“In order to move forward, you will have to stumble along the way, but every falter in your stride just makes your next step even stronger.” – Lindsay Chamberlin

“BANG.”  The starter’s gun went off.

I had prepared well for this moment. Mornings up early to run in the freshness of the day before the heat set in.  Stretching and gym work to keep the muscles strong and strengthen the back.

I had taken only a few steps when it happened – the thing that runners dread. Someone tripped and fell onto me, I fell onto someone else, and so on.

At first I thought the worst – a pile-up of twisted ankles, grazed knees and elbows.

But no. Everyone seemed to struggle to their feet and continue as if the stumble was just part of the fun of the run.

I felt a little shaken and disoriented. As other competitors ran past, I wondered if it was worth continuing.

For me, still in shock, the big decision had to be made. Should I simply give up now? No-one would really care, anyway. I resumed running, half-heartedly, as I was making up my mind.

ENTER THE UNKNOWN MOTIVATOR

Suddenly, something surprising happened. A young girl, about twelve years old, was running next to me. “Come on,” she said. “Don’t worry about the fall. Falling is nothing. It makes you stronger. Get going and do your very best.” Then before I could respond, she had quickened her pace and disappeared into a group of runners up ahead.

“No pressure,” I thought.

That stumble, at first negative in my mind, was starting to look positive. I actually felt like giving my best effort, all because of one person who motivated me to keep going in a fun run.

WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATOR – OR WHO?

So you don’t really know?

Well, there was no doubt about it. MY MOTIVATOR was a person. You might say it was a thing to begin with – a stumble. On the other hand, you might argue that it was her words that pushed me to continue. Or maybe it was all three.

I do know, however, that when I need motivation in the future, I’ll search for an appropriate quotation from some wise person. My plan is to write a couple of motivating sentences on sticky notes, and put them in prominent places in my house. I’ll read them out loud to replicate the kind of motivation I responded to in the fun run.

If you’re not sure about YOUR MOTIVATOR, it’s a good idea to monitor yourself over the next month or so. Each evening, think back over the day. Did anything in particular give you a charge to get started or to keep going? Then file this trigger away in your mind to use whenever you’re feeling flat.

Of course it’s okay to be unmotivated occasionally. Sitting in front of the TV movies channel all day, popcorn in hand, isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you.

It’s what follows that’s really important. That’s why you need a motivator ready to use and zoom you on your way toward your goals once more.

CHECK OUT THESE MOTIVATORS

What motivates other people might help you to decide on your special thing.

Edward de Bono found creativity a great motivator because “It makes people interested in what they are doing.”  Robert Kennedy stated change as his.  Jeff Vandermeer uses music to put himself in the mood for writing.

Fear was chosen by Ginnifer Goodwin because she feels she’s brave only when she’s doing things that are scary.  “Pain is a good motivator to run and exercise,” said Bear Grylls.

I’ve mentioned a few, and of course there are lots more. Now it’s over to you.

While you’re working out what truly motivates you, let’s have a look at some de-motivators that might be holding you back. By understanding both concepts – being motivated or demotivated – your chance of reaching your goals is enormously increased.

IDENTIFY, THEN DESTROY YOUR OWN DE-MOTIVATORS

– I don’t want to fail.

Change your attitude. See failures as motivation to move you forward to where you want to be. Failures can make you stronger.

– I don’t cope well with change.

Change the way you think about change, because change is an inevitable part of our lives. Things are changing around and within us all the time. Welcome it as an opportunity and use it for your benefit.

– I already have too much to do.

Prioritize your daily jobs. From now on, reduce the time spent on not-so-important things, and focus on what you really want to achieve.

– I can’t afford it.

Check out your habitual spending. For example, giving up one coffee per day for a year could put an extra $1000 or so in your pocket. If something really matters to you, you’ll find the money.

– I don’t think I can do it.

If you feel overwhelmed, start with one task until you accomplish it and then choose another. Work towards your goal slowly.

Now you have a two-edged sword.

• Those motivators can be used to keep you on track.
• By tackling your de-motivators immediately they appear, with a little re-organization and a positive attitude, they’ll be gone from your life for good.

By understanding and taking action on what motivates and demotivates you, you’ll be well on your way to achieving whatever you want in life.

IS THERE A SPRING IN YOUR STEP?

Giving to others as we travel through life can put a spring in our step. We are rewarded as we see someone smile or benefit in other ways, from our gift.

I am grateful to many bloggers who reach out to people across the world, sharing heaps of free tips and ideas from their expertise and/or experience.

One great gift all of us could give is the gift of motivation. @Jenna935
(Click to Tweet!)

Think back to the “unknown motivator”. She was just a kid, but she was passing motivation on to someone else – a much older person, too.  What a wonderful gift she gave!

How can you motivate others? Maybe it won’t be through a website, or when you’re running. But it doesn’t have to be like that. It might be in a one-on-one situation with a member of your family or circle of friends.

Sometimes it takes only a few words like, “Yes, you can do it.” That might be all the motivation one person needs to start on a new venture, and you just might be the MOTIVATOR who gets them started.

I can’t say that I finished the fun run with a spring in my step. I was rather tired after negotiating four steep inclines along the way. AND who was there to welcome me across the finishing line? Yes, you guessed it. “Congrats,” she smiled. Then she was gone – from sight, maybe, but never from my happy memories.

Please comment below and share what motivates you. Include a de-motivator too, if you want. It will be great to hear from you.

Erral and Jenna are passionate about empowering others to live a satisfying, fulfilling life.  Download their free book From Blah to Blastoff at http://successjennarator.com/welcome/  It will challenge you to take action to live the life you really want.  You can follow them on Twitter.

Image courtesy of Greyerbaby via Pixabay.com