by Cary Farrell
July 22, 2019
As a mother of five, I have spent most of the last 25 years with more to do than I could get done in a 24 hour day. I had to learn how to prioritize tasks and projects because I knew they would not all get done. I also found that I felt a great sense of responsibility to be a good example to my children. When I look back over those years I think, “Wow, I got a lot done!”
Now all my babies are grown and the last one is leaving the nest this fall. Gone are the days of sleepless nights, non-stop noise and activity, and that overwhelming sense that I am needed. Gone is the need to fix three big meals a day. The washing machine is quiet. The house doesn’t need to be cleaned as much because there are fewer feet tracking in dirt.
I still have projects to complete. Some are projects that I put off until I had more time. Now I have more time but I am not motivated or inspired to get them done.
I hear these sentiments from my clients who also find themselves with time to tackle projects but seem to have no motivation or inspiration to get them done.
Where does motivation come from? I think motivation comes from our basic need for connection with others. I know that there are some personalities that may not need others but most of us do.
Connecting with others inspires me to get things done!
I love to have company because it motivates me to clean my house. My guests don’t appreciate all that I do in preparation for their coming because they don’t see the “before,” but I enjoy entertaining them in a clean home.
I enjoy rubbing shoulders with other small business owners because they inspire me to grow in my business.
Connecting with others holds me accountable.
I have a goal to send out a monthly newsletter but without my office assistant, it wouldn’t happen. She encourages me, challenges me, and reminds me that my due date for the next article is fast approaching. Sometimes I don’t “like” her but I really appreciate her accountability and I am always glad when the article is done.
Connecting with my grandbabies inspires me to take care of myself.
I want to be a fun Nana for my grandbabies. I want to take care of myself so that I can have the energy to be a fun Nana.
Connecting with my clients inspires me to be the best organizer I can be.
I want to be the best organizer so I can give my clients the tools, encouragement, and assistance they need to create functionally organized spaces and schedules and have the freedom to be the best that they can be.
If you have some tasks that need to be completed but you are finding it hard to find the motivation, inspiration, or accountability to get them done, look for someone to connect with. Find someone that you can inspire and find someone who inspires you. They will likely be different people but make an effort to find them. Let them be your inspiration, motivation, and accountability to tackle that list of to do's.