motivation

5 Tips For Staying Motivated

Lynette M Burrows

It’s the “lazy hazy days of procrastination” in Kansas. Motivation? It’s too hot. Focus? There are swimming pools and parties and picnics calling you. Not getting far on that project of yours? Here are five tips for staying motivated during the lazy hazy days of summer (or any time of year.) People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar Get Started There will be days when you don’t feel like working. Do it anyway. Take a small step. If necessary, take a tiny step. But do it. Once you’ve taken that first step, no matter how small, the next step is easier. Can’t get started? Check out my post on creating the life you want. It discusses a 5-second rule that might change your life. Starve your distractions. Feed your focus. Unknown Reduce Distractions This is a big one for me. And yes, there are some distractions (husband and kids and family) one cannot simple “reduce.” When my son was very young it was difficult to find the time and quiet to write. Then, when he got a little older, I used a noisy timer. I’d set it […]

You Can Create the Life You Want

Lynette M Burrows

Life is about decisions. Every day we make millions of decisions: when to get up, what to wear, how to respond to our spouse, whether to answer the phone, look at email, and so on. Many of the decisions we make, we make on autopilot. Autopilot is a good thing because then we don’t have to make so many decisions. Right? Wrong. The thing about autopilot is that it won’t let you change. The only way you can create the life you want if but you have to change and that’s the rub. Your Brain Your brain has two modes: autopilot (habits) and decision making. Two different parts of your brain control these two modes. Habit-making behaviors, emotions, memories, and pattern recognition are linked to the basal ganglia. The prefrontal cortex controls decision making. This part of the brain works to learn new things. The other thing your brain does is to help you survive. It regulates your body functioning and it is geared to protect you no matter what. Your brain (the basal ganglia) recognizes a danger before you consciously register the danger. That’s what it’s supposed to do so you can survive. There are real dangers like getting […]