Sherry Schmidt

It’s funny how people can be motivated so differently. I never realized this until I was in real estate. A woman in my office was totally obsessed with competition. Our manager would compare our stats and if I was ahead she would work twice as hard. Checking, comparing and tracking each transaction made. The manager tried the same approach with me, causing alienation and hard feelings, because it didn’t work. She was unsure of how to propel me into a successful career. She thought she was failing. All she needed was a different method.

She asked me what I needed …so I thought about it for two weeks.

After careful consideration, I finally landed on my motivator…it was…and still is…working toward a personal goal as someone encourages me, holds me accountable and supports me on the way. The main driver being encouragement.

How many times have you set a goal and failed?

I have! Countless times…except when there is a person encouraging me. Reminding me of my why, telling me “you can do this,” expecting more than I thought possible and believing in me when I didn’t.

It worked! I surpassed my “competition” every year.

In fact, it worked so well that I set up an encouragement plan with my sons. Chores were done in time, without complaining and we all shared in the reward!

It’s why I got into coaching! I’m an encourager!!

You can be one too!

Here’s how it works:

1Find a partner with the the same personal goal and a similar why. An example would be: you both want to get into better physical condition. Your why might be because you’ve gained a few pounds, theirs because of a planned hiking vacation.

2Set and share your personal goals with each other. Commit to them by writing them down. Make certain that both are attainable and within the same timeframe.

3Make a plan to reach your intention. Both of you should agree on the method and duration used. Example: Walk (together or separately) for 30 minutes 5 times per week.

4Hold your partner accountable by your encouraging words and actions! Example: “you’ve got this! I’m so proud of you!” 5 Remind yourself and your partner why you’re doing this by keeping your end results in mind. It’s like dangling a carrot!

6Congratulate each other frequently! Pats on the back raise your endorphin level making your actions more pleasurable and likely to be repeated.

7Only positive self talk! This is the best way to encourage yourself. By becoming your own advocate for change you will acquire a renewed sense of self, greater resilience and increased confidence.

8Enjoy the journey. Look at it as a treat or an escape. Something you do for you! It may become a healthy habit/ritual. Make it fun for your partner as well. Example: Take different routs if walking. Stop for a water or at a juice bar after. Walk through a park or at the beach, breath in the beauty.

9Don’t beat yourself up or get mad at your partner if one of you stop. Instead, offer encouraging words to begin again! No judgment, only support.

Lastly…

feel the after affects. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, FEEL the difference. Picture the results, how you’ll feel as you bask in the future you. Do it first thing in morning and last thing at night. Envisioning your future puts you in charge of it. I’ve shared this method with much success but only after experimenting on myself and my sons…I can see them rolling their eyes still…it works! Use it over and over again. Make an intention, know your why, plan, implement your plan, stay positive and committed with the end result in your mind and heart. Feel it! Celebrate! Good luck! Let me know how you do! Much love, Coach Deb

 Deborah St.Hilaire is a unifier, enlightener and catalyst for change in the way women are treated and treat each other. Author, speaker, transformational coach and teacher, Deb, the founder of MyBodyMindSpirit. com, is dedicated to enriching lives through selfcare, meditation, movement, thought and journaling. She can be reached at 989.450.4200 or deb@mybodymindspirit.com.