Subject: Staying motivated…

“People say that motivation doesn’t last.  Well neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily!”

- Zig Ziglar

Motivation is powerful and but as the quote says - it doesn’t last.

When motivation lags you need good old fashioned, butt kicking self-discipline to keep you track.

(If your self-discipline is lagging I’ve got a few tips later that will help).

Self-discipline is about knowing what you have to do and doing it even when you don’t want to.

Like going to the gym when you’re tired or running in the rain.

It’s about gritting you teeth and getting on with it – even if you don’t want to.

If that sounds like hard work then let me throw another quote at you…

 “Do something today that you’re future self will thank you for”

I don’t know who said that but it motivates me.

And it helps me be more disciplined.

What we do or don’t do today won’t change the here and now much but it will change what happens to us tomorrow, the day after and the day after.

It’s about doing things consistently, even when you don’t want to.

Like saving money today for the house you’ll buy tomorrow.

It’s like the entrepreneur who works 18 hour days for the business that will make him a millionaire in the future.

It’s like the medical student studying until 4am in the morning because when they pass the exams to achieve their dream and become a doctor.

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

If that resonates with you and if you’re serious about cracking on and making REAL changes in your life then I strongly recommend you DO these three things.

The first is to set a goal.

You need to know where you’re going and you need to be able to measure how close you are to your goal.

Take measurements, keep score and review these weekly.

Second, find an accountability partner someone you can rely on and share the journey with.

The positive pressure of having someone there is immense but it can drastically increase your chance of success.

What you don’t need is a ‘yes man’. 

What you do need is someone who’s going to make sure you’re doing the work, supporting you when you need support and shouting at you when you need to be shouted at.

Last but not least - be accountable to a group.

Just look at the success and popularity of boot camps.  

They’re not just an exercise class; they’re an exercise group where camaraderie and working towards a common goal are a major part. 

In the group you bust a gut so you’re not the weakest link and you push yourself to make sure to keep pace with everyone else (and to keep the instructor happy).  

Strange as it may seem - we’re social beings and working in a group triggers our basic instinct to fit in.

Let me summarize:

Write down your goals

Be accountable to yourself.  

Find an accountability partner.  

Join a group.

It’s all simple stuff (like the best advice always is).

See you soon!

[name]

P.S.  [product plug]
