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March 22, 2011 By Andy Traub

Motivation usually doesn't come from within

It would be wonderful if I woke up every day and was motivated from within.  I would go to work or love my kids and wife because there’s something totally pure inside of me.  The truth is there is very little that is pure inside any of us and that means we get discouraged easily and often.   Most days I love what I do and then there are days like today when I’d rather just sleep through till tomorrow.  There’s no point to throw a pity party though.  People will show up to that party but they won’t be any fun and they won’t help you feel better.  So I thought I’d offer myself some advice and you can read it too.

1. Write down your last 10 conversations; Who were they with?  Do those people motivate you?  Are they happy people?  Do they create things that matter and treat people well?  We are products of our environment in our day to work and whether it’s your boss or your customers the conversations you have shape your day more than you know.  SOLUTION: Talk less to downers and more to people that are doing the things you want to do.  Run with the right pack.

2. Stop listening to your own voice; I do believe you can kill the resistance, the lizard, the voice in your head that tells you that you’re not that special and there’s always someone better than you and your voice doesn’t matter.  That voice does not die quickly though.  You’ve got to Chinese Water Torture it to death.  Bit by bit you have do things that chip away at the voice in your head that essentially has one purpose, beat you down.  I’m all for humility but God gave us all gifts and we’re all capable of sharing them with the world. When you don’t share them it’s either your laziness or listening to the liar in your head. SOLUTION: Put stuff in your head everyday that tells you the truth.  You are capable of great things.  The resistance just told you that’s not true.  It’s a liar.  Do something great.

Most lists have a minimum of three points.  Not mine.  Just do those two things.  That’s enough to keep us both busy for awhile.  I hope that helps.  Let me know what you’re going to do with this advice.  If you’re not going to do anything with it then that’s too bad.  The world needs your help.

Filed Under: Permission, Personal, Uncategorized Tagged With: discouragement, linchpin podcast, motivation, resistance, seth godin, seth godin podcast, steven pressfield, the war of art

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