Sigh...My motivation is at an all time low...

While we wait for Johnny Go-Go to walk through the door and tell us his secrets, let’s talk a little about what the rest of us can do to get over those lapses in our energy.

The most important thing one should do is to NOT try and figure out where the source of our slump comes from. I know; everyone says that if you can not find the source, how can you cure the problem, right? Well, unless we are actually talking about a medical condition, the best way to cure what ails us here is to stay away from the negative. You know what happens when you start looking for reasons you are down? You find some! And about 25 others that were not even affecting you but man, are they depressing you now! Good luck breaking that slump now.

On the other hand, when we start to focus right away on what we can do to get out of that slump, we move towards positive thoughts and energies, and without even actually doing anything, we start to get away from that dark mood.

The first place I start when I feel that downer starting to kick in is to get out. Away from my computer, away from desk, away from those nagging managers and customers. Ten or 15 minutes outside or simply walking through the building will loosen up the tension in the body, and free the mind to take in big hauls of oxygen with every slow breath.

As long as the slump continues while I am at the office, the next thing I will do is make sure I get at least 30 minutes in at lunch escaping. Maybe it is spent on the treadmill, maybe it is outside reading a mind-feeding book. Either way, I am not at my desk nor gossiping and griping at the lunch table.

But hey, I am no miracle worker and sometimes that funk just follows me home. Now is when the real motivation attitude reversal can begin. First, if you have kids, nothing is more liberating than 30 minutes before dinner in the backyard. Letting loose and acting like a kid is a great reminder of what life is really about, and it certainly is not about the deadlines.

Afterwards, enjoy a nice quiet dinner, no TV, with the family or some friends if possible. Discuss anything but work, and try to focus on the positives in the day.

Once you are able to come back and get some alone time, writing is perhaps the best way to actively dispense of any lingering frustrations. But again, what is important here is not to focus on the problems, but on goals and solutions. Set or review your goals for the month. Go over the high points and accomplishments of the day or week. Jot down anything and everything that you are grateful for, including things you may not yet have received but know are coming your way. Finally, write down what you are going to accomplish and who you are going to be tomorrow. Not in the “I will” format, but in the “I am” context. “I am going to close the Smith deal tomorrow.” “I am at the top of my game this month.” “I am going to establish trust between myself and Mary tomorrow.” Write it, believe it, live it.

So, the day is now winding down, and the body is feeling the wear and tear. Whether you normally shower in the mornings or not, take one now. Take 2 – 3 minutes to let the water just clear everything away, going over the “I am” statements you wrote down earlier.

Finally, relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated, close out the day with a book or some music that inspires. Try and stay away from the Stephen King or Metallica; that is not the type of inspiration we are looking for here. Inspirational books abound, from Stephen Covey to Wayne Dyer, or a biography of someone whose life is inspiring, like Richard Branson or Gandhi. Music from Mozart, Beethoven or something more recent that calms and lifts. As your head hits the pillow, keep positive images in your mind about the great job you have done taking care of yourself.

Now, this all sounds very new-age. But guess what? This is a New Age. It is one that is swamped with loud voices, deadlines, beeps, buzzes and endless piles of work. 15 hours of work to do in 8 hours of office time. There was no need to talk about this kind of self-help escapism 75 years ago because for the most part, it was not needed. Today, finding the time to take care of us is something that we have to work at, and make time for.

So, today’s “Cold Call” is one based on prevention. Set yourself up with all the tools that you will need, which we already discussed, to get out of the funk when it comes. Books, notepads, CDs. Go over your schedule for the next month and start opening up some time for you to keep just for yourself. Once you have all this, whether you are in a funk or not, start using those tools now! The hidden message in all of this is that the best way to get out of a funk is to start doing things that will avoid them in the first place. This will first of all ensure that they come less frequently and when they do, what used to take 2 – 3 days or longer to get past will now happen in 24 hours, or 12, or less. As in all things, it is better to be proactive than to be reactive.

Have a great sales week!