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Three Ways to Maintain Motivation
By Scott Orth
The following is an excerpt from the original article published on Mindful Wisdom.ca
How’s your motivation these days? Like so many things, it is something we can choose to influence and even create. And these days it is doubly important that we do.
First, what kills motivation? Before we look at what helps, it is always good to know what drains our motivation. Here are just a few motivation killers:
- Lack of Appreciation and Encouragement.
- Lack of Control or Sense of Empowerment.
- Lack of Meaning.
Once you see these for what they are, these same motivation killers can be flipped to help you create more motivation – both for you and the people on your team. Here are three ways to maintain motivation:
1. Intentional Appreciation and Encouragement
When we remember how important it is to feel appreciated and encouraged, especially when things are hard, we can then make more intentional choices around it. Better yet, we create the habit of being appreciative.
First, high-five yourself every day for accomplishing what you did get done today, rather than beating yourself up for what didn’t get done. So many of us do the latter. Constantly criticizing ourselves just adds to the stress and strain. Instead, become a self-appreciator and cheerleader, recognizing the good you bring into the world and cheer yourself on. You rock! For more on this idea, check out Mel Robbins latest book The High Five Habit.
Second, notice and appreciate the hard work of others rather than take it for granted, or worse yet, continually expect even more from them. Take time to care and check in with people, supporting and encouraging them, and recognize that it is still hard for many people. While things may appear easier, my experience is that most people’s reserves are low, and they haven’t bounced back from the past two years.
2. Take Control
In a world where many things feel out of our control, taking back a sense of control becomes very important. And what can you control, you ask? Most of your habits and better choices lie within your control, such as: taking time each day to move your body, meditate, eat healthy food, get more sleep, connect with a friend, etc. You not only increase your energy and overall wellbeing when you do these, you also anchor your sense of agency in a crazy, chaotic world. You are no longer at the complete mercy of the winds of change.
3. Create Meaning
Humans are meaning makers and meaning seekers. We are hard-wired to create a narrative that makes sense of our world and our place in it. And we thrive when the work we do and the life we live feels meaningful. Yet, too often the narratives we create are disempowering stories that place us as a victim in a difficult world. We all have the power to shift this! History is filled with examples of people who created a positive story and meaning - despite their circumstances. These people go on to become icons of resilience, positivity and purpose, people like: Ghandi, Malala, and Nelson Mandela. What’s a more empowering story you can tell that will motivate you in your work and life these days? What narrative would bring more meaning bring to your day? I think the war in Ukraine has given many of us a new perspective on the things we take for granted and might have complained about only two weeks ago.
We all have the potential to find and create more motivation in our lives. We need this to thrive in our world and the world needs us to thrive such that we can better face the challenges ahead of us. It is both a gift and a duty.
SCOTT ORTH is a mindfulness coach and trainer, who gives CPAs the tools they need to delete the overwhelm, focus on what matters most and drive their future. He gives them strategies to respond to the challenges in their day more mindfully, allowing them to be more focused, productive and happier with the life they are living. Scott was previously the National Leader of HR for one of Canada’s largest employee-owned engineering and science consulting organizations and thoroughly enjoys the challenge of working with analytical, critical thinkers.
Hear Scott discuss Fostering "Deep Work" in a Distracted World and The Art of Saying "NO!" and Setting Boundaries through our On-Demand offerings, or attend his live webinar on The Focused CPA - Finding and Maintaining Focus in the Age of Distraction . Scott will also be presenting in-person at the PD Nexus: Business and Innovation Insights on Tools to Stay Grounded, Positive and Hopeful in a Challenging World.
Build Resilience and Thrive Through Challenges
Life is full of unexpected obstacles, from personal setbacks to professional hurdles. The key to navigating these challenges successfully lies in resilience—the ability to bounce back and adapt in the face of adversity.
Building resilience is not an overnight process, but with consistent effort, it is a skill anyone can develop. Here are five ways to cultivate resilience and become more adaptable in tough times.
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that you can continually improve your skills through conscious effort and learning from experience. When you embrace this mindset, you view challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. Instead of seeing failure as a roadblock, consider it a stepping stone to learning. This perspective not only reduces the fear of failure but also encourages persistence in the face of adversity.
How to Practice:
- Evaluate negative thoughts by asking, "Is this true?” or “What can I learn from this?"
- Set small, achievable goals that challenge you to grow.
- Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes.
2. Strengthen Your Support Network
Having strong, supportive relationships is one of the cornerstones of resilience. Friends, family, mentors, or colleagues can offer emotional support, practical advice, or simply a listening ear when times get tough. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a key strategy for staying strong during difficult times.
How to Practice:
- Build and nurture positive relationships with people who encourage and support you.
- Be open about your struggles and allow others to help.
- Offer support to others, which can also strengthen your own sense of community and resilience.
3. Develop Emotional Regulation
Resilient people are skilled at managing their emotions. Rather than letting stress or frustration overwhelm them, they find ways to calm their minds and deal with their feelings in a healthy manner. This ability to regulate emotions helps maintain focus, clear thinking, and a sense of control when circumstances seem chaotic.
How to Practice:
- Practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
- Take breaks when emotions feel overwhelming to gain a clearer perspective.
- Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, allowing yourself to process them.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
It is easy to feel powerless in the face of difficult situations, but focusing on the things within your control can significantly boost your resilience. When you zero in on actions, decisions, or responses that you can directly influence, it gives you a sense of agency. This mindset shift empowers you to take proactive steps forward, even when the overall situation is out of your hands.
How to Practice:
- Make a list of factors you can control and those you can’t.
- Concentrate on small, actionable steps that move you toward a solution.
- Accept uncertainty by focusing on adaptability rather than rigid control.
5. Practice Self-Care and Well-being
Resilience isn’t just about mental and emotional strength—it’s also about physical well-being. Taking care of your body and mind by practicing regular self-care can significantly enhance your ability to cope with stress. When you prioritize healthy habits, you improve your energy levels, mood, and overall outlook on life, which helps when dealing with adversity.
How to Practice:
- Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and stay physically active.
- Take time to engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, hobbies, or spending time outdoors.
- Set aside moments for relaxation and rejuvenation, such as taking a bath, practicing yoga, or unwinding with music.
Resilience is a powerful tool that enables us to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and strength. By fostering a growth mindset, nurturing strong relationships, regulating emotions, focusing on what you can control, and practicing self-care, you can build a resilient foundation that helps you face adversity head-on. With time and dedication, these habits will not only help you overcome obstacles but also thrive in the face of them.
Empowering Learners with Professional Expertise and a Passion for Service
Meet GREG BUCK, FCPA, FCA, Partner and Founder of KEY Financial Group LLP, has spent the past 35 years in public practice, specializing in owner-managed and professional businesses. With extensive experience in small-to-medium businesses, Greg enjoys mentoring other CPA firms in practice methods and CPA standards.
As a mentor, Greg has been instrumental in supporting small practitioners, helping them deliver service excellence. He has also established CPABC's Fraser Valley Practitioner Forum, a platform that strengthens the professional growth, knowledge, and networks of local practitioners.
Greg has lectured for 17 years at the University of the Fraser Valley in Business Computing and Business Administration and is a current instructor for CPA of British Columbia.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Greg is a dedicated volunteer, with over 20 years as a Rotarian at the Abbotsford Rotary Club, where he led major fundraisers that brought significant community support. He has also served the community, as President of the Abbotsford Airshow, an Airshow director and officer for 12 years, where he worked tirelessly to stage this renowned international event.
Gain insights from Greg at one of his upcoming sessions on Starting a Successful CPA Practice, Compilations - Application of the Standard, Compilations - Specific Topics, Reviews - Application of the Standard (CSRE 2400) and in the Thriving in Public Practice Series.
Reminder
The PD Nexus: Business & Innovation Insights on December 5th will be in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Network with like-minded professionals, share experiences, learn from our expert speakers, and leave the conference with actionable strategies to enhance your resilience and reinvent your approach to challenges.
Register now as this event will sell out.
Did You Know
This year, the Public Practice Series will be offered across four days, with each day focused on four critical areas of public practice:
- Oct 23 - Firm Management
- Oct 30 - Taxation Issues of Current Interest
- Nov 6 - Technology as Business Tools
- Nov 13 - Ethical Practices
Attendees will start their day with a half-day seminar, followed by two 1.5 hour seminars in the afternoon.
You can choose to register for all four days or just pick and choose only the days that align best with your interests.