Motivation Information


Does Your Battery Need Recharging?


A technical support person in a pager company tells the story of a customer call to the customer service center from a man who repeatedly complained he was being paged by "Lucille." He was instructed that he would have to call her and tell her to stop paging him.

"She don't never leave no number, so I can't call her back," he said. After three such calls, someone thought to ask how he knew it was Lucille if she didn't leave a number.

"She leaves her name" was the reply. After establishing that the customer had a numeric-only pager, the light bulb came on. "How does she spell her name?" the service rep asked. "L-O-W C-E-L-L"

Are you operating on a low cell? Have you given 'til it hurts, then given some more?

In your work or personal life, are you approaching burnout, desperately in need of a battery change?

Burnout researchers Maslach and Jackson paint a picture of three major burnout symptoms.

1. Emotional exhaustion. Do you feel that you have nothing much left to give? Like you want to either explode or go and hide? Is your emotional energy level at an all-time low in work or home relations?

2. Depersonalization. Do you find yourself more cynical about people? Do you suspect their motives or expect the worst? If you are in a helping profession, do you find yourself thinking of people as "cases", diagnoses, or generically, simply as "problems"?

3. Reduced sense of accomplishment. Does it seem you are working harder and getting less done? Do you picture yourself in a squirrel cage walking and running, but going in circles and not getting anywhere?

If these three factors describe you, you could be burning out. Interestingly, it is typically the most committed people who are vulnerable to burnout. (The others don't care!)

If you saw yourself in this burnout picture, you can begin to recharge your batteries with these three strategies.

1. It's okay to say no - really! It's not essential that everyone's needs (perceived or real) be met all the time, and it's certainly not your responsibility to keep everyone happy. Hang out with some people who like you but don't need anything. Learn to set your boundaries so that both your relationships and you will last longer.

2. Change something. When you are down, go on a vacation or even a weekend getaway. Think of a creative new way to get something done and do it differently. Sign up for a class to develop a new hobby. In your workaholic schedule, ink in some time for fun and play.

3. Revive your spirit.Spend some regular time alone connecting with your faith and nature. I highly recommend journaling, particularly prayer jounaling. Pause to count your blessings and give thanks. Notice the little answers to prayers. At work, remind yourself of the meaning and purpose of what you do. Recall times when you knew you were in the flow of what you were made to do, and look for opportunities to do more of that.

Balance your giving to others with these essential strategies for recharging your internal resources and, like the Energizer Bunny, you'll be able to keep on going and going and going.

Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist who has worked with organizations across the globe for over 20 years. Her high-energy, high-content, high-involvement Magnetic Workplaces (r) programs provide dozens of practical strategies and skills that can be put to work immediately to:

  • build strong leaders who influence and develop others through serving

  • energize, motivate, and retain team members

  • successfully accomplish important organizational transitions

  • impress customers and build their loyalty

  • Review a complete list of her programs available for your convention or corporate meeting at the website, www.MagneticWorkplaces.com


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Hartford Courant

    Motivate Students, And Achievement Follows
    Hartford Courant
    But among the ideas that have been advanced so far, one central question goes largely unanswered: "What must we do to ensure that every student is personally engaged in learning and motivated to produce quality work in school?" Without a robust answer ...

    and more »


    Miesha Tate is motivated to bring the fight to 'delusional' Ronda Rousey
    MMAmania.com
    Anything that she says is motivation, definitely." Everyone knows Rousey has ridiculous judo, jiu-jitsu and submission skills. Tate comes from a wrestling background, but she believes it's more than just her wrestling that gives her the edge: "That's ...

    and more »


    Contract won't dampen Sandoval's motivation
    MLB.com
    Management's obvious alternative would have been to sign Sandoval to one-year deals for each of the next three seasons, using the salary arbitration process as a -- pardon the cliche -- carrot on a stick to motivate the switch-hitter.

    and more »


    Bleacher Report

    MMA: Condit wants to be Top Chef of UFC
    OCRegister
    Condit's wife gave birth to their son, Owen, in March 2010, which has created new motivation for Condit. “It can be difficult,” Condit said. “I mean, I think anybody who has kids knows. They can be a challenge, but it's awesome. My son is my world.
    UFC 143 Results: Will St-Pierre Be Motivated for a Fight Against Condit?Bleacher Report
    GSP Joins 'UFC Tonight' on Fuel TV: January 31, 2012Yahoo! Sports
    Monday Water Cooler: Looking Back at UFC 143Heavy.com
    Toronto Sun
    all 1,314 news articles »


    Seymour wrestling trio has three times the motivation to get to state
    Green Bay Press Gazette
    Despite their accolades, all three returned this season with motivation to improve on their junior campaigns and hunt down the program's first individual state championship since 1986 when Paul Leisgang won Seymour's lone state crown at 98 pounds.

    and more »


    Lewiston Sun Journal

    Student musicians are motivated
    Lewiston Sun Journal
    RUMFORD — Many parents struggle to motivate teenagers to do homework, clean their rooms or do their chores. Not so when it comes to creating music. Talented students at Mountain Valley High School spend hours practicing and preparing for performances.



    Lifesite

    Obama: Jesus is motivation behind health care agenda
    Lifesite
    “But in my moments of prayer, I'm reminded that faith and values play an enormous role in motivating us to solve some of our most urgent problem.” In particular, he noted, “when I talk about making sure insurance companies aren't discriminating against ...

    and more »


    Daily News & Analysis

    Boullier: Raikkonen fully motivated
    The Press Association
    Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has been left in no doubt as to Kimi Raikkonen's motivation following his return to Formula One. Raikkonen's comeback after two years away from the sport, during which time he predominantly competed in the World Rally ...
    Kimi Raikkonen says motivation has never been an issue with himDaily News & Analysis
    Raikkonen: Motivation never an issueYahoo! Eurosport UK
    Kimi Raikkonen dismisses motivation questionsESPN F1
    Telegraph.co.uk
    all 223 news articles »


    Doubters motivate former Purdue star Ninkovich
    Journal and Courier
    More motivation for me." When Ninkovich and the New England Patriots faced the Baltimore Ravens in the Jan. 22 AFC Championship game, Ninkovich couldn't help but glance at the opposing team's sideline where Cameron stood as the Ravens' offensive ...

    and more »


    Telegraph.co.uk

    Pakistan v England: Misbah ul-Haq and Mohsin Khan sweep away the past as they ...
    Telegraph.co.uk
    Being sentenced to exile since March 2009 has proved a motivation to Pakistan so far. In Dubai, the several hundred Pakistan supporters made the noise of several thousands; but, sooner or later, exile will demoralise rather than motivate.
    3rd Test: England's nightmare continuesThe Express Tribune

    all 1,346 news articles »

    Google News

    home | site map
    © 2007