Finding Self Motivation

So we all crave freedom… freedom from bosses, freedom from to-do’s, freedom from responsibility.  It’s one of the greatest advantages of building a working less, earning more lifestyle… freedom.  But a funny thing happens when you reconstruct your life around freedom.  You find yourself seeking new goals, new challenges, new mountains to climb.

Invariably you’ll start writing new to-do lists, new goals, new achievements you want to turn into reality.  You’ll get excited by these goals but will suddenly learn a strange new lesson.  Nobody is looking over your shoulder to make those goals happen.  There is no boss threatening to fire you.  There are no real consequences if your goals slip.  That’s where self motivation comes into play, and it truly is a key ingredient to making on the Bold Road of life.

I must admit I struggled with self motivation at first.  It really surprised me because I’m an action oriented guy.  But missing a couple of self-imposed deadlines and only having to answer to myself was weird.  I could basically let myself off the hook and make a deal to perform better next time.  This slippery slope can turn an action oriented fellow into an excuse filled non-doer quicker than you think.

So what did it really take to start making self imposed deadlines?  Well, I learned to hold myself accountable.  For example, I’ll actually write deadlines in my planner.  If the deadline is missed, I’ll put in a few extra hours before easing back into leisure time.  Find a system that works for you.  Just find one before you feel like firing yourself for failure to deliver on self-imposed goals!