Taking Control: The Secret Weapon for Motivation

Every time the New Year rolls around, we hear lots of talk about goals – but those often get tossed to the side by the end of January, sometimes leaving us feeling more demotivated than ever!

In the book “Smarter, Faster, Better”, author Charles Duhigg sheds light on some interesting findings about self motivation. He writes:

“Motivation is more like a skill, akin to reading or writing, that can be learned and honed. Scientists have found that people can get better at self-motivation if they practice the right way. The trick, researchers say, is realizing that a prerequisite to motivation is believing we have authority over our actions and surroundings. To motivate ourselves we must feel like we are in control.”

So, if you are going to commit to making a change – at any time of year – set yourself up for success by having a plan that puts YOU in control of the decisions and choices that will get you where you want to go.

Let me introduce Andy; I met Andy at a presentation in 2017. Andy approached me after the presentation and said, “I wish I knew what I know now about healthy living 30 years ago”.

He told me about how he decided to make some lifestyle changes to feel better physically and emotionally. He committed to cut down his consumption of carbohydrates and sugar. He decreased the amount of dairy and red meat in his diet and increased vegetables and fruit. He hired a personal trainer who switched things up and energized his fitness routine. He realized an increase in resilience, confidence, and most of all, his energy level. His staff also noticed a very positive shift in his attitude.

The day following my presentation, he sent me an email: “Thank you for reinforcing what I work on every day”. He attached a note he had written to himself and taped to his desk at work, that I share with you below. There are a couple expletives that are now whited out… I am sure you guess what they are. Adds a note of drama don’t you think? I have now had this note pasted on the wall of MY office.

Why did Andy succeed? As research indicates, each choice we make, no matter how small, reinforces our perception of being in control. In Andy’s case, he made a plan. He wrote it down. And he worked on it every day.

Did you set some goals for 2018? 

Have you made a plan that puts you in control of making the decisions that will lead you to your goals? How are they shaping up?

Some of the 2018 goals of audience members include:

• Learn a new hobby
• Commit to 30 minutes a day of exercise or activity
• Create a screen-free time of day
• Create a screen-free zone in the house
• Clear out a closet or drawer each week
• Keep an exercise or nutrition journal

Is anything holding you back? Decide what it is that you want or need and write it down… make a plan and work on it!

Let’s kickstart 2018 by putting ourselves in control – make decisions that leave you motivated and ready to take the next step to realizing your personal goals.

Meg Soper is a motivational humorist speaker who can help you learn to shift your perspective and laugh along the way of life as you take on life’s stressors. Get in touch with Meg today!

See Meg’s speaking for yourself! Watch these clips.

More posts? Bring it on!

• In the Comfort Zone? Try Stepping Out!
• Meg’s Vlog: Making a Positive Impact
• Lessons Learned as a Professional Motivational Speaker – Everyone Has a Story