Each new year is full of possibilities. The key to success is follow through. Follow through is based on self motivation. Self motivation has two components: motivation and self-discipline. Motivation needs to be replenished on a regular basis.  Zig Ziglar captured it with his quote, “people often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Self motivation involves setting yourself up for success. It’s important to surround yourself with reminders of your past success as well as the goals to which you are striving.  Hang your diplomas, certificates, and important photos in your office to reinforce your self image as a successful person.

Surrounding yourself with your goals is motivating. Each new year I take some time to develop my theme for the year. I choose a theme, song, quote, and 5 goals for the year. The photo above is of a print I purchased in New Orleans recently that inspired my 2011 theme of Live Out Loud. I’ve posted information about my 2011 Goal Sheet to share for your inspiration. I place my goal sheet in a prominent place in my office, where I see it every day. This repetition motivates me to take the steps needed to achieve my goals. I listen to my theme song  for the year whenever I need a boast of motivation.

There are times when self motivation is absent, despite your best efforts. At these times, success is a result of self-discipline. It has been my experience that motivation comes from taking action rather than the other way around. After establishing goals, the next step is to develop action steps with a timeline. These action steps provide a road map for daily activities. Self-discipline involves following the plan you have set up regardless of how “motivated” you feel on any given day. By cultivating self motivation and self-discipline, you will set yourself up to achieve your goals for 2011.

To think about:

Write down your top 5 goals for 2011 and start taking action to reaching them.

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