Have you ever experienced motivational blahs: no motivation to study,
write that term paper, exercise, eat properly, rise early, work harder, train
hard, or do the little extras that make you a champion?
You’ll have as much motivation a anyone when you know what
you want most in life and devise a plan to make it happen. Vision and passion
will give you the courage to confront obstacles and come out on top.
My second year of college was a turning point. After not making the
varsity wrestling team my first year, I had a deep desire not only to make the
team but also to win a national title. But, at the time, I wasn’t winning
many matches, I tired easily, and I often skipped practices and training sessions.
However, when I made the commitment to become a national champion,
I experienced an immediate rebirth. I wrote down what I wanted, what I needed
to do to get it, who I needed to meet, what I needed to learn, what I had to stop.
For example, I loved chocolate, but I gave it up. I hated getting up early, but
when my alarm would ring at 5:30, I’d think of my goal and how great it
would feel to be a champion. I’d get a surge of energy. Eventually, getting
up early became automatic, even enjoyable.
When the season began, all the training paid off. I made the varsity
team, but kept my goal in mind. I qualified for Nationals. There I won victory
after victory, taking me to the finals. My hard work, discipline, and openness
to letting people help me had given me the chance to realize my dream.
All I remember about that final match was the final whistle, the
referee raising my arms, then giving my coach and many others a hug. I was national
champion.
I invite you to take three simple steps: 1) Put in writing what you
desire. What is your goal? 2) Record what you need to do to achieve this goal.
Do you need a coach? Do you need to get up earlier? Eat better? Become more organized?
Track your training? Go to bed earlier? Write your plan for achieving the goal.
3) Begin now. Take one small step to show you are serious. You will attract people
and resources to achieve the goal. You gain momentum and motivation by facing
your fears and taking steps that move you forward. You can do it!
PE
