The Law of Motivation

Most of us are motivated by one of two things desperation or inspiration.

Usually we wait until we are desperate before we get serious about changing something in our lives. The doctor says stop smoking and start eating right or die, the bill collectors are calling, children are out of control, or a spouse is walking out the door.

Inspiration, on the other hand, comes from looking ahead, anticipating what is coming and getting motivated to prepare for the rest of your life.

The Law of Looking Back

Looking back before you look ahead can help create and build motivation. Look back on the last three months of your life. If you like what you see, don't get too comfortable and rest on your laurels. Keep doing what you have been doing or do even more of what has been working.

If you don't like what you see, it's time to make some changes.

The Law of Remaining the Same

If you continue to do the things you've always done, you'll get the same results you've always gotten. Ask yourself what life will be like a month from now if you keep doing what you've been doing. What about six months from now? A year? Two years? I'm willing to bet it's not a pretty sight.

The Law of Looking Ahead

Begin to take actions today that can propel you into a future worth looking forward to. Turn the previous questions around. What would it be like a month, six months, one year, two years from now if you took the necessary actions each day to achieve your goals? That can be worth working toward.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com