Today I’d like to share an excerpt from the chapter I was invited to write for a wonderful new edition of the book “Behind Her Brand.”  (Available now!)

Here’s the question posed to me: “Staying motivated when things don’t seem to be coming to together is a challenge at times. How do you motivate yourself? What would you advise someone else?” And here was my answer:

“I depend on my daily personal development practice as my model for success. No one can prevent me from meditating, from practicing yoga and staying in shape, or from reading for wisdom and inspiration. These are my at-home priorities at which I can always succeed, and that sets the pace for what I do in business.

“This overall practice helps me turn fear into faith, and disappointment into innovation. When something happens that I would prefer not to have happening, or when I was expecting a different outcome, I am quick to let go of my preferences and expectations. Instead of complaining, resenting, or expecting the worst, I can feel curiosity about how this latest unfavorable event might lead to a better opportunity or result than I had imagined.

“I also focus on the vision I’ve created for my business.  I have a very clear and compelling vision that I refine on a regular basis.  Having clarity on what I choose to create is a driver for me. It drives my discipline, my actions and my courage.  Having a clear, compelling vision coupled with my personal development practice allows me to not only stay motivated … but to raise my motivation level to new heights!”

What about you? How do you motivate yourself?  Take some time to think about this and perhaps even journal about it.   What actions are you taking that support your self-motivation? What can you do to improve in this area?

The ability to respond on our terms is not always easy … yet worth the commitment.   My theme for 2017, “Something good will come of this,” is a great example of how this attitude plays out in my life.  Give it a try: Choose a theme, phrase or quote you can use to let go of your pre-conceived ideas of good and bad or right and wrong … to find acceptance in the way things are and take action to respond on your terms.

Learning practices to keep your vision clear and motivation high is a trained skill.  It doesn’t just happen … it’s purposeful.  Make a commitment to your personal development and see how this positively impacts all areas of your life.