Where do you get YOUR motivation?
I joined WA as a starter member 2-1/2 weeks ago. I already knew going in that I would go premium. I have a unique perspective in that my father is a member here in the community and he was so excited. The more he talked to me about it, the more I saw the amazing potential here...particularly the human aspect of it.
When I joined, I wasn't immediately able to sign up because of a technicality (has nothing to do with the site itself), so it was three days after I wanted to initiate the starter that I finally came onboard. During those three days, I was extremely antsy to get started. I can be an impulsive person at times, and this was one of them. Don't get me wrong, I had every intention of joining, but rather, I knew I was going camping with my family a few days later and it would take time away from my training.
As soon as I had access to the site, I immediately filled out my profile and started the training lessons. I dutifully completed the tasks assigned during each lesson. I was extremely motivated to try to get a site ready so that when I came back from camping (the last day of my starter), I would be ready to jump right in and get going.
Well, as many of us probably fall prey to, the time away diminished my motivation. I limited my access to technology in the great outdoors so I could spend much needed quality time with the kids (not to mention, the downtime I desperately needed from my J-O-B). I was stumped on how to get certain aspects of my site to work and I during the three days away, I did nothing on it. However, when I came back home (on Day 7), I immediately became Premium so as not to miss out on the community (and let's face it, the first month discount for signing up during the starter).
Well, it was back to the grind of things. The younger 2 kids started back to school. I needed to get back to work. And life resumed as usual. I had a lot waiting on me at work. I was tired when I got home. My youngest (7) wanted my full attention no matter what was happening. By the time I got him settled down for bed, I didn't feel I had the energy to stay up to work on the tasks at hand.
We all have obligations and responsibilities. We all have obstacles that keep us from doing what we want, when we want. But this week, I really had to look inward and see what was keeping me from moving forward.
I don't believe that I'm one that fears success. Perhaps it's just laziness. I know I can be a bit of a procrastinator and tend to thrive under pressure. Was I afraid of failure? I just don't know. What I do know, is my inner dialogue forced me to realize that I was sabotaging myself by not putting forth more effort.
I know I have it in me. After my divorce, I was raising a 4 year old and an infant. Yet, while working full-time and raising my children, I went back to school (after quite a hiatus) to complete my degree. It wasn't even about the money, but rather a personal goal I had set for myself. My parents were shocked (and amazed) because back then, it was uncommon for someone to go back to school after so many years. So I reflected back to that point in my life and realized...if I could find the motivation to do something like THAT, I KNOW I can push forward to build my business and create a better life.
So this past weekend, I dedicated a large amount of time to getting my 2 websites up (one for WA and another a personal blog). They aren't perfect. I know I will be changing them constantly. But that's ok. I need to not be so hard on myself. I will get there.
Through the obstacles, I found my motivation from my previous experiences. Just like with completing my degree, this is PERSONAL. And it's now MY TIME!!
So what is YOUR motivation??
Tawnya
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Thanks, debzo. I'm not sure why I felt I needed to write this, but perhaps it's a reminder to myself that I am dedicated to making this work. It won't be easy (I'd be foolish to think otherwise), but now I have something I can look back on should I lose focus again down the road.
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When I joined WA I was REALLY a newbie - not just to WA but to everything here. I didn't know any of the terminology, much less what those words meant, lol. So each little term I learn, each task I master, every little step here is a huge motivator for me because it inspires me to want to learn more and master the next task.
That is a great way to motivate yourself. Knowing each time you do something new, you are closer to mastering that skill. And with time, that mastery is going to lead to your ultimate success!!
Thanks for sharing, Dmorrow.
It really is cool to look back at where I began and realize how much I have learned and how far I have come. And yes, that is a wonderful source of motivation for me.