How do you use motivation to coach toward your goals?

This is where many people get stuck. The reason being is we are so conditioned by our parents and society as to what we “should” value it’s hard for people to decipher underneath all that conditioning what they really want. We’re conditioned to believe wealth, status, monetary and corporate ladder success will make us happy when in fact research has shown these “successes” create short moments of happiness in the beginning but can actually create even more stress in the long run. We link our self-worth and happiness to these things so when they’re going well we feel great but when they’re not we can feel awful. Fulfilment comes from love, connection and contribution to those in need. If we focused on that the world would be a better place.

Understanding your "why" refers to identifying and comprehending the deeper purpose, motivations, and values that drive you in your personal and professional endeavors. It involves introspection and reflection to gain clarity about what truly inspires and fulfills you. Understanding your "why" provides a deeper sense of purpose and clarity. It serves as a guiding force to make decisions, set goals, and pursue endeavors that align with your values and bring fulfillment to your life.

This is by far the most important piece to be able to achieve your goals. So often we have no idea what we really want so we aimlessly move in a direction without real clarity on what we want or why we are doing something. When we start with a clear WHY for our life (personal and professional) we can use that for direction when we feel stuck. "Is doing this in support of my WHY?" If it is a clear NO, then you have your answer. Start with clarity on your WHY.

Our goals need to connect to our emotions too. It helps increase motivation and momentum. Including specific detail about what we see, hear and feel when we have our outcome activates the reticular activating system and lights up the creative mind. Add in regular visualisation, our goal becomes embedded into our unconscious mind - which is the goal getter. Plus readjust - having flexibility about how we reach our goals. And we have SMARTER goal setting.

A simple trick to harnessing your internal motivation is to envision yourself after reaching your goal. How is your life different than it is today? How do you feel? How do you carry yourself? (Do you walk a little taller?) Use this vision to motivate you to keep working toward your goal!

You will only be able to find intrinsic motivation if you REALLY WANT to do the thing. If it does not bring you joy or it is not something you are passionate about, it will be harder to be motivated. Why do you really want to do the thing? What is the result and what does getting that thing add to your life? A smile? A feeling of accomplishment? Start there, and see where it leads you.

Personal development is hard work. Celebrating every day wins and regularly recognizing progress is a powerful way to stay motivated. Unfortunately, this isn’t common. It’s easy to focus on how far you think you have to go and ignore small wins. A skilled coach will regularly review progress, notice your wins and celebrate them with you.

As you start to work towards your goal, you might find that you no longer want to do the thing you set out to day. You might find that you have learned the goal you are trying to obtain is not making you happy, so ask yourself why. It's like reading a bad book and you keep reading it because you want to mark it on your "read" list, and yet you are miserable. Why do you have to finish that book? Keep goals (and books) that you enjoy the journey of, and readjust if necessary. Life is short.