Unleash Your Inner Awesome: 10 Motivational Secrets of Successful People

It’s never too late to be awesome. That’s not just a catchy slogan, it’s a battle cry for anyone who’s ever felt their fire dimming. Nelson Wang, CEO of The Blink App, knows this feeling all too well. From flunking an Economics class to failing countless app ideas, he’s faced setbacks aplenty. But through it all, he discovered a potent formula for resilience and motivation, one he’s generously sharing with the world.

Ignite Your Inner Spark:

1. Find Your Why: Mark Twain said it best, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This “why” is your purpose, your passion, the fuel that propels you forward. It’s not about throwing away rotten potatoes; it’s about nourishing families in need. Find your purpose, create it if need be, and let it ignite your drive.
2. Dream Big, Stay Focused: Oprah Winfrey advises, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” There will be days of monotony, but don’t let them eclipse your grand vision. Remember, Nelson’s partner training program at VMware didn’t create more work, it generated $1.6 million in pipeline. Keep your eye on the big picture, it’ll keep you inspired.
3. Get Moving, Get Motivated: Research shows that exercise is a potent mood booster. A 30-minute workout can elevate serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, reducing stress and clearing your mind. It’s not just about physical fitness; pushing your limits in the gym translates to pushing your limits everywhere else. Remember, if Nelson could conquer a half marathon, what could he (and you) achieve next?
4. Find Your Accountability Tribe: Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and make you laugh. Share your goals, big and small, and let their questions and encouragement be your driving force. Imagine the power of 50 colleagues asking about your 100 new customer goal! That’s some serious peer pressure you can leverage for motivation.
5. Channel Your Inner Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try,” said the wise Jedi Master. Inspirational quotes can be your pocket-sized motivators. Print one out, slap it on your mirror, and let it be your morning mantra. It’s like a daily pep talk from your personal cheerleader.
6. Break It Down, Bite by Bite: Donut holes are irresistible because they’re small and achievable. Approach your goals the same way. Don’t just dream of climbing Mount Everest, set smaller milestones – conquer base camp, reach Camp Four, and eventually, stand on the summit. Each mini-victory fuels your journey and keeps you moving forward.
7. Have Fun, Seriously: Jenny C. reminds us, “There’s no fun in a perfect life. So make a risk. Take a chance. Go where the wind takes you. Have fun.” When you enjoy what you do, motivation blossoms naturally. You become charismatic, optimistic, and productive, inspiring those around you and creating an awesome work environment. So go out there and have the time of your life!
8. Find Your Inner Calm: In a world of information overload, meditation is our oasis. Taking time to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and quiet your mind is a powerful tool for focus and motivation. A calmer you is a clearer you, ready to tackle challenges with renewed optimism. Check out Headspace for some guided meditation to jumpstart your journey.
9. Think, Brainstorm, Conquer: James Altucher, a brilliant mind, says, “Not all of your ideas will be good. It doesn’t matter. Write them down anyway.” Let your creativity flow freely, even if it seems messy. You never know when a hidden gem will sparkle among the scribbles. Jot down 100 ideas, one might just change your world.
10. Dream It, See It, Achieve It: Visualization is a powerful tool. Close your eyes, picture yourself achieving your goals, making your impact, living your dream life. Feel the emotions, the satisfaction, the joy. Now open your eyes and go make it happen. It’s never too late to unleash your inner awesome.

Remember: Nelson’s story isn’t just about his successes, it’s about his comebacks. It’s about finding motivation after failure, about rising above and beyond perceived limitations. So next time you feel your fire dimming, grab this list, reignite your spark, and remember, it’s never too late to be awesome.

Bonus Resources:

Books:

• Drive by Daniel Pink: This book delves into the science of motivation, exploring what truly drives people to achieve their best. Pink identifies three key motivators: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Understanding these principles can help you tailor your approach to motivation and unlock your full potential.
• Start with Why by Simon Sinek: This book emphasizes the importance of understanding your “why” – your purpose, cause, or belief. Sinek argues that people are more inspired to follow leaders and organizations that have a clear and compelling why, and that the same principle applies to personal motivation. Finding your why can give you direction and meaning in your life.
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: This classic book outlines seven essential habits that can lead to success in all areas of life. While not specifically focused on motivation, the principles of habit formation, goal setting, and personal responsibility can all contribute to your ability to stay motivated and achieve your goals.

Articles:

• “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown: This TED Talk explores the courage it takes to be vulnerable and how it can ultimately lead to greater connection and authentic living. Brown’s insights can be applied to motivation as well, reminding us that it’s okay to set ourselves out there and risk failure, knowing that it can lead to greater growth and fulfillment.
• “10 Things Successful People Do Differently” by Jack Chapman: This article offers practical tips from successful individuals on how to stay motivated and focused. It covers topics like setting goals, managing distractions, and developing a positive mindset.
• “How to Stay Motivated When You’re Facing a Big Challenge” by Forbes: This article provides advice for tackling difficult tasks and overcoming obstacles. It emphasizes the importance of breaking down large challenges into smaller steps, staying positive, and seeking support from others.

Tools and Apps:

• Headspace: As mentioned in the article, Headspace is a great app for guided meditation and mindfulness exercises. Taking time to clear your mind and reduce stress can boost your focus and motivation.
• Trello: This project management tool can help you organize your tasks, track your progress, and stay on top of your goals. Visualizing your progress can be a powerful motivator.
• Forest: This app helps you stay focused by gamifying the process of avoiding distractions. Plant a virtual tree and watch it grow as you avoid your phone. The satisfaction of seeing your forest flourish can help you stay on track.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and there are countless other resources available to help you stay motivated.

Key Takeaway:

The most important thing is to find what works for you. Experiment with different strategies and tools, and keep learning and adapting. Motivation is a journey, not a destination, so embrace the process and enjoy the ride!

Prof. Dr. Prahlada N. B
27 December 2023
Doha, Qatar.