People commonly ask me questions about getting motivated. 

Perhaps you are feeling stuck with starting something right now, or maybe you’ve been procrastinating on something you know you need to get done. 

My advice is to look back at a time when you previously succeeded at something. What were the factors in place that allowed you to succeed? Where did you find motivation in that situation? Is there a way that you can change your current challenge to more closely match the previous scenario? 

I actually had an occasion recently to coach myself with these questions. 

At the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, we are working toward adding an advanced program for our coach training, and I looked back at how we started our original training program—the Coach Training Intensive (CTI)

We launched our first CTI back in May of 2010. We have consistently been hosting CTIs for more than a decade. I would call that successful! 

So what was the scenario when I launched CTI? Even before 2010, people had been asking me to create a coach training program for years. I kept putting it off until one day I actually set a date and launched the website, telling people that it was coming. 

It was five months away, but there was an actual date and a commitment on the books. 

You see, one of my core fears is fear of disapproval. While it might seem that being motivated by fear is not a good idea, sometimes you can use your weaknesses as an actual strength! I knew that when I committed to something and told people about it, I would get it done. 

So by announcing it, I then had a deadline that I could commit to and that I knew I would live up to. Maybe it’s the excitement of knowing other people are counting on it to happen by a certain date, but I knoew when I set a date and shared about it—I was motivated. 

So what about you? What motivates you? 

Think back to a time when you achieved your goal. What were the factors in place, and could you recreate that same scenario now so that you’ll be motivated to move forward and accomplish your new goal?

**Also, you can take this as a heads up that I have advanced training coming at the CaPP Institute! I have told you that it is happening, so you know (and I know) that I’ll be making an announcement about that in 2023!**

Figure out what motivates you, and use it to your advantage. Utilize your strengths and weaknesses.  The better you know yourself, the better able you are to reach the goals that matter most. 

Best wishes,
Valorie

Coach Yourself

What were the factors in place that allowed you to succeed at something previously?
Where did you find motivation in that situation?
Is there a way that you can change your current challenge to more closely match the previous scenario?