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How to stay motivated when the road is long…

By May 2, 2012August 25th, 2018No Comments

In preparing for an upcoming move myself, I started thinking more about the impact my life has had on my moving strategy. I counted, and this will be the 26th time I’ve moved, which basically qualifies me as a moving expert or professional (in my mind anyways). This time I will be searching for the best edinburgh apartments for rent and well, when you move that much, the actions become automatic and make sense because you are constantly in moving preparation mode.

Moving makes us stressed, less organized, exhausted, and just plain cranky. Finding new health-care providers, coordinating schools for our kids, and developing new routines take time, so flexibility from our employers goes a long way. Moving an office can be stressful as well and relocating for a job (essentially moving house and office) is even more of a hassle. Check out APA’s Help Center for resources on dealing with stress.

Yes, moving is a pain. But it can also be a time to simplify your life. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way that can help keep you organized so you’re not overwhelmed. Maintaining some semblance of normalcy during your move will help you juggle your work and home demands, even though your entire life is packed away in boxes.

My two nieces, ages 10 and 11, ran in the KidsRock marathon. It’s 25 miles of individual running spread out over time and a 1.2 mile race, with the neighboring schools, run on the same course that the 1/2 and full marathon will be run the following morning. Driving to pasta load (for me) after KidsRock, with one of the award winning runners, we discussed how to stay focused when running a long distance and how to keep going even when you don’t feel like it.

Abby: Aunt Sue, what do you do to stay motivated (her words, not mine … yes, she is gifted!) when you run?
Me: Ummm.
I was embarrassed to not have a quick answer.

What do I do? I’ve thought about it and here is my list:

1. I focus on what I’ve accomplished and not on what I still have to go. (Yay! Two miles down; more than 1/7 of the race is finished!)
2. I compete. I remind myself that if all those other (30,000) people can do it, I can do. And at least as fast as most of them.
3. I only allow happy thoughts. Corny, but true. If something that I’m dealing with in my life that isn’t so great enters my mind, I replace it as quickly as possible with something more fun, more interesting, more inspirational.
4. I keep my mind busy. I read the posters that supporters on the side of the course hold up, or runners wear on their backs. One of my favorites from this race was “Life is short. Running only makes it seem long.” Another fav: “You’re not going to win. But you’re all winners.” And another hanging from the balcony of an apartment building: “Believe in yourself, Amy.” And, “I run like a girl. Try to keep up.”
5. I think about the huge, wonderful breakfast I’m going to devour when I’m done (Pancake Pantry in Nashville and my own juice I prepare with a juicer I got online, read more here!)
6. I think about the team. My husband, nieces and nephew were waiting at the finish line. Letting them down wasn’t an option.

If I were a motivational speaker*, here is how I would say it:
•Stay focused on the outcome.
•Feel confident the goal can be accomplished.
•Be positive.
•Have fun.
•Celebrate success.
•Teamwork makes everything easier.

Motivate yourself and others to do the best work by focusing on what you do to stay the course. What do you do? Tell us?!

*Motivational speakers, to me, are folks who have overcome awful odds and survived. Hearing their stories reminds us that we have no excuses. I am grateful beyond measure that I have no story like that to tell.

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