Motivation Information |
Keep the Channel Open
Why do you do what you do? What is your real work in the world, and why is it important to know the answer? I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I have started and run several businesses, and as I look back, I think the most important element in financial and personal success is awareness of purpose and the capacity to stay open to it. Many years ago I was a participant in a seminar. At the end, the leader took us through a guided meditation in which we asked ourselves, "What is my purpose for doing the work I do, in my relationships, and for being alive in this time and place?" The word 'connection' popped up in my mind, and it felt right. My work then and now is helping people manage conflict with power and grace, and about removing the barriers to connection. Outside of work, as well, I want my actions to reflect this purpose. So when the word came up in the meditation all those years ago, it gave a name to something I already recognized. My work is still about connection. On rough days, knowing this keeps me going. On good days, when life flows, it is reaffirmed. It doesn't matter whether it makes sense to anyone else. My life is about connection. What about you? What purpose underlies your work and your life? Is it Creativity? Compassion? Diversity? Empowerment? Relationship? Health? Beauty? Spirituality? Love? These concepts occur as I think of friends and colleagues and their work in the world. Like peeling an onion, the external layers of our work are the activities we engage in. Each layer moves us closer to a central purpose that is behind the time and effort we expend, and behind the gratitude with which we celebrate our success. So take some time today to give yourself a gift. Close your eyes, relax, and ask your inner wisdom what your work is really about. Then keep that in front of you as a beacon. Refine it, nurture it, and hold it close at hand. This is essentially what each of us is called to do -- to explore and to discover our fundamental motivation, not just occasionally but every day, and with every decision. You'll rediscover, reinvent and revitalize your work, moment to moment. And you'll have fun doing it. I wish you good energy. ----------------- There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action. . . You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that activate you. Keep the channel open. Martha Graham, dancer, choreographer ----------------- © 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training About the Author: Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. Judy is also a black belt in aikido, and is writing her first book on the connection between aikido, conflict, and living a more purposeful life. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.JudyRinger.com Note: You're welcome to reprint this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to judy@judyringer.com.
MORE RESOURCES: Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting |
RELATED ARTICLES
If Not Now, When? How many times have you made excuses for putting off something you really needed or wanted to do? Probably too many times to count. It is all too easy to get in the habit of putting the desires of your heart on hold. If The Fear Fits...Dont Wear It! Undoubtedly one of the most challenging tasks we can face everyday is fighting the fear of failure. At one time or another every single person has had to face the fear of stepping out into an unfamiliar area and leaving his comfort zone and entering the twilight zone. Have You Ever Not Done Something Because Someone Said You Couldnt? "Every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible." It's a beautiful spring day that I am writing this and it's at this time of year that I get motivated about what the rest of the year holds. Discover The Spark That Motivates You In Business and Life Can There Be Any Other Business Like Your Own Business?"Whatever you persistently allow to occupy your thoughts will magnify in your life."-Dennis Kimbro, PhD. Beginnings Arent As Complicated As They Seem Beginnings are seldom as complicated as they seem. You know what I mean by "complicated - the dates and the duties and the things-to-be-remembered, the stuff that piles onto your plate with a new project or obligation. Is Your Passion Fizzling Out? Starting a business or project is one thing, keeping it running successfully is another issue.Do you recall the initial enthusiasm, drive and passion you had, when you were working on setting up your business or project?You spent countless hours working on it, researching about it, making calls to people whose assistance you required, dreamed about it and even told everyone who could listen about it?do you recall that passion?You had the commitment, determination and the passion to make it happen. Just Do It! If you run a business like I do, you probably have limited time to do all the things you need to do each day. In order to make sure I get to exercise each day, I have to get up BEFORE the chickens do - between 4:30 AM and 5AM. Increase Your Energy! It was only about 18 months ago that I could not even keep up with a 90-year old's energy levels. At my partner's family functions, I often sat with his grandmother who, by the end of the evening, was still lively and chirpy while I was barely able to keep my eyes open. 4 Qualities of Highly Successful People What if you can be, do or have anything you want, what would you desire in your life?Now do you believe it can happen? Yes? No? In the words of Henry Ford, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right."Well then what actually happens for those people who do seem to get everything they desire?Let's take a closer look. Are You in Touch With Your Inner M? "M" is for Motivation.What motivates you to do a good job?Is it a sense of achievement?Recognition for a job well done?Helping people?Desire for responsibility?Solving problems?Making more money?You should give some thought to what motivates you to do your job better and allows you to feel a real sense of job satisfaction. Motivation: How to Get Unstuck Have you ever felt stuck?You know the feeling - you're not happy with a situation, you know it could be better, you've even tried to make it better. But all of your best efforts still end with the "same old-same old" feeling - STUCK!Well, you are not alone, it's a very big club. Do You Know Which Door To Open? Do you remember that old television program that gave the contestant the opportunity to choose one of three doors and receive whatever was behind the door?I was reminded of this television program the other day when I was pondering a decision I was struggling to make. My usual process for decision-making is to make a list of pros and cons, revisiting and revising the list every couple of days. Can Pain Be A Motivator? Carol was a new client. She had been looking for a job for several weeks and wasn't having much success. Rebirth from the Ashes The legend of the phoenix can actually be found in several belief systems. It can be traced back to ancient Egypt when it was then known as "Bennu" or Bynw", a symbol of the sun god Osiris. Free Will To The Rescue Today's society and your private world are the results of free will. We have arrived here today through intention, ignorance or abuse. Thinking for Success - The Same Method Does Not Work For Everyone I am always concerned that there are so many books available on the subject of being successful, but unfortunately many of these books are read and then discarded.It is very important that when you purchase a book on any subject that the author is an expert in his or her field. Regret or Passion? Which Will Be Yours? I once attended a retreat on how to live with passion and fulfill one's life's work. The facilitator posed the question, "If money was not an issue, yet you had to work full-time, what would you do?" Answering this question was a turning point for me. Procrastination: Hypnosis Can Help You Overcome It I recently saw a t-shirt with the following saying: "Procrastinate later." I had a great laugh. A Burning Desire "Mommy, he's doing it again." I yelled as I came running into the kitchen where I knew I would find Mother. The True Cost Of A Lack of Motivation And what a lack of motivation means.. |
home | site map | contact us |