I put up this tweet today and got some fabulous reply questions. One of them was from Velvette DeLaney, who asked: how do you combat the short enthusiasm span? Darcy Hinrichs was curious about how to keep her “switch on” with waning interest, time and overwhelm and @GirlPie resonated with:
So, how do we keep it up, roll when we aren’t feeling it and get connected with our original enthusiasm when a project is getting dreadful? Here are a few ideas:
- TIRED? Project fatigue may be telling you something; ask “what is this project in service to?” Answer it with a few different perspectives and see if your mojo lifts–or at least see if it can be converted into one part of a larger goal. If you have the option, exhaustion is also a great motivator to ask for help or delegate.
- OVERWHELMED? It’s virtually impossible for me to be creative or innovative if I’m spinning like a plate with teaching, workshops and staying in touch with my favorite folks. My best approach is to put a HUGE piece of paper on the wall, grab some markers and map it out: what needs doing and what wants to be done? Then, I add dates/times and estimated completion time needed. I always do a fun task, then an arduous one. Rinse. Repeat.
- DISTRACTED? I am super easily distracted when projects don’t flow or feel fun. Music helps a lot. I set a playlist for how long I want to work and just “tune” in for that length of time. Amazing how a combo of Odetta, Michal Jackson & Vladimir Horowitz can provide focus and brain candy while you rock your project. Plus, you don’t have to watch the clock–just reward yourself when the music stops.
Or, you could always do something crazy and make a public commitment to do something and have everyone and my mother watching it happen (read below for more info). How do you conjure sustainable (or momentary) enthusiasm? Tell me in the comments below.
BODY REPORT:
Today is Day 18 in the 40 days of My Body quest in service to my business and my own path of finishing what I start. I am committed to exercising 6 days/week, keeping a food journal and being more aware of ways I use (and abuse) my body. Going public is extreme, yes, and it’s working!
I am not alone in my 40 Day quest. The roll call is at 18 people (including me)! Some are getting organized, others giving up fast food and some are simply breathing! Support them; check out their sites, give ‘em some good love:
Tanya Geisler–40 days of hatha yoga and suggests that “Serenity. . .starts with a breath.”
Petra Korn–30 days on her body (supported with love by hubby Nick)
Tia Reddy–yoga and exercise–even though her full-o-fun weekend had her worn out yesterday, she still did her routine and posted about it!
Alisa Bonsignore–working out and food conscious
Suzie Powanda–no fast food or beverages
Julie Rorrer–training for the Austin marathon in Spring
Emma Alvarez Gibson–some bit of exercise, every day
Joyce Black–21 days without caffeine/general detox
Carabunga is rocking 40 days of hardcore productivity
Paula Trucks-Pape and her husband: 87 Days of exploring their passions
Monica Kingsbury: 30 days of the Candida diet to deal with her sweet tooth
Jack and LisaMarie Rowell: 30 days of extreme health (alkaline diet) (starting 10/15/09)
Diane Sherry Case: 3 weeks of walking
Cindy Morefield: 21 Days of 30 mins/day of cardio exercise
Paula Estes: 30 Days of playing drums
Sheila Hart is IN: 21 Days of no sugar!
(Pending: Amy Ahlers: 40 days limiting processed food.)
This is a video-free day today because I’m having MASSIVE tech difficulties. Will get you some visuals as soon as I can. Thanks for understanding. I did do my cardio intervals today and resisted getting an oreo cookie pie for dessert at my working lunch: WINS!
