"Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers
Over the past couple of years I became very curious about why some folks seem to keep their momentum going while some allow it to slow down. Sometimes they even slow down to a complete stop. So I started to ask my coaching clients, people in my audiences, my friends, and colleagues, "What gets you going and what keeps you going?"
After listening to many responses I realized two major themes were coming up: a desired future outcome and contribution to others. Most of the time those two themes came together.
Yeah, there have been people who talked about being fired up to take action because they were so dissatisfied with the way things were. But when I asked the question, "How would you like things to be?" those same people would start to get fired up as they tapped into their fading dreams and desires and saw a vision of what really got them going.
Getting clear on the reason for the goal and on the emotion behind it is the best way to add fuel to your fire. It’s about finding out what makes you feel most alive and then using that desire to strengthen your intention.
ACTION IDEA:
What adds fuel to YOUR fire? Think about a time in your life when you just couldn’t wait to get going on something. What was it? Why was it important to you? Give that some thought for a moment.
Now, think about a time in your life when you felt like nothing could stop you. You were so fired up that you were moving along with focus, effectiveness, and joy. What were you doing? What motivated you to take the steps you needed to take?
Okay, let’s look at where you are right now…
What do you really want (your desired future outcome)?
Why does it fire you up?
Answering those two questions may help add courage, energy and momentum to get you going and keep you moving towards what really matters.
Getting fired up and keeping the fire going are too different things. You have to keep it burning and not let it go out.