Motivation Is a Skill: Ideas from Steve Chandler’s “100 Ways to Motivate Yourself”
A while back I shared the chapter titles from Steve Chandler’s book 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself. The list itself was fun, but the book’s bigger message is what stuck with me: motivation isn’t a personality trait you’re born with. It’s something you can create, on purpose, again and again. Here are some of the ideas I find most useful with clients, in my own words.
1. Act first, feel motivated second
We often wait to feel motivated before starting. In practice it usually works the other way around: a small action creates momentum, and the motivation follows. Two minutes of the task is often enough to get going.
2. Run toward your fear
Chandler encourages moving toward the things that scare you rather than circling them. Avoidance keeps fear big; small, deliberate steps toward it usually shrink it. This is also a core principle in overcoming phobias and anxiety.
3. Replace worry with action
Worry feels productive but rarely is. When you notice yourself worrying, ask: “What is one thing I can do about this right now?” If the answer is nothing, set the worry aside for a specific “worry time” later.
4. Upgrade your habits
Motivation fluctuates; habits carry you through the low days. Attach small, positive actions to routines you already have, and make them easy to start.
5. Choose your company
The people you spend time with shape your energy and expectations. Seek out people who are curious, constructive and growing.
6. Get a good coach
Elite performers have coaches for a reason. A good coach helps you see blind spots, stay accountable and keep moving when your own motivation dips.
7. Make today a masterpiece
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Focus instead on doing today well. A string of good days adds up to a very different year.
8. Advertise to yourself
We’re constantly sold to by others; why not “advertise” your own goals to yourself? Keep a written goal, an image, or a short phrase where you’ll see it daily.
9. Laugh and lighten up
Taking yourself too seriously drains energy. Humor and play make persistence much easier.
10. Serve others
Some of the deepest motivation comes from contributing to something beyond ourselves. Ask how your goal could help someone else.
Where hypnosis fits
Hypnosis is a natural partner for motivation. In a relaxed, focused state you can vividly rehearse taking action, feel the satisfaction of progress, and strengthen your reasons for change. Many clients find it easier to start once their mind has already “been there.”
If you’d like to read more, Chandler’s book is short, punchy and full of ideas you can try in a day.
If you’d like to find out whether this approach is a good fit for you, I offer a free, no-pressure consultation. Get in touch here and we can talk it through.
