A Few Ways To Get MAD!!!

I definitely got your attention if you are reading this. I apologize if this title upsets/offends anyone; trust me, it’s not my intention to do so.

Moving on, this article is strictly for personal development and the word MAD is an acronym for Motivated, Authentic and Determined, so the title should read A Few Ways To Get Motivated, Authentic and Determined�.

The post in context:

My goal today is to describe and highlight a few ways of becoming Motivated, being Authentic and showing some Determination. I feel turning the searchlight on these factors will enhance our personal growth and development.

M) Motivated/Motivation

The free dictionary defines being motivated as a move to action. The underlying factor of motivation is a belief that success, progress and achieving whatever you’ve set out to do (goals) are possible.

Here are a few ways of getting/staying motivated:

Learn to work with and keep to deadlines

Have goal oriented targets that are feasible and realistic. Deadlines keep you focused, create a target driven mentality and above all gives you reasons for making progress.

Take a break where necessary

It’s important we get rest from the hustle and bustle of the world around us (particularly London laugh!!!) in order to recharge our human batteries. The body can only do so much so it’s important to take a break. Besides, having some form of rest in worthwhile activities allows productivity, aids in developing strategies and attempts to clarify so many issues going through your mind.

Curb your distractions

There are so many things crying out for our attention. Just switch on the television and you would see what I mean. Be very selective of what you get involved in and learn to create a productive environment which yields positive results enhancing your personal growth and development.

Always have a plan

Get organized and be prepared to handle the issues of life because things may not always go the way we want. It’s important to identify what needs to be done first and also have an alternative or back up plans breaking them into simple, doable and achievable goals.

Celebrate your achievements

Feel good about how much progress you’ve made and what steps were involved in getting you there. Celebrate your achievements no matter how little they seem. This is an important factor in getting motivated to do something again.

A) Authentic

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines the word authentic as being true to ones own personality. Being authentic is a whole post on it’s own but I would briefly highlight a few ways of being authentic in your everyday life.

Here are a few ways of being authentic:

Know yourself

Know who/what you are. Know where you come from, your background and upbringing. Know who/what you represent. If you fail to acknowledge and gather understanding about whom you are, what your talents and skills are…. it may be difficult accomplishing anything in life or becoming motivated to making progress in your life.

Wake up and smell the coffee, don’t be or live in someone elses shadows. Choose to live life for the right reasons.

Be accountable

Learn to take responsibility for all your actions either positive or negative. It fosters your personal growth and development. Try as much as you can to know what to say, when to say, how to say and when to do what you say. Be a man or woman of integrity and be known to keep your words, promises, secrets etc. Be someone who is very responsible.

Fight your obsessions

You’d notice I used the word fight to emphasize the importance of dealing with your obsessions. Obsessions could be catastrophic if not managed properly. You have to face your obsessions with so much zeal because if not under your control often lead to addictions and these range from over-eating, over-spending, excessive shopping, gambling, sex, drug abuse etc.

Tolerate People

I know there are quite a few people who can be totally annoying and energy drainers but my focus isn’t to resolve those kinds of relationships rather, it’s to remind you of the basic things in relating with people such as forgiveness, compassion, understanding…. When you build your tolerance level, you create an opportunity for building positive relationships.

Deal with your ego

This is a difficult thing to do but it’s a very important factor in being authentic. Your ego can prevent you from developing good and lasting relationships. It could also get in get in your way. Try as much as possible to keep a TAB on your ego.

D) Determined/Determination

This is the act of fixing or settling a purpose. It involves defined intentions in making, fulfilling or arriving at certain decisions in order to achieve success.

Here are a few ways to show determination:

Show consistency

Be firm and consistent in all your decisions and way of life. Get rid of all self doubts, discouragement and the habit of procrastinating important things that will shape your life’s purpose.

Manage Your Time Properly

Formulate various steps to take which will push you further into making progress and allocate the amount of time necessary to accomplish each task. Proper time management allows you to keep track of your progress and this will help in motivating you to success.

Set Goals

Break down your big goals into smaller goals which can be achieved easily. Starting with easier goals could give you the momentum needed to tackle harder goals and achieve them. Always stick to your goals and think of what can be achieved when you become successful. If you want something so bad then you should work hard for it, thus your goals should be meaningful and important to you.

Think Carefully

Think carefully before making any important decisions. Don’t be in a rush to hastily make decisions under the pressure and influence of people around you. Try as much as possible to gain control and not be easily influenced by the negative environments and conditions surrounding you. Always seek wise counsel where necessary.

In summary being MAD (Motivated, Authentic and Determined) isn’t a bad thing but rather is a useful tool for your personal development. Why not take action today to grow in motivation, be authentic and show some determination.

On a final note, I look forward to more suggestions/ways of getting MAD!!!(Motivated, Authentic and Determined).

Ayo Olaniyan is a certified Unitive Life Coach, an Accredited Professional Counsellor with the Counselling Society and the editor of The Life Skills Magazine. For further information, please complete this form.

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