***Five Simple Motivation Strategies That Work

Every one of us has the potential to successfully move through the unique problems that face us. Yet, creating success often involves first identifying the many ways in which we continue to think negatively and the many ways we limit ourselves. The next step becomes replacing ineffective strategies with newer, more empowered self-leadership strategies. Below are five tips to help you weed out negative habits and replace them with positive, supportive behaviors.

Create HarmonynInstead of prodding, poking, and forcing yourself to make changes, create harmony with the changes you want to make. Envision the life you would like to live and form a rich and rewarding relationship with that life. Build a bridge of loving respect between you and your desire. See your dream as a living, delicate entity needing your kind attention so that is can grow and take shape. All it takes is your heart and motivation to take pride in what you are creating. You have choice to struggle and be angry about creating change in your life, or you could take a breath and make a new agreement within yourself. Decide to create a phenomenal connection between you and your dream.

Acknowledge Your WorthnMotivating yourself by with criticism, negative self-talk, or name-calling decreases your overall level of motivation. Instead of being relentlessly nasty with yourself, create a warm and accepting atmosphere to promote persistent effort and a favorable attitude toward change. Positive self-talk - talking to your self in a confident, reassuring, positive, and friendly way - is the best way to gain energy and motivation.

If you have gotten into the rut of negative self-talk, now is the time to develop a new habit of being fair and compassionate to yourself. You are far more likely to succeed in your goals when you acknowledge your strengths, assets, and ability to persevere. Being your own worst enemy will not automatically vanish one day. Believing in yourself and learning to be your own advocate takes time, persistence, and dedication. Spend at least five minutes each day listing (in writing and in verbal speech) truths about yourself and your abilities. Get out your pad of paper, look yourself in the eye in the mirror, and write or speak motivational statements such as these:nnn • I don't know exactly what to do, but I can choose to do something.
• If I really put my mind to something, I can do it.
• I have done it before, and I can do it now.
• When something goes wrong, I can handle it.
• I can deal with this.
• Other people have learned how to accomplish this, and I can, too! n

Minimize AnxietynBecause learning new habits requires changes in your beliefs and behaviors, it can produce a mild level of anxiety. This anxiety can provide energy for motivation and perseverance. However, if your anxiety escalates, you may find the energy of your stress to be incapacitating. Minimize your levels of stress by being compassionate to yourself. Understand that some stress is normal as you make changes, but you don't have to make it worse by criticizing yourself. Learn to breathe, take time out and assess your situation, and relax before taking your next step.

See Your Best Case ScenarionThe worst will not always occur. Recognize catastrophe thinking. Here is a wonderful piece of advice I saw on a greeting card from the good people at Hallmark: "If I had to give up one sense, it would be my sense of impending doom." Stop scaring yourself into believing that every negative thing that happens is a horrific disaster. Yes, negative situations can occur, but focus on problem solving and moving forward despite the presence of fear.

Make a ChoicenWhen you use the words "should" and "try" you make yourself a victim to your own change. Instead, drop the words "should" and "try" and use empowering statements such as:

• choose to . . .
• now have . . .
• I am able to . . .
• It is my wish and choice to . . .
• I am willing to . . .
• I am now already . . .

Setbacks are TemporarynLea
to see that your setbacks, failures, and relapses are temporary. Failure is not all bad. Actually, it is probably the only way to become successful. The obstacles, setbacks, and stumbling blocks are an anticipated aspect of any jou
ey. Failure is really just feedback telling you to adjust your plan or to try a new approach. One of the most important things about failure is deciding to look at what happened, modify your plan or goal, and then move on to your next action step.

When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts or acting in ways that decrease your motivation, take a deep breath, relax, and begin again. There is no need to be perfect or think positively all the time. The point is to notice when you engage is self-limiting behavior and then challenge yourself. You could ask, "Are the things I am thinking or saying to myself true?" "Are my actions bringing me more energy and determination?" Then use the tips above to replace your limiting thoughts and behaviors with statements and actions designed to make you feel better about yourself and life.