Self Improvement Daily Podcast

I read a great article called “How to keep productivity high when motivation is low”, by Haley Hoffman Smith and I wanted to share the highlights. Whether we’re not making as much progress on something as we expected, or we don’t feel creative and we’re running short on ideas, motivation escapes us all but it’s important to still be able to get the work done in those moments. 

Haley suggested a 4 step program to stay productive when low on motivation

1. Create a to-do lists when energized. Use the focus and energy you have to create accountability for when you don’t have the energy. She even shares a tactic about writing a note to yourself on that list, so when you look at it in a low motivation state, you are reminded of your intentions and reasons for doing it.

2. Work with a coach or accountability partner. Accountability is a big word for me. I have the self-awareness to know that I am at my best when I need to answer to other people. I imagine you might be the same.

3. Eliminate Distractions. Nir Eyal, author of the book we’ve talked at length about, Indistractable. A reminder about the tactic we can all use to eliminate distraction, time-boxing. Schedule what you want to do in your day so that you know when you’re off task and distracted.

4. Switch up the workspace. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to jump-start your work flow. Or, visit places you know are designated for work. For me, that’s the desk in my room, I only go there when it’s time to get after it.

In sum, Haley Hoffman Smith stated, “Motivation is often hard to pin down, ever-changing and available at some periods of our lives more than others. Each season of our life serves a purpose. If you need rest and reflection more than you need to be productive, honor yourself. You may return to your work more productive than ever”.

Monday, we started off being thankful for our health. The reality is, the baseline functions of our bodies is something we should appreciate because not everyone has it. The fact that we can go through life, in minimal pain, and full autonomy is a special gift.

Tuesday, we were thankful for our comfort. The roof over our head, the clothes on our back, the water in our faucet, these basic amenities are so pivotal to our livelihood and we don’t think about how lucky we are to have these utilities. In these early winter months I have definitely have started appreciating a cozy warm bed.

Wednesday, we were thankful for our freedom. Our ability to make our own decisions, express ourselves as we see necessary, and enjoy independence is a privilege that generations of people have sacrificed for. Being mindful of the freedom we have, and understanding the cost and alternatives that exist, help me to truly be grateful for the freedom I have in my life.

Thursday, was Thanksgiving, and I was so grateful for the people in my life. I got to enjoy time with my mom, grandmother, brother, nephew sister-in law, and extended family. I received a lot of great messages and shared many of my own, just out of appreciation for the role we play in others lives. Thanksgiving is becoming one of my favorite holidays because it gives you an excuse to tell so many people that you love and care.

Friday, we finished with freedom for opportunity. Our lives are in progress, and it’s so exciting to think about our futures and everything we are yet to experience. I have faith that the perfect path is laying out before me, and I can’t wait to walk in those steps. I am grateful that every new day represents new opportunities, making life always a joy to experience.

I am thankful that my work is in progress and that the best things I will ever do are still to come. I have a future that will unfold so perfectly for me, and I can’t wait to see what life has in store. In my life, I am going to meet my kids, strengthen my relationships, amplify my impact, feel new emotions, and see new sights. It is amazing to think about the unknown and the undiscovered.

I am grateful that I have the foresight to consider that. Like what will I be doing on August 14th, 2031? I can’t wait to find out! And the fact that it’s all going to be a big surprise until it happens makes life that much more interesting.

I choose to see life as abundant, where there is no limit to opportunity or access to resources in the world. I am so thankful that there is more than enough for all of us  that we can work together to lift each other up and accomplish more.

If you find yourself in a bottleneck, or struggling in some area, find solace that the answer is always out there. If you don’t see it yet you’ll come to appreciate it too.

What do I appreciate? The abundance and opportunity there is in this world. 

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s a day dedicated to enjoying time with loved ones, reflecting on memories, and going back to your roots. And that’s why I wanted to save what I am most grateful for, for today.

What do I appreciate? I appreciate the people in my life, because it wouldn’t nearly as enjoyable without them.

First, my I am thankful for my family, my mom and her commitment to others, my dad and his support and guidance. I am also thankful for my brother and the example he sets for me, my grandma and her inspiration, as well as my nephew, my sister in law, and her family. I know that family just means you share some of the same genes and I won the lottery having them implanted by default in my life.  

I am grateful for my partner Irene. She makes me feel like the most special person in the world, because she is always brightening my day with her infectious smile, and abundance of energy and unconditional acceptance.

I am also grateful for my friends. The fun they add to my life while encouraging me to accomplish more and be better. They are both the worst and best thing that ever happened to you by keeping you up too late, talking a little too loud, but helping you to live more.

When it comes down to it, I believe that the best things in life are better when shared with others, and I am so grateful for my little pod of people who add so much to my life. Who are you grateful for in your life?

I am grateful for the freedom I have in the United States of America, and the generations of heroes who have put everything on the line for me. I have the freedom to form my own opinions and share my perspective. I have the freedom to stand up for what I believe in. There are people in this world who aren’t allowed to express themselves without consequence, and I am grateful that I exist in a free world.

I am grateful for my personal freedom. I get to make decisions on what I think is best for my family and I like where I spend my money, how I spend my time, and what I want to do. And while people might disagree with my decisions, or feel like they are misguided, they are mine to make. I choose the future of my life, and that’s a special privilege to have.

And last, I am free from my own self-induced limitations. It has taken a lot of hard work, but I have overcome the limiting beliefs that stifled my ambition. I can dare to dream without taking the voice of my inner critic too seriously, and can step into a life with purpose and meaning. I get to pursue personal growth because I am allowing myself to be free in my own head space. This type of freedom takes time and I am only partly on my way. You are capable of it too if you so choose to prioritize it.

I am so thankful for my freedom. How about you?

I am grateful for my comfort. I always knew I had it good, but it wasn’t until some volunteer trips I went on in the last 6 months that I realized how good I have it. I am grateful that I have access to clean water, and can basically get water whenever I want without a second thought.  I am grateful that I have a bedroom with insulation, so that in the cold winter months I can stay warm and get a full night’s sleep. I am grateful for my car, and how I have the ability to transport myself anywhere, avoiding a ton of physical exertion and delays to do the things I need to do.

There are people in this world that don’t have access to the simple things I just listed, and if you are fortunate enough to have clean water, a house, and transportation, then it’s important to appreciate the quality of your life. Imagine the stress you’d be under if you had to worry about where your next meal was coming from. Or, if you were constantly worried about your safety. Also, if you are struggling in either of those areas, then try to be grateful for the strength you have that helps you through this difficult time. 

Every day, we receive the benefits from basic amenities that aren’t so basic. 36% of the world’s population live in extreme poverty. 

What do I appreciate? The comfort I have in my life, from the roof over my head to the gas in my tank, that greatly improves the quality of my life.

Today, I am grateful for my health and my body. I woke up and I was able to see with fully functioning vision. I could get out of bed under my own power and hold my own weight as I stood.  I could use my voice to communicate with others, and I could feed myself a nutritious breakfast. Each one of the actions I listed, is a gift. There are people in this world who cannot perform certain daily activities, and would give anything to have your physical capabilities. We often lose sight of these things because they are givens in our life, but I want to be sure it’s not taken for granted because it really is a gift that we can rely on our bodies without thought.

The same thing goes for our brains, and mind. Our cognitive abilities, like our ability to speak, our ability to hold memories, and our ability to rationalize and problem solve, are in play in our lives on a daily basis. However, that doesn’t go for everyone. Let’s appreciate our quality of life, and our body’s strength, because there are those who don’t have the same luxury.

What do I appreciate? My health, and my body’s ability to perform, because life would be so different without it.

Coming from my guy at Positive Thinking Only, the quote is ,“There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy”.

There’s something really interesting about life. We exist in it and have become acclimated to our surroundings. We count on the sun rising, every day we hear birds chirping, and at least once we catch a glimpse of someone’s smile.  These moments don’t stand out because they’re a given in our world and we became desensitized to it. Let’s take a step back and act like we don’t know anything.

The sun rises every morning. It's miraculous that there is something so brilliant in the sky that it lights up every particle of darkness, and it is so powerful that we feel it’s heat from 93 million miles away. The birds are chirping, which means that there is life. From two cells and an intricate process formed an animal that is interacting with its environment. Also, someone’s smile. While it might seem forced and uncomfortable, it is the product of a lifetime of experience, and was different than any other smile in any other moment.

I saw a really powerful video about a 60-year-old man, who lived his entire life color blind, but was given special glasses that let him see the world like we all do for the first time. He was overcome with joy and emotion to look at the very sights we see every day. I’m not asking you to see life as if it were your first time, but I am asking you to notice the beauty that is inherently around us. Appreciate the joy that is built into every moment, whether we notice it or not.