The fabulous “How full is your bucket?” by Tom Rath and Donald O Clifton talks about the need to re-fill our energy levels by ensuring when we give to others, we top-up our own tank.  This seems such an obvious, simple principal and I’m sure it is one, as a Mentor, you often discuss with clients.  So, as a Mentor, a motivator, an energy-driver for others, are you replenishing your own levels, regularly?  There are simple ways to keep the levels topped-up, including my top five:
Self-motivating moments:

1) Allow yourself time between clients.  Not just time to write-up notes or do some promised research (this should be scheduled in your diary as part of the appointment).  Real time for you – I take 20 minutes in the garden with a cuppa after every client, to re-energise.

2) Choose a positive word for every encounter.  I keep a small box of cards on my desk, each with a word I love on it, that describes a mood or value.  After every encounter I have during the day (a conversation on social media, a skype call or a meeting) I choose a word card that best describes the positive aspect of that encounter.  At the end of every day, I have a pile of cards that remind me of the best parts of my day.

3) Give to givers.  How often are you asked for a “chat” and you know that in fact you are being asked for your opinion on a situation; in real-terms, a free session.  There are people you will always choose to give that time to, but there are also occasions on which you will find yourself resenting the time spent; feeling drained and used by the experience.  Make a decision to own your time, to give it only to other givers and you will find this tops-up your energy rather than drains it.  Remember your time IS your product, don’t be too quick to give out free-samples.

4) Get some music on!  Music can be hugely uplifting and I love to have music in the background when I am not talking with clients.  My taste is eclectic and varies from Beethoven to Bon Jovi and I find it boosts my mood.  Being focussed in your office does not mean you have to work in silence – so whatever music lightens your spirits (and preferably gets you singing) turn it up!

5) Share your own successes.  As children we are so often told “Don’t show-off” and then we wonder as adults why we find it so hard to promote our businesses.  Taking a moment to share your successes – whether with a group of friends, with your social media pals or one-to-one with your own Mentor is a great way of topping up your own motivation.  At the end of each day, I write my “Look what I did today” list; a reminder of what I have actually achieved, a positive way to end the day and an opportunity to top-up my motivation levels.

What techniques do you use to keep your levels of motivation high?  I’d love to hear your ideas.