From: df2tg2n@ties.bell-atl.com (Steve Rosen)
Newsgroups: alt.self-improve
Subject: Re: Motivational Tips Needed
Date: 28 Sep 92 18:36:31 GMT
Reply-To: df2tg2n@shoes.bell-atl.com
Organization: Bell Atlantic - Phila, PA

In article <1992Sep28.141608.9175@bnr.ca>, Joan Balser writes:
|> Is there anyone out there on the net who could give me some suggestions on how
|> to keep motivated towards my goals?  One week I could be committed to 
|> it and the next week I feel really burnt out.  I don't know if this has  to do
|> with being a woman  but my moods seem to change from day to day.  I feel
|> physcially tired and cannot seem to get the drive to carry out my committment. 
|> Could it be I'm trying to do too much at one time?
|> 
|> Thanks for your comments.
|> 
|> Joan  

That brings to mind something that I always wonder about.  How can you
objectively tell the difference between something that you are committed to
and something you just would "like or wish" to happen - or better yet the
word "expectations" come to mind.

The answer is pretty easy.  Any it may be in this definition that you find
your answer.  Here is an example... Suppose a guy/gal is an amateur athlete
and decides one day that he wants to become an olympic goal medal winner. 
He trains and trains for a couple years and then tries out for the team and
doesn't make it.  He then says "ah, I'll never make it, it's not worth the
hassle and effort".  He quits and goes on to do something else.  Now
suppose after the first failure he is very disappointed and then says "I'm
going to train harder" and does, and 4 years later he tries out for the
team again - and he makes it, but never wins any medals in the olympics. 
Then he goes off and trains for 4 more years and finally makes the team and
wins a medal. The guy who does that is committed to achieving the out come
he desires.  The first example is a guy who expected to become an olympic
athlete and never did, so he gave up trying.

There is a simple difference between these two types.  A committed person's
actions always line-up behind his goals - until he achieves them.  It's his
actions that indicate his committement to a goal.  And just because he
fails to achieve his goal or takes a day off or feels burnt-out or that all
hope is lost, he doesn't let it mean anything.  He doesn't let it mean he's
a failure, he's not worthy, it's impossible or he can't do it - all it
means is he didn't achieve his goal and that has nothing to do with his
committment to his goal. And a committed person will do *anything* in his
power to achieve his goal leaving no stone unturned or will not venture
down any path if he thinks his goal might waits there.

Take Thomas Edison for example - that guy was committed!  The way he went
about inventing the lightbulb is the ultimately example.  That guy knew the
outcome was certain, it was only a matter of what actions he had to take
that would produce the desire result.  Any this is probably the most
important point.

So being burned out has nothing at all with being comitted - unless you use
it as an excuse to not behave in the manner that will carry you to your
goals. If you do, then you are not committed.


-- 
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             Steve Rosen / Consultant @ Bell Atlantic, Phila, PA
               {Voice}: (215) 466-2061, {FAX}: (215) 563-0517
                     E-Mail: steve.rosen@bell-atl.com

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