A Proud Tradition of Excellence
Staying Motivated In The Midst Of Madness
by Julie Bartkus
These are strategies that I incorporate into my life on a regular basis to help keep me filled with positive energy and motivation to keep on keeping on. Yes, even when I'm stranded in an airport far away from home after four days of touring several states. I hope they help you.
· Listen to music that you love. Can you think of at least one song that instantly puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step? Music has the power to lift your spirits. Put all the songs that you love on one tape, and make several copies. Take a copy with you wherever you go, and listen to it when you need a boost!
· Attend an uplifting musical or play. Years ago, I went to see Roads, a production by Up With People. They're a fabulous group consisting of 700 students (ages 17-25) from over 30 countries. Their mission is to bring the world together through international travel, musical performances and community service. They perform all around the world, touring from state to state on buses. To find out when they'll be in your area call 800/596-7353, or visit their web site, www.upwithpeople.org.
· Keep a journal. Write in it all the things that you're thankful for and the things you're looking forward to doing every day. Use it to vent your frustrations and to strategize how to overcome your obstacles.
· Call someone who is a pure joy to speak with. I love to call my niece, Amber. She lifts my spirits immediately. We tell each other how much we miss and love each other and we even occasionally -- OK, most of the time -- break out in song. We have a lot of fun.
· Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good. If you love flowers, don't wait for someone else to buy them for you, buy them for yourself. Know that you're worth it, and you deserve to be treated special. Treat yourself to a massage, movie or a quiet walk in the park.
· Read an inspirational passage from one of your favorite books daily. Reading can help you to change your perception, which changes your mood. Read The Twelfth Angel or The Greatest Miracle in the World written by Og Mandino. Read Chicken Soup for the Soul (there's many of them to choose from -- I'm sure you can find one tailored to your soul) written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
· Do something really fun at least once a week. I know -- you love your job and it's fun; however, I recommend digging deeper within yourself to find out what you really enjoy doing. Too often we grow up and forget about what we really have a blast doing. Climb a tree, build a sand castle at the beach, go for a long drive without a specific destination, or whatever you have fun doing. The point is to do it for the fun involved -- the pure joy of the moment.
If you find that these strategies help you feel more motivated, take a few minutes and share them with your staff or parents.
© 2001-2006 Julie Bartkus. All Rights Reserved. Julie Bartkus is an author, speaker, consultant and coach.
For speaker availability or for information CONTACT US or call us now at 800.211.5671.
· Listen to music that you love. Can you think of at least one song that instantly puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step? Music has the power to lift your spirits. Put all the songs that you love on one tape, and make several copies. Take a copy with you wherever you go, and listen to it when you need a boost!
· Attend an uplifting musical or play. Years ago, I went to see Roads, a production by Up With People. They're a fabulous group consisting of 700 students (ages 17-25) from over 30 countries. Their mission is to bring the world together through international travel, musical performances and community service. They perform all around the world, touring from state to state on buses. To find out when they'll be in your area call 800/596-7353, or visit their web site, www.upwithpeople.org.
· Keep a journal. Write in it all the things that you're thankful for and the things you're looking forward to doing every day. Use it to vent your frustrations and to strategize how to overcome your obstacles.
· Call someone who is a pure joy to speak with. I love to call my niece, Amber. She lifts my spirits immediately. We tell each other how much we miss and love each other and we even occasionally -- OK, most of the time -- break out in song. We have a lot of fun.
· Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good. If you love flowers, don't wait for someone else to buy them for you, buy them for yourself. Know that you're worth it, and you deserve to be treated special. Treat yourself to a massage, movie or a quiet walk in the park.
· Read an inspirational passage from one of your favorite books daily. Reading can help you to change your perception, which changes your mood. Read The Twelfth Angel or The Greatest Miracle in the World written by Og Mandino. Read Chicken Soup for the Soul (there's many of them to choose from -- I'm sure you can find one tailored to your soul) written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
· Do something really fun at least once a week. I know -- you love your job and it's fun; however, I recommend digging deeper within yourself to find out what you really enjoy doing. Too often we grow up and forget about what we really have a blast doing. Climb a tree, build a sand castle at the beach, go for a long drive without a specific destination, or whatever you have fun doing. The point is to do it for the fun involved -- the pure joy of the moment.
If you find that these strategies help you feel more motivated, take a few minutes and share them with your staff or parents.
© 2001-2006 Julie Bartkus. All Rights Reserved. Julie Bartkus is an author, speaker, consultant and coach.
For speaker availability or for information CONTACT US or call us now at 800.211.5671.