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If success were easy, everyone would be successful in their chosen field. Sadly, most people avoid much of the "hard" work needed to reach their vision. Why is work seen as “hard”? It’s usually because we intimidate ourselves. We imagine the entire project and how daunting it is. Or we try to take steps that are too big, and therefore, stretch ourselves too much, causing ourselves too much stress. We don't realize that we are the ones stopping ourselves. To accomplish worthwhile tasks with enough time (rather than doing things last minute), it’s a good strategy to schedule multiple appointments with yourself to work on that project and make gradual progress. This is how we build self-trust over time. However, what if the appointment passes, and you didn't work on that project as planned? If a goal is challenging (and the most worthwhile goals are!), you will need motivational methods that are effective for you personally. You’ll need to continually practice the methods that help you focus and make progress, no matter how "hard" the task feels. Below, I describe the methods that have worked best for me and my clients. As you read this, I invite you to score each method on a scale of 0 to 10. Zero means “I’ve tried many times and this won’t work for me” and 10 means “This is a game-changer for me!” If you'd like, comment at the bottom of the post with your score for each of these. Here are the 5 methods: When working, are you aware of your facial expression, your body posture, your breathing? The more challenging the project, the more tense your face and body might get. This doesn't help you to do better work. Yet it increases stress. Years ago I started practicing what I call "calm joyful focus", which is to practice noticing, throughout the day, my body expression as I work, especially my face. I share this “secret” with many creators -- I don’t feel inspired until I’ve already started creating... as short as 5 minutes, upwards of 45 minutes. I often feel uninspired. But I am willing to try. It’s how I start my work most of the time. This very piece you’re reading started with an uninspired mood. Working conditions don’t seem ideal to me, most of the time: |
George Kao is a Marketing Coach for small business owners, especially solopreneurs such as Coaches and Mentors. He focuses on ethical & effective ways to grow one's platform and build true livelihood.
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