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Staying Motivated
by Bill Lampton, Ph.D.
Working with a variety of organizations, I hear seminar participants ask,
"How can we sustain motivation after this session? What can we do after
this board retreat-when we return to our demanding daily routines-to handle
sales rejection, managerial conflicts, and increased responsibilities (at the
same pay level), without getting down?"
Whatever our job, we understand the problem. It's not easy to keep our
batteries charged. That's why I want to share with you this exercise I ask
clients to complete, working alone silently.
Rate yourself on your use of these widely accepted methods for sustaining a
high level of motivation
With 10 being the highest score and 1 the lowest, put the appropriate number
for your customary thoughts and behavior:
________I reserve time for silence, meditation, quiet reflection.
________I listen to motivational tapes as I travel.
________I associate with highly positive people whose upbeat attitudes are
contagious.
________I attend one or more conventions/conferences/seminars annually.
________I memorize inspirational sayings and repeat them daily.
________I keep a journal, filled with uplifting thoughts from others, and
possibly even my own reflections.
________I realize the connection between physical fitness and attitude, so I
practice good health habits.
________I retreat to serene and beautiful places, away from the frantic
demands of professional life.
________I draw strength from my family.
________I take time off every week, even during the most frantic periods.
________I schedule an annual vacation, and occasional long weekends for
R&R.
________I recognize that I am responsible for my moods. Circumstances aren't,
other people aren't, bad luck isn't-I assume full responsibility for my moods.
________I maintain a sensible attitude about rejection, and avoid paranoid
feelings.
________I'm not overwhelmed and depressed by my duties, because I am well
organized.
________I go to my friends and peers for advice and encouragement when life's
pressures start causing stress and worry.
________I don't get bogged down in gossip, criticism, and other forms of
negative thinking and talking.
________I have selected one or two highly respected mentors to serve as role
models for my career, and I learn from them frequently.
________I avoid boredom by trying new strategies, at least twice a month.
TOTAL SCORE:___________ (All 10s would give you 180 points, all 7s
would give you 126 points. Where does your score fall?)
Now, please note what your score indicates. Are you using enough of these
spirit-boosters? Which ones can you add to your current list of healthy habits?
Also, what spirit-boosters are you using that don't appear on the above list?
I encourage you to remain on the lookout constantly for thoughts and
activities that will elevate your morale. You'll gain personal serenity, improve
family relationships, enrich friendships, and work with greater cooperation and
productivity.
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., author of The
Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life!
works with organizations that want to experience CPR-Cooperation, Productivity,
Renewal of Mission! Call him at 770-534-3425 to schedule him for
your next event. E-mail: drbill@commlampton.com
Web site: www.commlampton.com
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