The MONTHLY Motivator - June 2006

Energize your life

On a regular basis it’s a good idea to remind yourself that you are wonderfully alive. You can get so caught up in the day-to-day, same old details that you put yourself at risk of forgetting about the incredible variety and energy which are just as much a part of life as the mundane everyday things.

It is all too easy to get run down and out of energy from the challenging demands daily living. Sometimes a big surprise comes along -- often a difficult challenge or an exciting opportunity -- that wakes you up and energizes you with a shot of adrenaline. But you don’t have to wait for a life-changing experience to energize your life. There are lots of other ways to purposely and intentionally add some zip when you find yourself overwhelmed with weariness.

Keep in mind that life by its very nature is precious and infinitely exciting. The only reason it gets wearisome and boring is because you allow it to do so. The good news is that you can just as easily break out of that funk. There are numerous steps you can take to energize your life whenever you sense the need. Doing so can have far-reaching effects. When you energize your life in one area, that energy carries over into all other areas. For example, you can become more passionate about your work by becoming more involved in your church, even though the two aspects of your life are not directly related. So take a few moments explore some specific strategies for energizing your life.

Count your blessings

Think of all the things in your life for which you are thankful. It should be fairly easy to come up with a long list. If you’re having trouble, start with life itself, the beauty of the world around you, the opportunity to learn and grow. Consider your family, friends, people who sincerely care about you, your work, your faith, your home, your community, the joys you’ve known, the things you have to look forward to.

In your mind, go over all the things for which you’re grateful. Dwell on them and consider how richly blessed you are. Gratitude will energize you and propel your life toward even greater joy and fulfillment. Because abundance begins with gratitude. The more you focus on the positive side of life, the more positive and energized your life becomes.

Whatever disappointments you may have, there is always something for which to be thankful. Appreciate the good things, and they will grow. Focus on your blessings, and energize your life with gratitude.

Challenge

Challenge is one of the most powerful energizers. A personally meaningful challenge can get you up and get you going. Challenge can motivate you to take actions that you would otherwise never even consider. Would you like to bring razor-sharp focus to your thoughts and efforts? Then set a challenge for yourself.

Make it a real, substantial challenge -- something with personal meaning and something that will truly stretch your limits. A compelling challenge will bring out the very best that you’re capable of giving. Challenge can boost your energy level and focus your attention like nothing else can.

You are designed and equipped for responding to challenges. Throughout history we’ve seen that peak performance levels go hand-in-hand with the most difficult challenges. Challenge strengthens. Challenge motivates. Challenge compels, and even demands.

Challenge will take you beyond where you thought you could go. It will expand your horizons and introduce you to exciting new possibilities. It will bring a richness to your life that no amount of money or comfort can equal.

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--Ralph Marston

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