Motivate Yourself

"Unless you choose to take action on what you want, nothing is ever going to come out of it.” – Esther & Jerry Hicks




Last week I had a nice reunion lunch with some of my former laid off co-workers.  It was good to see how everyone was doing and good to chat on updates.  I thoroughly enjoyed visiting and staying in touch with friends, which is a great way to network.
One comment I hear a lot from others at lunch (and anyone else that’s unemployed), is that after a while they start to become bored at home.  The chores are done and all caught up.  Then what? 
For myself, I haven’t yet felt bored.  I’ve been keeping busy by my volunteer activities at the hospital, and I also have a couple of projects that I’m working on, one of which is this blog.  I never thought I would be blogging, but I thought, why not?  Creating my own personal website was fun, and I’m learning something new that I never tried before.
I’m a self-motivator. I would have suggested to my friends who are bored, that they take up a hobby or a new project, but that would have been too easy.  Sometimes I get the feeling that taking responsibility to create your own passion is suppose to be someone else’s duty.  It is so much easier to lament about what’s wrong with the economy, what’s wrong with our job market, or what’s wrong with our government.

If you are bored, it’s your inner voice telling you it wants some action.  Listen to your inner voice and step out of your comfort zone and try something new.  Maybe you want to try a new recipe, or sign up for a different exercise class at the gym.   Define what it is you want (that’s within your reasonable capability), then go for it.  Mistakes?  If you make one, then it’s a lesson learned for next time.
You don’t have to be bored, that’s a choice you make.  Be in charge of your life and follow your inner guidance.  Do something that allows you to grow personally, positively, and productively.  You’ll come away with a happier outlook with your life and your soul will thank you for it.

Quitting Is Not An Option

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take 

your eyes off your goals.” – Sydney Smith 

Staying inspired and motivated these days takes a lot of effort. The news worldwide and at home have not been pleasant. There is so much pain, sadness, anger, grief, frustration, violence, and the criticizing commentary that someone’s to blame for all of this. Do you ever wonder why you feel hopeless and depressed?

Luckily, you and I can remain inspired and motivated. How? By turning off the news. Read a few headlines just to stay informed, but don’t let the news infuriate and upset you to the point where you have to spread your anger to others. Don’t let this information ruin the rest of your day! Release this negative energy by focusing on something else that’s positive and uplifting. Do whatever it takes to help you feel calmed and relaxed again.

I want to give credit to those people who are still surviving in this down economy. I feel inspired and motivated by what I notice from them. What I observe is courage, strength, faith and hope. I am inspired to apply all my courage, strength, faith and hope because quitting is not an option. I won't give in to the despair and hopelessness, because I know I am strong and won't give up.

To all of us survivors, I acknowledge your spirit to continue. We count on our blessings and move forward towards our goals. I heard a phrase on a news piece last year: “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” And we are tough!