Problems are like computer cables

Are you still fired up at the thought of what this new year and this new decade will bring for you? Or did it evaporate as soon as you walked through the front door of the office?

If you are struggling with motivation today, consider some little things that may help you to get started again.

Goals:
Read your goal list - does it inspire you? Re-write your goal list so that it does - break down one of your goals into some easier to achieve steps - then take one of the steps and break it down again into some tasks that you can do now.

We may be struggling with our goals because they seem too far out of reach at the moment. What seemed like a good idea at the time, on reflection may see you ducking for cover. That's ok, just remember, you are never defeated - unless you give up completely.

Problems and issues:
Do you have a lot of "problems" you can't seem to get to the bottom of?

Well, problems are like computer cables. Laid out in rows they are easily traced back to their origins and un-hooking a component is a breeze. But when your cables are snagged and twisted around each other it may seem impossible to sort out. But by taking one cable at a time, you can trace it - eventually back to its source and you can unplug it and remove it. By untangling one cable you can usually untangle many of the others too. But pulling on the cables, throwing tantrums and bits of equipment rarely solves the problem - and yes, usually makes them worse (if you've ever tried untangling cables when you've been in a temper you will know what I mean).

Any problem that you are facing right now can be sorted out - if you follow it back to the source, untangling it as you go.

By looking at and dealing with one "cable" at a time, by working out what caused the tangle in the first place and then putting strategies into place so it doesn't happen again, you can move forwards.

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Week one in review:
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Today marks the end of week 1 for 2010.

* What have you achieved so far that you are proud of?
* What do you intend to achieve within the next 7 days?

If you ask yourself these kinds of questions at determined points - (good times are end of the week, end of the month, end of 3 months and of course 6, 9 and 12 months) can keep you on track to achieve your goals like nothing else can.

So, get into the habit of asking yourself these questions. Using some kind of diary system, spend some time every day and write down your significant achievements of the day. It can make a huge impact on your
a) attitude
b) your goal achievements
c) motivation to continue to achieve many great things.

And what do I mean by "significant?" well that is entirely up to you. It may be that you went to the gym when you didn't feel like going, or writing the report you've delayed writing for whatever reason. Remember, it's the little things which, when added up can make a huge difference.