In our industry, it’s easy to become jaded or callous.

Whether it’s over-the-top marketing, outrageous claims, or simply a glass-is-half-empty mindset, I’m constantly asking myself questions:

How can I stay motivated?

How can I continue to be inspired?

Here are several strategies I’ve used in the past.  Hopefully one or two of them will work for you as well, regardless of your field!

1 – Begin with the end in mind.

I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but whenever I start working with a new client, I always envision what they can become.

Not where they’re at now, or where they’ve been in the past.  Where can they be in one month?  Three months?  A year?  Or even three years?

This is what a coach does – they can not only envision where there clients are going, but they can the client realize it as well.  After all, the client has to buy into you as well as the process.

2 – Find inspiration from your clients.

I must admit, I’m constantly inspired by my clients.

Yesterday, I was working with Brian – a guy whom I’ve known for at least 13 years now (and wow, that really makes me sound old!)

Brian came to us about 3 months ago with nagging hip and lower back pain.  He’d endured numerous nerve blocks, a surgery, and a host of other treatments that had provided him with little to no relief.

After three months of working with us, he’s well on his way to full recovery.  It’s almost shocking to see what a difference he’s made.  When I see clients like him, I’m constantly reminded why it is I do what I do.

3 – Find inspiration ANYWHERE.

This is one that we often forget about, or at least I often forget about.

When you take a step back, there are millions of extremely talented people in this world.

It could be talent in a sport like golf, tennis or soccer. But again, that’s a little bit too close to what we do.

For me, I’m constantly inspired by music.  Having Wayne (our first official IFAST coach) at the gym has reminded me about music, and especially my love for all types of music.  Wayne is a blues guy, and I’m with him – you can’t listen to Stevie Ray Vaughn or Jimi Hendrix and not be inspired – even if you don’t like a specific brand or type of music, you can still appreciate their talent level.

So these are just a few ways I find inspiration and motivation on a day-to-day basis.  Where do you find inspiration?  Leave your comments below!

All the best
Mike