Motivational Expert

Do you ever feel like you're running hard every day but getting nowhere?

Is it tempting to tuck yourself away and hide from the world?

I suppose we all have days like that from time to time....too much to do and not enough hours. How is it possible to get ahead?

The key is to prioritize. Do the most important things first. It won't end the world if the other things wait a while longer.

Wish I could say that I live by that motto, but I'm much better at giving advice than taking it. I tend to run from one project to the next, seldom finishing anything. If I could only kick myself in the posterior (and wouldn't that be an awesome way to get my own attention?), I'd give the best pep talk ever:

Me: There's really a much better way to go about this.

Me: Hire an assistant?

Me: No. We can do better than that

Me: Better than having an assistant? I'd really love to hand over this list to an assistant and tell them to call me when they're finished.

Me: Think what a sense of accomplishment you'll have if you take responsibility for this.

Me: I could take responsibility by making sure my assistant gets it done.

Me: That defeats the purpose, Grasshopper, er, I mean, Pat.

Me: (Sigh) So if I don't get an assistant, what do you suggest?

Me: List only the most critical items in order of importance. Cross off minor things like putting gas in the car. Seriously. Do you really need something like that on your list?

Me: My assistant better be ready to come pick me up when the car stalls in the middle of the highway.

Me: You aren't getting an assistant. You're going to be self-sufficient.

Me: I have a better idea. YOU be my assistant. Just like some sort of weird Yin and Yang twins. You're the worker bee and I'm the supervisor.

Me: Oh, never mind. I give up. Here's your list and good luck with it.

Me: Don't leave yet! I need you to gas up the car!

Okay, so motivation is not my strong suit. Neither is listening to advice. See you later. Gotta go put some gas in the car.

Motivating Moments

I hate refueling my car. The price of gas is soaring higher than Sputnik, and it's depressing to think about just how much more we may be paying in the future. But I realize gasoline cost is one of those things that can't be changed by me, no matter how much I fret and grumble.

So rather than complaining about the dent in my pocketbook, I've decided to focus on another kind of refueling. It's the type of fuel that charges internal batteries and provides the energy that's necessary to reach a goal.

I'm talking about motivation.

For dieters, that energy might come from seeing a lower number on the scale. At work, it could be a compliment on a project well done. At home, perhaps a loved one articulates unexpected thanks for an everyday task. Any one of those things can serve to rev up an engine and get things rolling.

Writers need fuel, too. Crafting a story, essay, or article, is gas-guzzling work. And sending that labor of love out into the world for probable rejection is like having an ice pick shoved through the fuel line...or the heart. Sometimes you have to wonder, why am I doing this?

The reality is that rejection is a big part of any writer's life. But experiencing all those lows can make it all the sweeter when someone finally says "yes". Sort of like the way it feels to drive a cherry-red convertible on a brilliant spring day. Though the driver may believe her convertible to be sleek, fast, and a testament to good taste, how fabulous it is when that belief is confirmed by someone else.

Lately it's been way too easy for me to find other things to do than write. And not writing means not submitting...a sure fire way to avoid rejection. Yep, it's been a long time since my little red convertible has gotten much in the way compliments.

But rather than sputtering and coasting to a roadside halt, some good news has finally come my way. It's made the past week a definite refueler for me.

One of my short stories appeared in "The Storyteller".
I've been notified that another short story has been accepted for the Columbia Writer's guild anthology, "Well Versed-Literary Works 2011".
Of the two pieces I submitted to Missouri Writer's Guild contests, one took third place in the flash fiction category and the other was named third honorable mention in the humorous essay category.

Talk about some high octane fuel!

In my current state of delight (and shock), sitting down to write doesn't seem quite as tedious as it did two weeks ago. I'm feeling pretty good. My empty tank is full again and the road ahead is clear.

I suppose you could say that motivation is my green light. Now it's time to step on the gas pedal and see where we go.

What is it that energizes you?