May motivation

It was Theodore Roosevelt who said, “Believe that you can and you’re halfway there.”

I’m not one for motivational quotations usually but I’ve been having one of those weeks when my motivation is low – yes, even coaches struggle sometimes. Should I admit that? Yes, I should! So, the idea that if I believe I can do what I need to do this week, then I’m halfway there is actually really helpful.

My To do list feels long and unwieldy yet, when I break it down, I know there’s nothing on there that is too difficult, I just haven’t been able to apply myself to it. The approach I’m going to use is one I have recommended to others over the years, that is, to separate out the urgent from the important and then to decide whether to do it, schedule it, delegate or delete it. I learned this years ago on a 7 Habits course, designed by the amazingly effective Stephen Covey. So useful.

Off we go then: task 1 is important but not urgent so I’ll schedule a time in my diary for it – and stick to it; task 2 is both important and urgent so I’ll get on and do that - done; task 3 is neither important not urgent so that can be ditched; and task 4 is urgent but not important to me, hmm, I don’t have anyone else to do it for me so I’ll diarise that for a day when I’m feeling more up to it. Having completed that, I just have two tasks in the diary, one for Monday that is important and another for another day when I have the energy for it. Sorted.

Sometimes, taking time out to look at the whole and break it down is all that is needed…along with some positive self-talk. It’s great when you can do this for yourself but if you need a sounding board or a space to say things out loud to someone else, consider a coach.

A hidden gem of beautiful luscious May blossom found in a quiet country churchyard in beautiful leafy Hampshire.