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Lessons for All Walks of Life

Basics for Success
-- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian

If there were dreams for sale, what would you try to buy? No matter what you "purchase" - have a successful pregnancy, find a better job, have more time with loved ones, learn a new skill, or become the best mom in the world - motivation usually makes the difference between success and failure, misery and fun. These tips will help get you started:
  • Surround yourself with friends who think positively. The beliefs and attitudes of your peers are contagious. When morning sickness is at its worst and none of your clothes seem to fit quite right, there is nothing like a sympathetic ear to perk you up, especially if it happens to be another woman who has gone through pregnancy herself. The beliefs and attitudes of your peers are contagious. When morning sickness is at its worst and none of your clothes seem to fit quite right, there is nothing like a sympathetic ear to perk you up, especially if it happens to be another woman who has gone through pregnancy herself.
  • Learn from setbacks. All things of value are created from experience, including overcoming challenges. Mistakes can give you insight into yourself and others. Don't ever be afraid to go for it.
  • Write down good ideas. Write down ideas the moment you think of them, whether baby names, a new plan for work, or a fun vacation idea that you could take with your spouse. Keep a notepad handy. We all get good ideas, but only a few of us save them and more importantly, execute them.
  • Be realistic about your work habits and needs. Are you a morning person? Did you get that daily vegetable thing down yet? Do you need quiet? Do you prefer being a team member or going solo? Do you have the time? Can you make the time? Only you can decide what works best for you and your baby during those 9 months.
  • Bribe yourself. So what are you going to do just for you as a reward when you have reached your goal? Go a little crazy here, even it means taking an entire day for total relaxation.
  • Use your dreams. Right before you go to sleep, think about your goals. Get a strong mental image in your mind. If you do this night after night, your dreams will offer insights and you will sleep better, something many pregnant women are desperate for.
  • Wallow in your greatness. Make a list of everything you've accomplished, big and small, in the past day. Then do this for the past week. You'll realize you are a very motivated person who does hundreds of small things every day. You simply forgot, or worse, took them for granted. Realizing what a motivated person you are already will inspire you to take on bigger tasks. You will be a great mom!
  • Set priorities. If you don't make a plan, then you plan to fail. Do you actually spend time working on reaching your goals? Or do you let everything and everyone take precedence. Balance all your demands as best you can. Now is as good a time as ever to be a little selfish and take care of yourself.
  • Stop sabotaging yourself. If you don't feel motivated, maybe it's because you have an internal conflict. What would you lose if you reached your goal? For example, if you took a new job, would your friends be envious? If you slimmed down, would you lose an excuse for being unhappy? Be sure that you own your dream and you really want everything that comes with it. Don't do something to please someone else.
  • Make it fun to get started. Do you like looking at the big picture first or the details? Do you like seeking advice from "coaches" or friends? Do you like to start with what's familiar or do you prefer novelty? Organize the tasks to fit your lifestyle.
  • Get rid of negative self-talk. And those coffee mugs that say "Life's a bitch." Some of the things we say to ourselves we would never say to our best friend. Why then is it part of our internal chatter? Negativity does have an effect on your baby, so keep the positive energy flowing.
  • Catch your children's enthusiasm. Children may not have all the skills but they have excitement and no fear of failure. Approach your goals with a childlike spirit. This kind of energy could make a difference. Special note: if you don't have any children, pretend for a day. You'll experience it for real soon enough.
  • Make up some of your own motivation tips - and use them.Related External Link-----

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Member Comments About this Article
"All of those are great ideas. Thinking positive now is one of the best things I can offer my baby now..." -- BABYNAEE
"This article made me feel good and motivated me to continue being motivated during my preganancy." -- ROSEARIKEA
"I loved this article i even have it bookmarked so i can read it again whenever i get down on myself or try to do too much at one time. I tend to set unrealistic goals for myself all the time and that's usually why it never works because it's unrealistic to begin with." -- CHRISTYJ2876
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About The Author
Julie Isphording
Julie, a former Olympic marathon runner, is an author, radio host and fitness expert.
Julie Isphording

 


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