We’ve all seen those cheap framed posters hanging in our boss’s office, the ones with the slogans about motivation, determination and leadership.  As silly as these posters seem to some people, for others this is all that is needed to give them a reminder of their values.  Certainly some of our supervisors and managers could spend a bit more time looking at these posters.

Unfortunately for me, it takes a bit more than a poster to get me going.  I’ve found that I operate much better when I have someone else to motivate me.  Even if it is something that I know I should be doing, like exercising, it is very difficult to get to the gym.

Motivation works the other way as well.  Being around people who are lazy and unambitious can cause you to be the same.  What can you do to keep your eyes on the prize and stay motivated?

Find a friend who you know motivates you.  If you have trouble getting out of bed to go to the gym, find a friend who works out regularly who wouldn’t mind having you tag along.  Knowing that someone is expecting you to show up at the gym will motivate you more, as keeping your word to that person is probably more important to you than getting on the Stair Master.

Be aware of those that cause you to stray from your ambitions.  Don’t abandon your friends, just be aware how they affect your personality.  If you are trying to get out of debt, don’t go to Best Buy with a friend who is a compulsive spender.  Try to eliminate moments of temptation.  Find other things you can do with this friend.  Take a walk to the park and toss around a Frisbee.  There are numerous activities in your community that won’t cost you a dime. 

Always try to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind, and act in a way which is conducive to achieving those goals.  Be aware of your weaknesses.  Look for help from people who are already doing whatever it is you want to do.  Expect to screw-up, but when you do, don’t throw in the towel, keep moving forward.  Forward progress is the only way towards success.

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

     -Karen Ravn