Motivation Mojo or How to be a successful flip flop.

Zig Ziglar said: "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."

It is amazing how many of us expect motivation to just be there. Always. Without putting in the work to keep it there. I wonder where we got that idea from? Certainly I used to fall into that trap on a regular basis.

I am a starter. I am ideas. I am "ooh new and shiny!" That is my nature. I find it hard to finish things, I find it hard not to get distracted, I find it hard to maintain my motivation after the initial excitement has waned.

For years I used to beat myself up about that. It was also a stick with which others beat me. I had no resilience. I had no follow through. I was flaky. A flip flop.

Does this resonate?

I know that I am by no means alone. There is a whole bunch of us out there who have this as our "default" setting. It's ok. We're ok.

We are the ones who come up with the ideas so that the planners, the doers can follow it through - they are often not ideas people (I said often, don't shoot me, I know there are exceptions). We are the ones unafraid of ditching something that isn't working rather than doggedly sticking with something because we started. We are (often) the early adopters, the way pavers, the pioneers. Not always. I'm very cautious. Some say too cautious, maybe.

For us, motivation is particularly difficult. And Zig was right, oh so right. We have to reconnect with out "WHY" for doing things very regularly. We have to mix up our strategies - we can't stick with one exercise regime, one menu plan for too long or else BOREDOM will strike and we will give up. We have to enlist help from our more determined friends and colleagues. We have to delegate the boring planning detail stuff.

And we have to stand steadfast in front of the naysayers who say we have no resilience.

I have supported loved ones through terminal illnesses, dealt with the deaths of those that meant most to me starting at the age of 5, I have discovered a new angle to grief through the suicide of a near relative, gone through divorce, near bankruptcy, depression, work upheavals, financial issues - don't tell me I'm not resilient. I'm as tough as old boots. My apparent inability to see things through has nothing to do with resilience.

I just like variety and shiny new ideas.

I know how to keep my motivation topped up daily for the things that really matter to ME to complete. I have learnt strategies for getting things done that others believe it is important for me to complete even when I don't. I also know why I avoid completing some things more than others which enables me to override my "default" setting.

And now I teach others how to do the same. With a large dollop of self-acceptance. Because it's ok to be a flip flop as long as you know how to be a Laboutin when required.