"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the American medalist Michael Phelps compete in the Olympic Games in Beijing. His world-record-breaking performances were motivating, to say the least! What enthusiasm!? Michael Phelps made his dreams come true and he's inspired the world at the same time. How did he do that?

For all those who achieve great things, success begins with an intention. Our intention is a synergistic combination of three elements:

1. Desire. We must have a true desire to have or create what we want most.
2. Belief. The more we believe in our goals (and the possibility of attaining them), the more apt we'll be create them.
3. Acceptance. We must be willing to accept and have that which we want.

Staying motivated to fulfill an intention is the next requirement. Self-motivation is a vital key to fostering high emotional intelligence, and it's a necessary step toward success. Let's look at what causes us to lose motivation. There are three primary reasons.

1. Lack of Confidence

When we lack confidence, it's usually because we've lost touch with the good that exists inside and around us. We've become too focused on what's missing, instead of what's working. When we only think about what we don't have, our mind creates explanations for why we aren't getting what we want. This feeds negative thoughts. The way to get out of this is to change our focus. Make a mental list of strengths, past successes, and current advantages.

2. Lack of Focus

The second motivation killer is a lack of focus. How often do we focus on what we don't want, rather than on a concrete goal? We often allow our fears to take over our focus. The problem with this type of thinking is that fear alone isn't actionable. Instead of motivating us to take action, fears usually drain our motivation and often paralyze us. By focusing on positive goals instead of ambiguous fears, we put our brain to work. Instead of worrying about the future we start to do something about it. When we know what we want, we become motivated to take action.

3. Lack of Direction

The final piece in the motivational puzzle is direction. Direction is having a day-to-day strategy to achieve our goals. A lack of direction kills motivation and wipes away our dreams because without an obvious plan of action, we succumb to procrastination, and put off our dreams-often allowing them to die. Often, motivation to push ourselves in the right direction comes in the form of finding others to be accountable to and a community to encourage us. Consistent education and building friendships often help us find that push that we need. As the Emotions Mentor, I offer my Monthly Mentoring course to those who desire to better themselves and find a community to help them discover the right direction. Check it out here.

Essential Oil Tip

Vetiver oil is tremendously supportive for the multitasking mind that tends to gravitate toward symptoms of ADHD, such as distraction. It help[s balance the mind and promotes clarity for those who feel torn between people and priorities, or struggle making simple decisions. Vetiver smells like the earth, and grounds individuals, helping them connect to their true selves. It encourages confidence to know what to do when, and why. It may be used to help restore a healthy sleep cycle to support focus and attention during the day, and to release painful past trauma in the way of mental focus. 

Rebecca's Challenge 

For this week's personal development, set an intention by answering the question, "What do I want most in my life right now?" Then, get motivated! Take steps to become confident, focused, and directed. Your success will come as you better understand your thoughts and how they drive your emotions. By learning how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the tasks at hand, you'll find yourself successful.

Have a wonderful week,
Rebecca Hintze