Motivation Information

A Resolution for Excellence


"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

January is typically the time of year when we pledge ourselves to all kinds of New Year's resolutions designed to make our lives better. There are common themes to these resolutions like losing weight, quitting smoking, or getting healthy. During the first few weeks, efforts to change are usually very strong. Gradually the motivation slows down and eventually wanes away to a distant memory in the backs of our minds. Instead of participating in this frustrating cycle, make the commitment to become the best person that you can be all year round - a commitment to excellence.

The difference of committing to excellence is that you are changing more than just the surface; there is a shift in how you approach everything that you do. Excellence can be defined in many different ways for many different people. It depends on what your priorities are and what you value in your life. Maybe it's the relationships you have, or the work that you do, or the people that you help. Whatever it is, dedicate yourself to being the best that you can be regardless of other people's standards. Remember also, that this is a change you will make from this point forward. Excellence is not defined by a single act, but by consistent behavior.

There are many ways that you can approach this commitment, but I would recommend formalizing the process. Writing your ideas down on paper can help you to sort out your thoughts and make it more concrete. Some simple steps might include:

1) List all the things that you value, and that give your life importance

2) Prioritize the items on the list

3) On a scale from 1 - 10 (1 = I am not doing my best and 10 = I am doing the best that I can) rank how you think you are doing in each area

4) Take an honest look at your list, and make a commitment to dedicate your energies to making improvements where needed

Committing to excellence will also change the language that you use. Instead of thinking to yourself "I will survive" or "I can make it through", say instead, "I'm going to get the most out of this" or "I'll do the very best that I can". Focusing on what you are doing when you are doing it will ignite your spirit and fire your energy. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and share your inspiration with others. Aspire to reach beyond. Live excellence.

Dr. Tanja Haley is a psychologist in private practice in Calgary, Alberta. She specializes in working with couples, and with adults dealing with stress, depression, and trauma issues. Along with a full-time private practice, Tanja also teaches for the Campus Alberta program in counselling and is an Oral Examiner for the College of Alberta Psychologists. You can contact Tanja at dr.tanja@shaw.ca, or visit her website: http://www.drtanja.com


MORE RESOURCES:

FightOnState.com

Extra Motivation for the Lions?
FightOnState.com - 6 hours ago
So while that gives the teams who finish in the money something to brag about, it can also supply plenty of motivation to the eight teams who are picked to ...


The Australian

James Tomkins says Duncan Armstrong's gold medal was a motivation
The Australian, Australia - Jul 24, 2008
IT'S hard enough to say "no" to legendary Australian swimming coach Laurie Lawrence in civilian life. So imagine turning him down when he's fired up and ...


Motivation Through 'Abundance Thinking': Direct Sales Expert ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 15 hours ago
"Scarcity thinking" promotes failure, while "abundance thinking" leads to sales success, says motivational speaker Pat Pearson. Newport Coast, Calif. ...


AZFamily

Custodian accused of assault, sexual motivation with 13-yo
AZFamily, AZ - Jul 24, 2008
YARNELL - On July 23, 2008, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 63-year-old Herbert “Herb” Allen for Aggravated Assault with Sexual Motivation ...


AZFamily

Alleged Hugs, Kisses Land School Janitor In Jail
KPHO Phoenix, AZ - Jul 24, 2008
Deputies arrested Herbert "Herb" Allen, 63, on a charge of aggravated assault with sexual motivation. Allen is employed as a custodian at the Model Creek ...
School janitor, 63, arrested after kissing girl, 13 KTAR.com
all 4 news articles


Economist

Stub out that weed for ever
Economist, UK - Jul 24, 2008
Despite that dismal situation, there are three reasons to give the latest pair of campaigners a slim chance of success: money, methods and motivation. ...


MMQB Mail: LT talks motivation and takes on Favre, Taylor, more
CNN International - Jul 23, 2008
AP I can't say I know LaDainian Tomlinson very well. We've spoken eight or 10 times over the years, and I've always found him forthcoming, passionate about ...


Weight Loss Motivation: How to Stay Permanently Inspired and Jazzed
Beliefnet.com, NY - Jul 24, 2008
The root of the word motivation is "motive." The definition of "motive" is "A reason to act." You need a reason to act. You need both an external and ...


SEC Football 2008: Vols in the shadows
GoVolsXtra, TN - 21 hours ago
"It's a lot of motivation when people are overlooking you," he said. "It's motivation to want to win. It's something we can use in the locker room, ...


Motivation is high despite Tour dopers
BBC Sport, UK - Jul 22, 2008
But motivation is obviously high at the minute, so we all coped fine. Even Ed Clancy was flying out there. I say ‘even’, only because nine times out of 10 ...

Motivation - Google News

home | site map
© 2006