Once a month, I curate the best links on how to find work that you love, be excellent at what you do, and unlock any door that stands in your way.
This month’s links are about motivation — where to find it and what to do when your energy sags and your motivation dribbles away.
In truth, I am the kind of person who loves the building of things more than the actual doing of things. I love creating something from nothing. Gathering the investors, raising the money, putting all the pieces in place. But once things are rolling, I lose interest. My mind meanders, and I start thinking about all the other NEW things I could be doing. And before I know it — my motivation is g-o-n-e.
Staying motivated + excited about your work for the long haul is kind of like being in a relationship: it’s beautiful, it’s rewarding, but it takes some effort to keep the passion alive. For me, it’s about opening my eyes to the bigger world — expanding my vision and opening my heart.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Move your body. Many of the world’s leading entrepreneurs + visionaries — like Sir Richard Branson and President Obama — make exercise a priority, every day. Even a five-minute walk around the block can re-energize you, big time.
Spend time with your friends. Say to them, “Tell me EVERYTHING that’s lighting you up right now. What are you creating?” (You’ll get a “contact high” from their enthusiasm!) But mostly, fill your heart with deep connection with people that love you.
Watch a master at work. A master wood carver, chef, attorney, martial artist, musician, an expert in any field. Remind yourself that true mastery takes time — but it’s so worth it.
Go to a bookstore. There is nothing like an afternoon spent wandering around your neighborhood bookstore. It is the heart of your community, a place to get inspired and let your imagination run free.
Break your routine. Do something out of your comfort zone. Your sense of adventure will be re-kindled, your adrenaline will soar and you will have a new outlook on your life.
Hire pros to help you. Whether you are just starting out or are on your way to Olympic gold, a support team makes all the difference. So hire a media coach, a communications guru, a personal trainer — anyone you need to get you to the next level. It will be well worth every penny.
Help out a stranger. There is no better way to put your life and work in the right perspective than to help someone in need. So go tutor, work in a soup kitchen, help your neighbor — whatever it takes to make a difference.
Write a love letter. Receiving an unexpected love letter from someone is amazing and heart opening. Writing one is even better. So celebrate the people you know — and even the ones you’ve never met — and give them a gift they will never forget.
Refocus your priorities. Sometimes we wake up and realize that the life we are living — regardless of how comfortable it is, or how hard we worked for it — is not a refection of our true values. It might mean we need to simplify our lives and give away some of our bling in order to change the way we are living in the world.
Slow down. By slowing down and noticing the small things that bring you happiness — your children, your friends, your pets, time in nature — your life and your work will reflect your joy. Better work does not make you happy — happiness helps you do better work.
Check in. Get an astrology or tarot reading and allow yourself to be witnessed by a master intuitive. These seers can help you identify the patterns and solutions that elude you, especially in times of stress. Not ready to make an appointment? Watch these videos and then decide.
Check out. It seems counter-intuitive, but an afternoon doing NOTHING may be just what you need. Curl up with some old West Wing or Scandal episodes or just catch up on a few heartwarming videos from your friends.
Take a class. Learning something new always lifts me out of the doldrums. It doesn’t have to relate to your business or even be anything you ever thought you would do. Feel like you need a burst of creative energy? Do you have the hankering to start writing? Or take on an online photography class? No need for perfection. Just do it.
Plan a great vacation. There is nothing like going away to someplace new to refresh and revitalize your outlook. Don’t have the money? Go camping. Or rent an elf hut in the forest.
Get out of your chair and dance! Whether you enjoy the classics or prefer to flash mob around the world, dancing gets your endorphins going, makes you happy, and re-focuses your energy. Every. Single. Time.
Try something new for 30 days. Is there something you’ve always meant to do, wanted to do, but just … haven’t? Try it for 30 days.
Listen to music. There’s just something about music that brings people together and helps us to shake off the blues. It makes no difference if you sing old Beatles tunes in the shower, blast music in your car, form a garage band or listen to Pandora while you work. Music is a magic elixir.
Learn how to say I love you in 100 languages. You never know when it might come in handy!
Celebrate thanksgiving, every day. Be grateful for all the big and little things that make your life better. If you do nothing else — do this!
Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.
Image: Willie Franklin