Get motivated in 2012

Already the sun is setting on the first month of 2012. The Australian Open has crowned its latest champions and Melbourne Park has ushered out the last crowds, signalling that the end of January is here.  Just four weeks ago most of us were casting our thoughts forward into 2012, wondering what the coming year might bring and making over-zealous resolutions that lasted about 14 days (at a stretch).

Motivation will play a crucial role in shaping your achievements, both professional and personal.  It’s a good idea to set yourself some rules of engagement nice and early in the year, allowing maximum time to achieve the results you want.  The trick is to be reasonable so changes are sustainable, and to set goals that really matter to you.

If you are planning on changing jobs this year and thinking about moving into a PR communication job, or if your goal is to improve your skills in Crisis media or managing the media in general then having clear goals and being motivated will help create a winning formula.

We believe the most important thing to remember is this:  The aim of work is to sustain us in life so we can do things we enjoy, like spending time with family and friends – a favourable work-life balance is the ultimate goal.  Having a career should stimulate us and facilitate enjoyment of the journey from work to work-life.

Here are our top tips for boosting motivation so you can enjoy success in 2012:

1. Set goals – Big ones (long-term) and small ones (short-term).  Write them down, make sure they’re specific, and strong (“I will…” not, “I will try to…”).
2. Act with purpose – You have goals, so all activities you undertake should contribute something to achieving those goals.  Don’t waste time and energy on things that don’t serve your purpose.
3. Care for mind and body – You need good food to fuel the body and mind.  You need exercise to maintain the physical energy for action and clear the head.  Structure your week so you do fit these elements into your work-week to serve your higher purpose.
4. Perpetuate positivity – Attract and keep company with similarly motivated, positive people.  Avoid negative people who nay say and drain your energy.  Applying the same rules, assess your affiliation with groups and membership organisations; only commit time to those that have positive momentum behind them and are relevant to your higher purpose.
5. Be the master of your results – Take responsibility for outcomes (good and bad), chart them, recognise how you can improve them, and celebrate failures because you know you won’t make those same mistakes again!
6. Engage in stimulating activities –  Participating in challenging and interesting activities will keep your motivation at an optimum level.  Professional development courses are a terrific way to stay motivated. They keep you on track, focused and upskill you at the same time.
7. A personal review every three months – Conduct your own personal review to see how you are tracking with your goals and to ensure you are working on your personal brand. This review will identify any gaps, which part of your plan needs to be altered and will re-motivate you to keep moving forward with your plans and goals for 2012.