Progress, not Perfection.

It’s actually a very simple formula to move forward when stuck.

Step one: Determine where you’re headed.
Step two: Take one step in that direction.
Step three: Adjust for barriers (emotional & physical)
Step four: Repeat as necessary.

The biggest problem we face is NOT that we cannot do it, but that we make the goal unrealistic.

Remember “Think 1st.”

Pick 1 thing (not several), make it Small enough that there’s no objection in your mind to doing it, make sure you do it Today.

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Catch yourself doing something RIGHT today.

This was actually triggered by something that happened to me today. I was moving a table to get to an electric socket. In the process, I knocked a ceramic mug of pens off the table. I caught the mug before it hit the ground and therefore prevented the pens from spilling all over the floor.

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How to Stop Putting Yourself Down

June 13, 2011 By Scott "Q" Marcus

Don’t let your “Big But” get in the way of rewarding yourself.

This one might take a little explaining…

We are great about insulting ourselves and not so good about complimenting ourselves. For example, a co-worker points out that you did a great job dealing with a difficult customer. Instead of saying, “Thank you,” we say, “Yeah, BUT, I really wanted to lay into her.”

A friend notices your parenting skills and comments, “You are a wonderful mom!” You say, “Yeah, BUT, you should have seen me last night.”

Or your spouse says, “You’re looking great. It looks like you’ve lost a lot of weight.” You reply, “Yeah, BUT, I cheated all week.”

What’s with that? Why do we have such a hard time accepting compliments?

By denying what we do well, we feel bad. When we feel bad, we engage in habits that make us feel better. Those are usually the habits that hold us back. So, each time we put ourselves down, we increase the likelihood that we will hold ourselves back.

A compliment denied is punishment self inflicted. It’s not conceited to honor what you do well, it’s necessary. Try it (and make sure to find a reason to compliment others too).

Special bonus: if you’d like to hear a fun ten-minute audio of a presentation I did on this very topic, you can go to MarcusStrivingImprefection10Minutes

Note: Every Monday, a new motivational memo is posted. Subscribers to ThisTimeIMeanIt.com’s coaching service get this – and many more benefits – sent to them directly. If you’d like to know more, follow this link.

Motivational Monday Memo: Being Grateful

March 14, 2011 By Scott "Q" Marcus

Take a moment each day to realize how fortunate you are – especially when it doesn’t seem like it.

Believe it or not, studies have shown that we are “hard wired” to look for the negatives. When we feel things are difficult or messed up, it affects our mood. When our mood is depressed, our attitude changes. When our attitude changes, others around us react to it, furthering the underlying thought that everything stinks.

Take a moment as you read this to remind yourself of something positive. Be grateful you have that moment. Then, pass along a positive thought to the next person with whom you interact.

This post was partially inspired by what is happening in Japan. Read the post about what you can do.

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Overcoming Perfectionism

Progress, not Perfection.

Remember “Think 1st.”

Finding the Positives