Some American
motivational speakers have a phrase. They refer to their ‘warm
fuzzy file’. This may seem a trifle unacceptable to our ears,
but the philosophy behind it is certainly sound.
It seems to be human
nature to dwell on mistakes and the negative aspects of life. This is
really sad because we all, without exception, have some achievements
that are worth rewarding ourselves for.
Create a strategy for getting to where you want to be and define the actions that will produce the desired
results. Even small
achievements can create the motivation to raise personal goal
posts and to aim higher.
It seems to be a
natural reaction to focus on what you have not done
rather on what you have done. This is enough to prevent some people from even attempting anything new if it is allowed to pass unchallenged.
What is a warm, fuzzy file.? This is simply a
list of all the good things that you have done since you last did a personal review. These may be as simple as having a daily ‘To Do’ list and
then actually doing everything that is on it. They can be as simple
as spending some time with someone who is lonely – or smiling at a
shop assistant. This does not exclude the big things
too, but if you focus on these it is all too easy to lose sight of
hose little things that make a big difference to someone else.
As this years draws to
a close, now is the ideal time to undertake your
own warm fuzzy list. You will be surprised how helpful it can be
when you are having a day when things seem to be out of kilter. If
you maintain your list regularly you will be amazed at what you have
achieved and this will spur you on to do even more”.
Copyright The Coaching Academy
