Top 31 Motivation Hacks

Here are 31 of the most powerful motivation hacks you can use to increase productivity and attain greater fulfillment in life.  I have picked some of the most useful tips from quality blogs and classic texts (so some may sound familiar) and added a few We The Change nuggets.  Enjoy!
31. Make it FUN
You will never be motivated to do something that makes you feel sad, scared, depressed or bored.  So find a way to make the project exciting.  If you can not, consider a way to achieve the top-line objective in a different manner, one that does not entail such drudgery!
30. Make a habit of visualization
One of the most powerful motivation tools which most people simply do not employ.  Set aside 5 minutes each day and practice seeing yourself achieve your loftiest goals.  This will be hard at first, but will eventually the mind will de-clutter and lead you down a much clearer path.
29. Get a buddy with similar goals
Can you do it alone?  Absolutely!  But, goals are easier to accomplish when you work in tandem with a partner who has synergistic objectives.  And they are out there; all you have to do is look and ask!
28. Cultivate patience
No matter how motivated you are, things do not always happen immediately or when you want them.  Therefore it is absolutely imperative to develop great patience, and allow your goals to manifest naturally.
27. Get a life coach or business mentor
Life coaching and business counseling is taking off, and for good reason!  These individuals are trained to listen and help you take productive action.  From my experience, attaining a good life coach is motivation in its purest form. (AND, if you are looking for a good one you can click here)!
26. Create smaller, manageable tasks
It is so easy to get lost in a sea of inactivity when we are constantly thinking about the big, massive goals we set for ourselves.  It is certainly OK to create long-term goals, but make sure you constantly bring your attention to the smaller, actionable tasks that move you forward.
25. Get into nature, frequently
Spend 10 minutes looking up at the stars on a very clear night.  OR, take a ½ hour and lie by the beach listening to the waves roll in.  OR, go for a walk in the woods.  When doing this, be there fully and soak in the natural beauty that is all around you.  Is there anything more motivating than this?
24. Take a class
People lose motivation because they are bored.  Taking a class in something that interests you is a wonderful way to “un-bore” yourself.
23. Be conscious of your urges to STOP, expect them
No matter how motivated you are, there will be moments when you will lose it.  That’s OK—in fact, the most productive people expect these down cycles and learn from them.  When this happens to you, be patient and figure out what activity can snap you out of it.
22. Ask for the honest advice of people you respect!
Another nugget of wisdom that most people forget about—TAKE ADVICE, especially from people that you respect.  You will come away with a different perspective of your mission, and feel freshly motivated!
21. When you take time off, do not even think about it
You need to take breaks in order to manifest fresh ideas.  When resting, REALLY rest and train your brain not to think about your larger ambitions.  This will also be hard to do at first, but can benefit you greatly in the long-term.
20. Make a big public commitment. Be fully committed
I got this one from my friend Leo at Zen Habits, and I love it!  He says “this will do the trick every time. Create a blog and announce to the world that you are going to achieve a certain goal by a certain date. Commit yourself to the hilt”.  Thanks Leo, you have certainly motivated me 
19. Repeat positive affirmations
Create 2 or 3 sentences that state your objectives and repeat them out loud sometime during the day (preferably in the morning).  Introducing your intentions to the subconscious mind is a powerful motivation tool.  Click here for more on affirmations.
18. Limit your intake of “world” and “local” news
Why?  Because for the most part it is totally DE-motivating.  AND, you may be surprised to hear this, but you do not need to know everything that’s going on in the world, all the time.  Take a break from it.
17. Stretch first thing in the morning
Stretching for 5 minutes upon waking can shift your outlook in an often surprising way (brings your attention inward), so get the blood flowing in the a.m.!
16. Surround yourself with positive quotes
Tape some positive quotations on your computer monitor, put them in your pocket, slap them on your steering wheel etc…This is a simple method for keeping the positive and motivating vibes going.
15. Put yourself in a situation to get “small wins”
Attaining a consistent sense of accomplishment is crucial to staying motivated.  Checking things off a to-do list (and knowing you don’t have to go back to it) should make you feel good, and motivate you to be more productive.
14. Reward yourself
When achieving these small wins…reward yourself with something meaningful.  It is not really a “win” until you feel good about it, right?  This is something most people simply do not do, and they go from one task to the next in a perfunctory fashion with little enjoyment.  Treat yourself, you’re worth it!
13. Have a clear, clutter-free work environment
Clutter in your physical space translates to clutter in the mind.  Have a clean, fresh space to work in and your thoughts and actions will follow-suit.
12. Do the most important task, or tasks, right away!
Right after a good stretch, take care of two of the most vital tasks you have for the day.  This will give you a nice sense of accomplishment and motivate you for the remaining work hours.
11. Pick The Brain of someone who has achieved a similar goal
No matter how outlandish your goals are, chances are someone has achieved something similar.  Better yet—chances are this person was less qualified, less intelligent, and in all had less “going” for him/her.  Find out how they did it…
10. Keep a journal of your progress
You don’t need to do this every day (you can if you want, but sometimes this gets too time consuming…and it’s not good to journal just because you feel pressured to do so).  Alternatively, write whenever you feel like it, and feel proud of your progress.
9. Get stuck in it!
This is another way to say, “just do it”.  You’ll often find that whatever you’ve been putting off isn’t as bad as you thought, and doesn’t take that long.
8. Write Your own Eulogy
A very powerful (and not much talked about) exercise for motivation.  Although morbidly sounding, this practice can be a transcending experience.  For more info, read What Is Your Legacy (and you can see what I want said about me when its all over)!
7. Set AWESOME goals for yourself
I say “awesome” because writing out goals should be a fun and inspiring experience!  If goal writing stresses you out, then you should not be doing it (or change your mindset, as it should excite you to envision the life you want to lead).  You can see my goals for 2008 here!
6. Try using different types of music to fire you up
Music has the unique ability to generate feelings within us that mere words sometimes can not do.  Find music that is right for your mood, and use it smartly!  Here are 5 Great Albums to listen to in the morning.
5. Believe that you can do whatever you are planning to do
You don’t have to know HOW you are going to achieve your goals, but you do need to have an unyielding inner belief that you will accomplish them.  Just KNOW that you are going to do it, and you will find yourself constantly stimulated.
4. Set a short-term EXERCISE goal, and achieve it!
Tell yourself you will successfully jog 2 miles within the next two weeks without a rest.  OR, do ten straight push-ups.  OR, complete a full Bikram Yoga class.  The point is to set a realistic goal for your body, achieve it, and set the stage for the mind!
3. Be OK not knowing everything
How is this motivating?  Because once you realize that you will NOT always know exactly what to do each and every moment, you can relax and allow the best solution surface naturally (which it has a tendency to do in a relaxed state).
2. Watch thoughts like “I can’t do that” or “I can never pull that off”
I say watch them because there really is no getting rid of them, as they exist for every human.  But you can become an observer to your negativity, and start realizing that it is a mind-created tool that only limits you.  Once you get a different perspective, you can by-pass the negative thoughts and allow pure action to transpire.
1. Every day, commit to doing at least two things proactively
It is critical to be “moving forward” every day.  No matter what happens, make sure you are doing at least two daily actions that put you closer to your ultimate goals.  Most of us spend 99.9% of our time in reactionary mode, and this is ultra-un-motivating.
There you have it, a pretty complete list.  As always, would love to hear your thoughts and comments.  Thanks…

@Courtsey: TODD

Godfather and leadership

An Offer You Can't Refuse: Leadership Lessons From "The Godfather"

What does a real-life CEO have in common with the central figures of a fictitious Mafia crime family in The Godfather? According to Justin Moore, CEO and founder of Axcient, plenty. 

Moore is a serial entrepreneur, early-stage advisor, and angel investor. He’s currently at the helm of Axcient, a company he founded that provides backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery services to the small and mid-sized business (SMB) market. Right now, Axcient is protecting more than 2 billion files and applications for businesses across North America.

Moore also happens to think that The Godfather is “one of the best movies ever made” and had a chance to watch it again when the film was aired extensively last week to mark the 40th anniversary of its premiere. Though a decade had passed since the last time Moore watched it, his recent viewing offered an unexpected reward. This time he found the film rife with teaching moments for CEOs running a business today.

“I certainly don’t endorse crime or violence, and I’m not suggesting business should operate like the Mafia,” explains Moore, “but there are some universal themes in the movie I can relate to as a CEO.” Moore says The Godfather offers valuable lessons in community and team building, making tough decisions, and playing to win while not neglecting friends and family.

Here are five essential leadership lessons Moore distilled for Fast Company.

1. Build a powerful community. 

Someday, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me. ~Vito Corleone

Uttered in the iconic rasp of Marlon Brando, the words of Vito Corleone illustrate how he creates a loyal community among those he has helped. Moore says, “By granting these favors and helping people with their problems, Vito Corleone is building a network of influence--relationships that may or may not deliver a specific or quantifiable return, but all which serve to strengthen his power base and which have the potential to be reciprocal in the long run.”

Moore says building strategic partnerships enables companies to work through challenging markets and fast-track overall success. “As a CEO, I see it as part of my job to be a super connector, networking with the technology and investment community without an expectation of reciprocation. Partnerships forged through time, trust, and mutual benefit--such as those Axcient has built with HP, Ingram-Micro, and a vast network of service providers and resellers--are the types of community relationships that bring about the greatest returns.”

2. Hold people accountable. 

What's the matter with you? I think your brain is going soft. ~Vito Corleone

The Godfather reminds us of the importance of being tough when necessary. “As soon as Vito Corleone allowed a few moments of weakness to be seen by his enemy, they attempted to assassinate him. And it was largely because of failures of his team,” Moore observes.

“In business, accountability isn’t achieved by a murderous rampage. But the lesson is this--to be successful in business you have to be tough, and you have to be extremely focused on hitting goals and getting results," says Moore. That doesn’t mean patience and understanding don’t have a place, he says, but ongoing tolerance of low-performing people or products just eats away at the success of the entire company. “You are ultimately responsible for all of your employees and shareholders, and that requires tough and swift decisions.

3. Don’t get emotional. 

It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business. ~Michael Corleone

“Many people don’t like to talk about the fact that in business, there are winners and losers. When Sonny Corleone reacts impulsively and emotionally, he gets taken out. In business, if you don’t take the opportunity to out-sell, out-bid, or out-market your competitor, they’ll take you out. I’m not suggesting doing anything outside the boundaries of morality or rightness--simply pointing out that when people make emotional decisions, they start making bad decisions. To lead successfully, you have to take your emotion and ego out of the equation.”

Likewise, Moore says it’s important to play to win. In business, that translates to knowing the competition and always staying at least one step ahead. “Operate your business with integrity and have respect for competition, but you also need to seize opportunities to eliminate your competition and win.”

4. Be decisive. 

Moore says that he, like most people who appreciate The Godfather, watch the movie with a combination of shock and respect. “Shock because he is so ruthless that he kills his own family member, but respect for the fact that Don Corleone knows exactly what he wants, executes decisively, and commands respect through unwavering leadership.”

While you don’t have to kill anyone to prove a point, as soon as you know what choice to make, move forward. “Know who on your team is making the right choices, and trust them to take decisive action as well. Hesitation too often leads to missed opportunities.”

5. Spend time with your family. 

Do you spend time with your family? Because a man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man. ~Vito Corleone 

Moore isn’t endorsing 1940s machismo, but he is decrying 100-hour workweeks that many entrepreneurs fall prey to in hot pursuit of the next big thing. Though he’s been dedicated like that in the past, Moore finds it’s not sustainable in the long run. 

“A leader can’t be successful in creative problem-solving and making excellent decisions unless that person is connected to people and passions outside of work. I find that it’s often time with family and friends that gives me the perspective I need to build the relationships and make the decisive actions required for continued success in business,” says Moore.

April fool's day origin & history

April Fools' Day, sometimes called All Fools' Day, is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar.

New Year's Day Moves

Ancient cultures, including those of the Romans and Hindus, celebrated New Year's Day on or around April 1. It closely follows the vernal equinox (March 20th or March 21st.) In medieval times, much of Europe celebrated March 25, the Feast of Annunciation, as the beginning of the new year.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated Jan. 1. That year, France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted New Year's day to Jan. 1. According to a popular explanation, many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false. Eventually, the practice spread throughout Europe.

Problems With This Explanation

There are at least two difficulties with this explanation. The first is that it doesn't fully account for the spread of April Fools' Day to other European countries. The Gregorian calendar was not adopted by England until 1752, for example, but April Fools' Day was already well established there by that point. The second is that we have no direct historical evidence for this explanation, only conjecture, and that conjecture appears to have been made more recently.

Constantine and Kugel

Another explanation of the origins of April Fools' Day was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event.

"In a way," explained Prof. Boskin, "it was a very serious day. In those times fools were really wise men. It was the role of jesters to put things in perspective with humor."

This explanation was brought to the public's attention in an Associated Press article printed by many newspapers in 1983. There was only one catch: Boskin made the whole thing up. It took a couple of weeks for the AP to realize that they'd been victims of an April Fools' joke themselves.

Spring Fever

It is worth noting that many different cultures have had days of foolishness around the start of April, give or take a couple of weeks. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, rejoicing in the resurrection of Attis. The Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has Purim. Perhaps there's something about the time of year, with its turn from winter to spring, that lends itself to lighthearted celebrations.