.
3. Buy the book “Unstoppable” by Cynthia Kersey – Sourcebooks Inc. Read any single story from a chapter that best suits your current lack of motivation.
4. Call your own voice mail and in your most motivated voice, tell yourself about what you are about to do – or are doing and why you are so excited about it. Remember to say “love ya, bye” at the end of the message.
5. Choose a reward for yourself that you will get upon completion of a certain task. Then actually do it or buy it or whatever! Remember, some projects are huge or long term. So, break down your project into rewardable sized pieces.
6. Ask friends or family to occasionally ask how a particular task is going. Warn them in advance that they may not sympathize with any excuses you may give and they can even ask if there is anything they can do to help.
7. Keep an aromatherapy pot of peppermint in your workspace and open it occasionally. Try www.aromaSedona.com use the little jar in an office.

Motivation Stabilizers

1. Every time you look in a mirror say with passion, “good job” or “I love you.”
2. Anytime you catch your reflection in something, say “damn I’m good/hot.”
3. Moderate your caffeine intake.
4. Any physical activity you enjoy daily for 30 minuets or more.

Motivation Busters

1. Poor diet
2. Burning the midnight oil
3. Negative self-talk
4. Too many consecutive self-improvement seminars or books