Issue #57

Pull Your Own Strings

Motivation is purely a matter of emotion until the day you decide to change how you think. We look at a task and ask ourselves, “Do I want to do that? Can I be bothered?”

Between the requirement and the action there is a decision process that tests the temperature of our feelings before letting us do anything.

Get that decision process out of the way and you get access to the most powerful tool ever discovered by humanity: consistent effort.

We use our feelings as a quick way to decide whether a task is worth it or not.

It saves us having to do a pros and cons spreadsheet every time someone suggests going to the movies.

But an even quicker way to decide, and one which can be more easily focused on real achievements is habit.

Here are five ways to avoid relying on motivation and get a habit going;

1. Focus on discipline, not feelings

Discipline kicks in when motivation fades. You don’t skip brushing your teeth because you’re not “feeling it,” right? We feel in control when we exert discipline.

2. Stick to your routine

Your routine is your safety net.

When motivation’s low, just follow the steps you’ve already set up.

It’s easier to act when the path is clear and predetermined.

3. Revisit your “why”

Remind yourself why you started in the first place. What’s the end goal? Keeping that in mind can help reignite the fire when things get tough.

4. Break it down

If things feel overwhelming, simplify. Focus on the next small step, not the entire mountain. Actions create momentum, and they build into habits.

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5. Take a break if needed

Burnout can kill your goals.

Sometimes, stepping away for a bit can recharge you, but set a limit and get back to it.

All habits are kicked off by triggers. They are all around us already - the theme tune to your favourite tv programme, the smell of fresh coffee, the alerts on your phone.

Here is how you can set them up for yourself, so you control your focus.

• Start with routines, doing the same thing, at the same time each day. Could be as basic as making coffee or writing out a to-do list.
• Your environment matters. Have a space that’s just for working, and it’ll trigger you to get serious.
• Clothing? Yes, it matters. Dressing up can make you feel more professional and ready to focus.

• Smells, sounds, and objects can be cues too. Use specific scents, or a certain pen, to signal it's time to work.
• Time-blocking helps. Set clear times to work and stop. It’s like giving your brain boundaries. Here's a helpful video I made.​
• Break tasks down so they don’t feel overwhelming. Start with small wins to build momentum.
• How you talk to yourself and frame your tasks matters. Tell yourself it’s a challenge, not a chore.

Get these cues right, and you'll shift your state without even thinking.

If you don’t take control of your own triggers, habits and schedule then don’t be surprised you can’t move the needle on your goals.

Someone else, probably called Elon or Zuckerpunch will be happily hijacking your attention to feed their own fortunes.

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You can learn more ways to direct your own, and other people's, attention towards your success from my course.

Here is a button - all you need to do is press it and you can start learning to sell. Selling is how you realise your value in the marketplace.

I Am ready To Become A Great Salesperson

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Here is a video about the sort of habits you need to develop on a daily basis to survive and thrive in big ticket selling:

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It's only 4 minutes long and it contains lessons I learned over 35 years.

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