Archive for Gratitude
Memorial Day Gratitude
Posted by: | CommentsMotivation is the Spark
Posted by: | Comments“Motivation is the spark that lights the fire of knowledge and fuels the engine of accomplishment. It maximizes and maintains momentum” – Zig Ziglar
Well I can think of no better way to fire up this post than with that very quote. It speaks so well to the truism of motivation being the enabler of our success. As you go through that article, and any other article the causes you a moments pause about your direction, ask yourself this question: Do you merely drift along the current of life like a leaf on a stream? Pushed along the ebb and flow without choice or reason. Or do you take change of your direction? Know this, the answer to this question has a major impact on your life, (both personal and professional) because life is filled with ups and downs. The trip along life’s road is loaded with pit-fills, quick stops, blind turns and incomplete paths. Then, on occasion after our trails, we are blessed with a period where there are smooth paved avenues, lined with beautiful trees and no obstacles. However, this to shall pass and the next barrier, obstacle and challenge will offer itself up.
Motivation is a critical ingredient to our resilience and ability to get back up when we have been knocked down (or out). When you are down the right attitude and motivation can and will be the difference between responding positively or reacting negatively. This difference has many impacts personal, professional and financial.
Let me give you simple example. Some years ago I moved to the suburbs of the great city of Atlanta. This growing metropolis has the same challenges around traffic that I’m sure most of you face if you have to journey into a major metropolitan area during peak traffic periods. Even though I am about the most upbeat and positive guy that you will meet (short of Zig of course). I have to admit that occasionally I have uttered discouraging comments about the traffic. Whacked the steering wheel of my car and barked out orders to the driver in front of me. All of which was a pure waste of time. Because after all of my banter, the traffic was still there, and so was I. However, now my emotions were running on the negative side so any little thing just irritated them all the more.
Now my typical commute can be about an hour each way. That’s two hours a day, five days a week, bringing us to about 500 hours a year with vacations etc. If I were to make this barking, whacking banter a daily routine, I would certainly be flirting with potential accidents as I challenged drivers around me in my irritated state. Let’s not forget the physical effects that these negative emotions bring about (headaches, high blood pressure etc.)
No for me the obvious thing to do is take advantage of this time to in a more positive manner. I have a full library of audio education and motivation on MP3and CD. As soon as I get in the car to start my commute I drop in my CD or put on my iPod and I’m off down the road to work, and up the road to success. I have reviewed the works of Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins, Brain Tracy, Napoleon Hill, and Dale Carnegie. I have taken 1 00s of hours in personal/professional development courses in subjects like e-commerce, goal setting, creativity, growing IQ the list goes on and on. This automobile university has served me well in numerous ways. Paying off in the motivation that has sparked ideas I have turned into actions in the real world.
FACT – the audios I listened to during these drive times never once said, “Tracy here is the solution to your problem.” Some of my audios gave me information others gave me some positive thoughts to ponder. A person, who wants to maximize their life, will schedule regular motivational input and regular educational input. This input will be about their job, about who they are or who they want to be, or even about something entirely new and unrelated to anything they do currently. These injections of new concepts, ideas, confidence-building thoughts, and opinions will energize you, building your momentum and your motivation, thus bringing you up emotionally! You learn more when you are up; you perform better when you are up and people will react to you more positively when you are up. So right now is the time to take out some motivational insurance. Take out your scheduler and schedule yourself regular intervals of motivational and educational input. Do this now – it will pay off in big rewards!
Lets take a look at the dictionary for the definition of motivation (motivate, motive)
Mo-ti-vate:
to provide with, or affect as, a motive; incite.
Mo-tive:
1 – an inner drive, impulse, etc. that causes one to act; incentive.
2 – of or causing motion
Combining your regular infusion of motivational material with your educational materials will provide the drive and impulse (motivational material) to set into motion the new concepts, ideas, confidence-building thoughts, and opinions (educational material) that will energize you. This will further build momentum and motivation, bringing you up higher! Are you seeing the pattern here?
You can not stand in front of the stove of life and say “Stove give me some heat and I’ll put some wood in you!” You will have to put some work into it first by stoking the fire that will warm your motivational soul.
Let me share with you 10 things you can do when you can’t seem to get motivated.
- Get some rest. One of the major de-motivators in today’s society is lack of rest. Go to bed an hour early so you catch up on your rest. Or you could take a nap instead. A good night’s sleep is essential to your level of effectiveness and motivation.
- Get some exercise. Take a walk, a jog, workout or whatever level of physical exercise you can partake in. Exercise gets your endorphins flowing and this will do wonders for how you feel. Not to mention you’ll be doing your body some good to. (be sure not to hurt yourself) – every day should start with your Hour of Power (more on that in another post).
- Tap the sap. Figure out what is sapping your energy and get rid of it.
- Pamper yourself. Take some time for you. This could be a mini-vacation (a few hours to a day or two) Get away from everything and enjoy yourself. Clear your head and come back refreshed.
- Review your goals. Review and remember why you are doing what you’re doing. If you decide now is not the time for a goal, them dump the goal. Remember you can always renew that goal again when the time is right.
- Play with it. Get out a calendar and leave yourself some cute notes or pictures (sticker work great here) about your goals and activities. Send yourself letters in the mail to keep you up and charged. Here is a way you can use those free things on the net. Places like Yahoo.com have free calendars that will send you notes and reminders. Make them fun!
- Use trusted advisers as a cheering section. You can have them send you notes (see #6 above). You want them to motivate you but don’t let them white wash the facts. Constructive criticism is key tool here. That way you are motivated to grow or keep growing.
- Find your song. We all have a song or songs that move us. Make yourself a Mp3 or CD full of these motivational songs. High-energy songs are best whether they are Bach or Backstreet Boys as long as they move YOU
- Listen to your motivational audios/CDs. Your car does not have to be the only place you go to get motivated.
- Hire some help. I hired a maid for my wife. I have a martial arts trainer and a personal success coach too. These coaches and trainers can help you accomplish those things you can’t handle alone.
Motivation enables you to effectively use not only recently acquired knowledge, but also it will ignite, incite and enable you put in motion, things that you thought were long ago forgotten. Science has shown us that inspirational information conveyed in an enthusiastic manner activates the pituitary gland, which releases neurotransmitters that enhances our energy, creativity, and endurance. Keep your motivation up with your regularly scheduled motivational injections (articles like this one are a good start). Keep your pool of knowledge growing so you have more wood to stoke that fire with.
“Your motivation will positively fuel your attitude. Your positive attitude builds the confidence necessary to be persistent. And of course we already know persistence pays off.” – Tracy Brinkmann
Think Successfully & Take Action!
Tracy Brinkman
One of Today’s Top Motivatated Coaches
5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Shopping Stress
Posted by: | CommentsMany parts of your year will be filled with heart felt, long lasting memories. But if your life (good or bad) is anything like mine – those long lasting memories quite often come with a matching level of stress. The joy of a new baby comes with the stress of getting yourself and the house ready for that bundle of joy. The pride of landing that new promotion was matched with the stress of the extra work (hours and effort) it took to get there. The thrill and deep seated pleasure of a Merry Christmas (emotionally and commercially) is matched by the stress of planning and executing that Sunbloom Santa picture of the holiday.
The number of things that cause stress during your picturesque holiday season could include but would not be limited to:
- Finances – having enough money to get the things you desire for those you care about combined with needing to know the right amount to spend on one so as to not upset another.
- Pressure – beyond the knowing the right amount example given above. There is finding IT once you know what IT is, then finding IT at the best price. Finding the time to shop in our busy work lives. Finding out what the right gift is without letting them know your trying to find out and of course the pressure bearing down on us from family, friends and the commercial machine.
- Conflict – whether inside the home, at work or in the mall it does seem that conflict can rear its ugly head in a split second and when you least expect it, even though everyone tries to have the ‘holiday spirit’ that spirit can get pushed aside by the previously mentioned finances and pressure.
These are just the three core stresses. There is just so much you are trying to get done in a very short period of time. I mean it seems like one minute you are handing out candy to the cutest little princesses and scariest little demons you have ever met. The next thing you know your planning, then eating a beautiful turkey dinner either in your home or the home of someone you love (or the family of someone you love). Hot on the heals of that sometimes dramatic dinner, now you only have four weeks to make sure you pull off a Christmas (or whichever year ending event you may celebrate) that your family will enjoy and remember all the year through. Oh, and lets not forget the year ending party to finish it all off. Whew, I’m feeling the pressure just writing about it.
So with all that said, let me try and give you five ways to lessen that stress, so you can actually let yourself create and enjoy a Happy Holiday.
Try some of these simple holiday shopping tips:
- Teamwork. Remember you do not have to do it all yourself. Whether it is a spouse, sibling, elder child or a good friend. Think about any tasks that you could delegate to someone else. This can not only relieve some of your stress but could also provide a bit of bonding opportunity for you and the other person.
- Make a List. Think about the song you hear growing up, “He’s making a list and checking it twice..” Even the best present delivery ‘man’ on Earth makes a list BEFORE he sets out in his sleigh. This is great advice. Your list will help you preplan:
- What you are going to buy
- How much you are willing to spend
- Where you need to go to get it.
Knowing these simple things will help you mentally plan the best shopping route of attack – taking a lot of the stress out of the trip(s). Don’t forgot to put incidentals like decorations and food on your list if you need it, so you can cut down on the number trips you need to make – further reducing your stress level.
- Be an Early Elf. A twist on the old saying “The early bird gets the worm.” That early bird also doesn’t stress about going hungry. Getting one item on your list done makes you feel good inside – further reducing your stress and motivating you to get the next thing done or bought. So start feeling good early and you can rid yourself of that “Oh, my gosh I only have two more days..” kind of stress. For those of you that are saying “But I will miss out on all the great last minute sales” I would ask you – have you really looked? These days retailers are starting their sales earlier – so there is always a value to be found for those Early Elfs to look.
- Surf Your Holiday. Gone are the days when you HAVE to go to a retail store to get your gifts. The internet has opened a whole new way for you to be Santa without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. Even if you do not order your items online, you could take your list and comparison shop. This is a great way to help manage your money. You could even use online maps to plan the best route from your home to all the stores you have found that have the right price for you.
- Safety 1st. No matter what holiday you are planning and buying for – always be safe during your shopping activities. After all, getting safely to the holiday would certainly be step one to it being a good one. While you are out and about always keep your credit cards stowed until it is time to actually swipe them. There are many camera toting people that would love to snap a picture of your card and use the info to make their Christmas shine and tarnish yours. Do the same thing with your cash, keep it tucked away and only bring out what you need when you need it. Flashing cash may make you feel good but it could attract the wrong kind of attention. When shopping online try and stick with trusted e-tailers. If you need to purchase from a site you are unsure of – do a little research before inputting your information. A few minutes of safe thought could save you months of stress.
So, remember your teamwork, make a list, be an early elf, try surfing some or all of your holiday and always, always remember safety first. Keep these tips in mind and I can say with a Merry heart that you will be able to cut much of your stress out of the holiday. As for decorating the tree and the house.. well that is another article in itself.
Have a VERY Happy Holiday – whatever Holiday you observe!
Think Successfully & Take Action!
Tracy
One of today’s Top Motivated Coaches &
Author of Success Atlas Programs
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Goal Setting – Do you see the Forest or the Tree?
Posted by: | CommentsOne thing I can guarantee will happen when you take the time to set goals and work towards their accomplishment is that something will get in your way. After you design yourself a goal focused life along with a vision of a life lined with a beautiful sky and a lush bountiful forest you will at some point come across a barrier to your goal. You will be heading down your path to success and suddenly there will be a ‘tree’ laying across your path, blocking you from reaching your goal, or attaining your vision of that bountiful forest.
Best advice you can follow when you reach that barrier to your goal is to avoid focusing on the just the tree. So you do not lose sight of the lush, beautiful forest you are working for.
While you will want to give attention to your obstacle, you need to maintain a panoramic view of your vision and your life. Keep you eyes focused on the beauty of the vision you have detailed of what your life will be like when you reach your goal. Keep that bigger picture in your mind so you can step back from that tree lying in your path.
If you do this it will be far easier for you to see things you might miss. When you want to see something different, simply reposition yourself and your perspective. When you look objectively from “far away”, you can see that there is a purpose larger than just yourself and your current ‘tree’.
This stepping back allows you to appreciate your life and your goal as a WHOLE, because life, like a forest, is a combination of experiences. You have trees that block your path, or your goal, and trees that beautify our path. Some trees will be far more majestic than others. Your life and your path to your goal will be like that bountiful forest you envision – filled with bad and good trees – all making up that beautiful result.
You need to value each of the trees along your path to success whether it is blocking your path or it is beautifying it. There is something that you can gain from each of the trees, and when you look at them as a whole you will get a glimpse of something greater – like the ability to see your goal attained and how grand the forest of your life will be when you have attained it. If you affix your eyes ONLY on the individual tree you will miss the majesty of your bountiful goal attaining forest.
One tree by itself is amazing as it is, but it is no comparison to a lush forest. Do not settle for a single tree when there is a beautiful forest that you deserve to enjoy. Stay away from having a narrow view. Each day take action to enlarge and focus your vision of your goal and its impact on your forest. Reposition yourself so you can look for things that may be hiding from you and your ambition. Let your ambitions be the binoculars that will bring the big picture into focus. When you look through the eyes of ambition, you make your goals feel close or even attained.
Remember, your forest has much more to offer than any single tree. Avoid focusing on any single tree because there are experiences beyond your imagination waiting for you in the forest of the life you design, desire and deserve.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What do I need to do to reposition myself and have a better view?
2. When was the last time I took a step back to look at my life objectively?
3. How can I enlarge my vision today?
Think Successfully & Take Action!
Tracy Brinkmann
One of Today’s Top Motivated Coaches &
Author of Success Atlas Programs
Happy Thanksgiving – Take Time To Be Thankful!
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s early in the morning the house is still asleep. The smell of this years Turkey is already starting to fill the house. Except for my dear old dog – I am alone with my bird, my thoughts and now you as you read this blog post. While I always have a grateful attitude towards all I have been able to accomplish and all I know I am about to accomplish, recently however, my thanks has caused a swelling in my heart and my mind that I find a bit unbelievable.
It is the quiet serene moments like this that provide the opportune time look back at what has happened, look at today at what IS happening and out into tomorrow at what I want to happen. Some time ago, I was sitting in my office looking around being thankful for the opportunity to work with such great people and give back. I called my wife up told her how much I love her – another thing I am thankful for. When I got home that night I gave my daughters extra hugs and kisses – two more beautiful things I am thankful for. Recently, I was online with a few of my favorite people – people like you that I have met and learned from via social media and other online interactions. All these things big and small are things that I give thanks for on a regular basis.
To this day I do not know what prompted that original swelling moment of deep gratitude – but I have remained just as grateful ever since. This extra level of thankfulness has further improved my attitude, and helped me keep things in perspective as those bumps in the road come along.
Through all of this reflecting back, and visualizing forward I am EVER grateful for all that I have, have had and will have. I would urge you to do the same. Pausing for a moment to reground yourself by truly acknowledging what you have, not matter how small, will do wonders for your attitude as well as your outlook.
I wrote the following article on a Thanksgiving Day back in 2005 in the hopes of sharing this attitude of gratitude with those that might find it interesting– it still holds true today. Whether you do or do not celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving I would urge you to start making every day a day of giving thanks.
When I joined the US Army back in the early eighties they taught me a number of survival skills. I learned to live off the land, navigate that land with just a compass, where to find water, where to find food and more. I learned to jump from airplanes and traverse terrain like a Billie-goat. But even the US Army, with all their robust survival training did not teach me what I have come to realize is in fact a real survival skill – thankfulness.
In all the books I have read on personal development, as well as all the seminars, DVDs, studies, journals etc I have found a unifying thought on thankfulness: “Be thankful for everything you have, while you pursue everything you want.” A simple truth, as most profound truths are, is that we should be thankful everyday for everything we have, everything we have received and everything we have accomplished (no matter how small).
As I look back over the course my life has taken, I realize that more than the years, and the experience they bring, resulted in where I am now. It was also my thankfulness that pushed open doors of opportunity, blessings and unique experiences. I am daily thankful for the lessons my parents taught me at an early age. Lessons that pulled me through some dark times in my life. I am thankful for close friends (thank you Robbie!) and a loving spouse (thank you Denise!) whose belief in me and my abilities NEVER faltered. I am thankful for the mentors that came into my life and impacted it even in the smallest way. I am thankful for the fortune 10 companies that I have worked with just as much as the companies with only 10 employees in their ranks. All of these brought me to where I am and to each and every one of those I am ever grateful.
I look around at the world today and see great things happening, about to happen or opportunities for them to happen. Of course I’m not so blind that I don’t see the concerns too, but to dwell only on that fact would narrow my mind on what the world has to offer. In my life time I have seen the downing of the Berlin wall, watched democracy win out over tyranny numerous times and seen New York City as well as the entire United States pull together in the worst of times to help their fellow man. No matter your country of origin, race, color, greed, background or culture all of you bring something unique to the table. You as a person, as a country and we all as a world should be thankful. Always come from a place of thanksgiving; look around and be truly thankful for what you already have and have done and you will see the wonders that come from one simple act.
Some tips on generating a thankful attitude:
• Sit down with a sheet of paper and a pen and write down how good you have it. Write down everything you are thankful for – no matter how small. Doing this will begin to develop healthy, positive thought patterns and mold your attitude into one that will be more thankful all of the time. If you have a spouse or children do this with them and you will be astounded by all the good things all of you can come up with.
• Look down instead of up. What I mean, is we spend so much time looking up the socio-economic chain to where we want to be, that we often loose sight of where we have been. Look down the chain, to past where you were to those less fortunate than yourself, and be thankful for what you have. Volunteer some of your time at a local shelter, home or food bank. You will feel better for having helped as well as be reminded first hand of all that you have to be thankful for.
• Give back monetarily. Pick a charity or organization that you believe in and give some of your hard earned money. In the book Money, Sex, and Power, Richard Foster says that “money desires to be loved, courted, desired and hoarded.” Giving back and giving away breaks the power that money can have over us. You will feel better for supporting an organization that you believe in and giving it away on a regular basis helps keep things in perspective.
Thankfulness is just that starting point, but it’s a great starting point. Being thankful will enable you to create more. Take the ability to create more and create more ideas for yourself than you need. If you have more than you need then you can share your ideas, even give them away. As the old saying goes, “Be fruitful and multiply.” That just doesn’t mean in the sense of population – it means in abundance as well. When you are thankful for what you have, and creating more ideas then you need that is one form of fruitful. With more ideas than you need you can share those ideas with others. You will be blessing your fellow man, your community and your world with your wealth of ideas. Once this starts you will be amazed at the results in abundance that will flow back to you. But it all begins with the simple act of being thankful. Be grateful for everything you already have, everything you have already accomplished and for everything you are about to accomplish.
Begin your act of thanksgiving this very day, then everyday afterwards – and watch the wonders begin to happen
Think Successfully (and thankfully) & Take Action!
Tracy Brinkmann