The Reason Nothing Happens - Is Because Nothing Is Happening!
I hear many clients declare how boring and stagnant their lives have become. As they disclose their concerns, the answer usually bubbles near the surface, but never quite makes it to the top. However, after a few minutes, I usually ask, "What are you doing to re-energize your life?" The most common answer is, "I dunno what to do!" Ah, the answer to the problem in itself! Life becomes stagnant for varying reasons; however, the most causes include 1) forgetting how to re-motivate oneself and 2) waiting for the next "thing." In both cases, it's a matter of fast-idling in a comfort zone in hopes that something better will come along. However, while you wait and hope for the best, opportunities are passing by because you are not open to having them in your life. --- Re-Motivation --- Motivation is tough. It requires an objective, a plan, and a reason. If any of these items are missing, then the reason for the pursuit of a dream disappears. We sometimes become so stuck on a way of life, or a direction, that when we encounter a loss of any type, the resulting change causes us to stall. Life, as we once knew it, is over. This, because we've been so focused on a given path that any sudden changes knocks us off balance. But, the end of one way of life is indeed the beginning of a new life altogether! In such cases, we have forgotten how to motivate ourselves and decide that it's easier to idle with imitation projects in a comfort zone to fill our voids as opposed to breaking out and chasing a dream. We work hard to stay where we are by devising busy-work to occupy our minds that then become excuses for us to remain stationary. However, re-motivation is a necessary part of life management as it allows us to adapt to changes (i.e., success, loss, and trauma at the end of a cycle or period of extremes) that can affect our lives. --- Just Waiting Around --- "Waiting around" is a situation that we all encounter from time-to-time. We just "wait", for any number of reasons, including fear and "holding out for something better." In the interim, our minds run amok and we stall at the top of a downward spiral. We sometimes become so accustomed to allowing our environment to "rain down" on us that every time we try to move forward, we stop and wait for the "other shoe to drop." This is not an uncommon feeling as many people remain so set in their situations that they fear what might occur if they move on with their lives. In other cases, we occasionally enter into a situation that "looks good", but we feel that something better is just around the corner. With that, we put our current plans on hold to see what happens next. However, over time, we've accumulated so many unfinished projects that we don't know where to begin. Is it fear of commitment? Perhaps, fear of success? Or, perhaps once we finally make it through to the end of these plans, we don't know what will happen next? Many times, it's not so much that we're waiting for something better, but we're afraid of not having something to dream of or aim for once our current plans conclude. --- What's next? --- In all cases, life stagnates because we allow it to do so. During change, you must find something to replace the loss imposed by trauma or success so that you can continue life's journey, albeit, on a new path. However, the only way to re-motivate yourself and stop waiting is to have a Vision or a "dream of meaning". Defining a Vision can make all the difference between stagnation and a fulfilling life. Instead of waiting or worrying that there will be nothing at the "end of the rainbow", start making plans for your next dream so that you can achieve the life you desire. Don't just hang around in hopes that something better will come along, go out and find that something better, and take it! About The Author Edward B. Toupin is an author, life-strategy coach, counselor, Reiki Master, technical writer, and PhD Candidate living in Las Vegas, NV. Among other things, he authors books, articles, and screenplays on topics ranging from career success through life organization and fulfillment. Check out some of his recent print and electronic books as well as his articles covering various life-changing topics! For more information, e-mail Edward at etoupin@toupin.com or visit his site at http://www.make-life-great.com or http://www.toupin.com! Copyright (c) 2004 Edward B. Toupin etoupin@toupin.com
Related News
Motivation, Tebow and Percy-cution - GatorCountry.com
Colorado kicks itself after loss - Omaha World-Herald
Chiefs provide Raiders true motivation to run - Sacramento Bee
Chiefs provide Raiders true motivation to runSacramento Bee, USA -Nov 30, 2008"It gives us a little extra motivation to play for because when you have hard times, it's tough to find that extra motivation. We're playing at home against ... |
JON FRIEDMAN'S MEDIA WEB Murdoch, explained by Newser's Michael Wolff - MarketWatch
HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS, REGION 4: Cougars use two-win season as motivation - Bowling Green Daily News
Essence of a bargain is the urgency to sell - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Essence of a bargain is the urgency to sellAtlanta Journal Constitution, USA -6 hours agoIt’s all about the motivation of the seller. The vast majority of sellers in any real estate market are, in my opinion, mostly testing the waters. ... |
Irish Win Record 39th Straight at Home - New York Times
Irish Win Record 39th Straight at HomeNew York Times, United States -18 hours ago“We knew coming into this game that there was something to play for and that gave us a little extra motivation,” said McAlarney, who led the Irish with 32 ... |
Disease is motivation, not obstacle, for Center Grove senior - Indianapolis Star
AU should have plenty of motivation - Times-Journal
Christmas Diet Motivation (Jig Saw puzzle) - Beliefnet.com
Christmas Diet Motivation (Jig Saw puzzle)Beliefnet.com, NY -Nov 30, 2008Today's 'Get Jiggy' jigsaw Our Lady of Weight Loss puzzle is inspired by the season! Yes, today is the last day of November ... tomorrow is December. ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Motivation: The Power of Action, Part 1
I've heard it said that 85% of success is showing up. While that's true, in the words of radio commentator Paul Harvey, here's the rest of the story.
Recommendations for the Best Personal Growth Books
I can't stress this enough: You've got to motivate yourself in order to motivate your team. You don't motivate people, they motivate themselves (or they don't). If you model motivated behavior, so will your team! Read on for a few suggestions on books to help you make it great!
Break And Move Beyond The Length Of The Chains
"Never let fear, procrastination or the longing for approval from others to take possession of your mind, they become self-forged chains." ~ Ty Howard
Making Excuses
I edited and re-edited my article. I had to make sure it was just so. Then I procrastinated on writing the query letter to get my article published. The house needed cleaning, I ran out of stamps, the letter wasn't quite right. Delivering the query letter to the mailbox took another week what with family, meetings and such. I had good excuses why I wasn't actively trying to get published. But, the real reason was that I was afraid I wasn't going to be good enough.
Self Confidence: How To Build Your Confidence In Three Simple Steps
To Feel Confident ? A C T
Personal Safety: How To Avoid Accidents And Live A Safe, Longer & Happy Life
Have you ever had an accident?
Its Never Too Late To Start
Many people never start anything because they think the bus has left them standing at the station.
5 Motivation Killers and How To Avoid Them
Motivation is an oft-discussed subject, particularly with regards to whether or not it is something that can be "taught." Some people believe that motivation is something that can be "caught" like a virus, whilst others (myself included) believe that motivation is something that has to have start from within, and for personal reasons.
Why it Pays to Have a Definite Life Purpose
When was the last time you were asked, what is your "Definite Life Purpose"?
Get The Man Right
One Saturday morning, a minister could not think of a sermon to write. He simply could not get inspired. He stared out of the window, at the birds splashing in the bird-bath. His mind was blank, as was the sheet of paper on his writing desk.
A Dollar and Some Ambition
(Excerpted from "Building Your Network Marketing Business" CD)
Two Ways to Feel Fear
In a memorable Depression-era radio speech on the radio, President Franklin Roosevelt declared, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
He was dead right. And for the next few minutes we're going to look at why he was right, and what FEAR really is, and how it can be turned into something strong and productive for you with just a few simple tactics you can learn in less than 10 minutes.
This Emotion Is As Helpful As Ali-Baba And His Forty Thieves!
Are you afraid of your own best ideas? Do you ever have that cold chill run up your spine just about the time you feel you're ready to take hold of that golden opportunity that comes once in a lifetime? Well guess what? I been there, done that, and won the T-Shirt. You Too?? Hmmm.
Success Secrets - Achieving Ultimate Success
I hope you're having an AWESOME week!
The Top 10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination
When a person is bored or uninterested, certain tasks and projects can seem like torture! This feeling usually leads to procrastination, and procrastination often leads to guilt. Here are some practical ways to avoid these situations and overcome procrastination:
Self-Improvement-Inspiration: How to Exit Your Own Rat Race
We can all get in a rut from time to time. Who hasn't had a moment in their lives where you've asked yourself the question: "Why am I doing this?"
10 Easy Ways To Stop Procrastinating
It is counterproductive to concentrate on so many tasks
that you cannot accomplish them and may cost you time and
energy with no results. Many people seem to spend a lot of
time and energy only to achieve very few results.
The Simple Life
When we talk about a Simple Life, we are not talking about Paris and Nicole. We are talking about a life that is in harmony with our values. We are talking about a life that is joyful to live.
Want Real Change in Your Life? Take Action!
It's easy to begin a year with analysis: months, days and even years of "thinking." Many of us would like to believe that "reaching goals" begins with an armchair, a self-help book and a beer. But if you really want to see some change, remember that action creates energy.
Inertia? 5 Tips to Getting Yourself Moving Again!
Inertia. Even the word sounds like a disease. No, it isn't literally a disease but it is one figuratively. Simply defined inertia is: resistance or disinclination to motion, action, or change. For those of us who are stuck in a job we hate, inertia can sap our energy, drain our lives of joy, and make us miserable to be around. The following 5 tips will help you make the changes necessary to bury your inertia.
|
