Motivation Monday...Never give up

I could not agree more with every word in the above image, so for this motivation Monday post, I would like to focus on this concept. It can be so easy to give up on something after a very short time if you don't see results quickly or face too many obstacles or challenges along the way. This can apply to many aspects of our lives. We can talk about relationships, careers, hobbies, fitness, sports... and the list goes on. I think the eight points listed above are so accurate and very important to remember as we embark on different journeys in our lives. 

1. Success takes time:  "Rome was not built in a day". I know this can be a tough one for me as I tend to be impatient and want the instant result or gratification which is often impossible to achieve. Once you realize this, I think it is so important to look at each step you take toward a goal as progress. You will most likely need to measure in weeks, months or even years depending on the goal, but it's what you do each day which will add up.

2. Prove yourself right: If you have a dream or a goal that you want to achieve and you feel it's within reach, you need to go for it. Even if you feel it's slightly out of reach, you will never know until you try. If you want to lose twenty pounds, you know you can. It may seen like a daunting task at first, especially if you have tried and failed before, but you know there is no reason you cannot accomplish this goal, So make a plan, stick to it day by day... and prove yourself right!

3. Prove the haters wrong:  This can be one of the sweetest moments of victory depending on the goal and situation. If you receive negative feedback from people regarding things you choose to do or hope to accomplish, you cannot let that stand in your way. If people discourage you, it can often come from a place of jealousy or self-doubt. If you set out to run a marathon and there are those who make you feel like you will never be able to cross that finish line, ask yourself..."what motive could this person possibly have for being negative?" Is it because this person could never have the discipline to do the same thing or maybe tried and failed in the past? Is it because this person is jealous of the level of fitness you have or how you look as a result of it? You may never know what the answer is, but it can be motivating to want to prove this person wrong and perhaps wear that medal around your neck the next time you see him or her!

4. Make yourself happy:  This should be the number one reason not to give up. We have one life, and we need to try and live it to the fullest. Whatever you do in life that makes you happy is so important. If it's a sport or hobby that challenges you but makes you happy, don't ever give up on it.

5. Make your time worth it: Often things in life that mean the most take commitment...and this requires time. Time is our greatest asset, and if you are going to spend time working toward a goal, then please achieve that goal. Time is so precious that it should not be wasted on something you don't care about enough to stay committed to. Make wise choices and stick to them so that you will never feel like you wasted your time.

6. Your friends and family are rooting for you:  Without a doubt, those who care about you are in your corner. Whatever is important to you and makes you happy, they will support.

7. You'll live in regret:  "You will miss 100% of the shots you don't take."  You will never know what you can achieve if you don't try. If there is something you want to accomplish, come up with a plan and stick to it. Even when obstacles arise, try to overcome them and stay the course. If you give up when something goes wrong or is harder than you thought it would be, you will never know if you could have seen it through. You will then be left with uncertainty and regret. Realistically all goals we have may not be attainable, but if you don't give all that you can, you will always wonder what could have been.

8. Think of those you can inspire: Set a goal...do the work...achieve the goal, and now you are a role model. It can be a great feeling to have others say "I don't know how you do it" or "You are so impressive" or "I am inspired by you". You may not realize things you do have an impact on others, but often they do. Whether it's family, friends or acquaintances, people who see you follow through with something and achieve a goal can then be inspired to do the same. So while I truly feel the only person you have to impress is yourself, it can be nice to have your achievements encourage others as well.