The Boring, Unsexy Thing That Gives People Confidence

This one isn't a fun one.

You know how these posts go, by now.

Sometimes it's motivational, sometimes it's metaphorical, a lot of the time it's reflective and a little of the time it's hyper nitty-gritty detailed and tactical.No matter how the information gets out, it's usually about doing more or increasing output.In general, we each tend to focus on the output alone and forget the other factors that exist alongside it.This is not a post about focusing on less.This is a post about using what you have until it's spent.

This is a post about being patient with others, with yourself, and with the world around you as you move through it.

The hard part isn't understanding the problem or even taking action--lots of people make it that far.The hard part is executing again and again and again.The hard part is continuing on, even when it's boring or when it looks like you're not going to make it.The hard part is not doing some of it without doing all of it.The hard part is showing up every day.Drip.Drip.Drip.

2 Minute Action

What's the boring, unsexy part of your day?Exercise?Phone calls?Paperwork?You pick.Do that first.You will build trust with yourself, which will lead to confidence and achievement.

The Most Helpful Thing You Can Do For Someone

The best thing you can do for someone you work with, your partner, your client, your pastor, or your Uber driver isn't what you think.It's about providing honest, useful feedback.It needs to come from a place of collaboration.

When you respond with collaboration in mind, it's easier to use the right words and tone.

That all comes after the feeling.It's changing the feeling that's hard.It's easy to respond in anger or frustration.It's not the first thing that comes to mind, but it can be blunt.It's not aggressive but it is assertive.

It's up to you to be helpful to the people around you.

It's up to you to train those around you--because no one else is going to do it.If you're not being honest, respectful, and helpful . . . you're not helping.

2 Minute Action

Think about someone you're spending time with, at work, at home, who recently asked for your opinion about something.First person that comes to mind, we're going for speed.What did you tell them?What could you add, right now, in a text or an email, that would reinforce the tone of collaboration?Here's a quick sample you can steal and use, today:"Hey, was just thinking about you. In fact, I was thinking about the whole conversation we had. Having a bit more time to think, here's what's on my mind:  . . . . . .  Anyway, hope this helps. In the meantime, I'm really glad we're on the same team. Talk soon."

The 2 Underlying (And Overlooked) Components of Motivation

Your motivation changes with 2 critical things.When something is scarce or rare, we tend to want it more.When something is urgent, we tend to take action more.Combined, these are a marketing force to be reckoned with.

This information can either be interesting or it can also be useful.

You can use this understanding to avoid feeling pressured into buy those widgets when there are only 6 left and the sale ends tonight.You can use this understanding to prepare for the inevitable internal battle with eating junk food or exercising.Now that you know this information, what will you do?

2 Minute Action

If you’ve been trying to do something for a long time and have been failing, ask yourself: what will be different about it, this time?You should be able to come up with an answer in 2 minutes.Even just one new idea will set up your path and help give you the motivation to follow through.