Ways In Which Honest Self-Reflection Can Inspire and Motivate You

How often do you engage in honest self-reflection? Are you one of those persons who do it only at the start of a new year and then make those hard to keep resolutions that fall by the wayside come February?

When you get up in mornings, do you feel inspired, motivated, energized or do you feel fatigued?

Are you motivated to succeed or do you even have the courage to do real self-reflection?

Self-reflection requires honesty. It is about confronting the person on the inside of you when you are out of the spotlight, and you are the only one present at that meeting.

Self-reflection is a positive action, even though it can lead to a revelation of bad habits, unpleasant attitudes, and behavior.

It is a catalyst for motivation that will ultimately drive you to go above and beyond the ordinary right up to the point of excellence. It can help you realize your biggest goals and ambition.

So, are you ready to get motivated and be all that you can be this year? Let’s get started.

Motivation Begins With Self-Reflection

Every once in a while someone will treat you and me with the same bad attitude that we have given whether to that person or someone else along the way. Needless to say, it’s an unpleasant feeling for those of us that have received such treatment.

That has its roots in biblical truth that whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap. It is also saying that the good, we do to others, will come back for us. By by the same token, the bad things that we do or say to others will also come back to haunt us one day.

1. Reflect on your attitude and your behavior in general while keeping in mind your values.

Sometimes this is all it takes to clear up the blocked channels as you see your reflection in the mirror.

You are motivated to love and to be more respectful, mindful and sensitive to the feelings of others.

What behaviors are holding you back? Even if you are having a bad day because something is not going the way you anticipated, manage your emotions, your behavior and your reaction to the negative things in life. If you don’t, then there will always be someone there to push your button in the wrong way.

“My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

2. Consider your weaknesses and look for the opportunity to turn them into strengths

To each his own but universally, everyone has weaknesses. Not all weaknesses are bad either.

However, the idea here is not to constantly magnify them, whether it’s yours or someone else’s. The thing is to know what they are, acknowledge that you have them and seek help from a trusted source.

Do you have a weakness for alcohol? Then remove from the home and stay away from the bar or wherever there is alcohol. Do you have a weakness for beautiful women or sex? Are you constantly late for work?

It’s a beautiful thing when you can work on those gray areas, make a few changes here and there and then you begin to see results that are worth celebrating.

“I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be.” ~ Ken Venturi

3. You cannot always be right nor are you always wrong 

Some persons are negative and constantly sabotage themselves by thinking he or she is always wrong and cannot do anything good. You will then hear that person say “I just have bad luck.”

On the other hand, there are those who constantly think that no matter what they do, they are always right. Wrong! It is called self-deception not self-motivation. Being cocky and manipulative is not smart either.

Consider the possibility that you are wrong, and be willing to listen to others and to take their ideas and suggestions.

For those of you, who think you are always wrong, explore the possibility that you are right. You are above average. You are smart and intelligent so go ahead and give yourself the opportunity to grow intellectually rather than giving into doubts and fears.

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.” ~ David J. Schwartz

4. Give a listening ear to your frustrations

What frustrates you? Are they recurring and the fact that they keep resurfacing, what do they say about you?

Do you constantly get on the defensive and blame others? Do you react strongly to minor disagreements or take offense whenever someone has to correct you?

According to Bob Proctor, “Change is inevitable but personal growth is a choice.”

Therefore, it is time to take responsibility for your actions and give yourself the opportunity to grow and to become the person you were created to be.

“You can make positive deposits in your own economy every day by reading and listening to powerful, positive, life-changing content and by associating with encouraging and hope building people.” ~ Zig Ziglar 

5. Even if you fail at something, you are not a failure

It is not all bad, and all is not lost if you made the effort to do something and your plans failed. That doesn’t make you the person a failure. It’s an opportunity to redefine your personal goals, and to realign yourself with them.

It is important that your goals are sensible, measurable, achievable, and realistic and time bound. Have a vision for your life and know what your capabilities are.

Don’t play the victim or bury your head in the sand like the ostrich. Why are you refusing to let go of the past? It is not your mother’s fault. It is not your father’s fault either.

Release the pain and get up and do something for a change. Take action.

“People who consider themselves victims of their circumstances will always remain victims unless they develop a greater vision for their lives.” ~ Stedman Graham 

Motivational Phrases To Live By Each Day

Someone said that you cannot motivate another person and that motivation has to come from within yourself. Be that as it may, here are a few motivational phrases and affirmations that you can declare each day that will not only motivate, but will cause you to succeed:-

1. I am grateful for today, and I am determined to cherish every moment.
2. I am thankful to be here and will make the best of today
3. I choose to move forward, grow and improve daily in my life.
4. I have the favor with God and people and I am, therefore, destined to win.
5. I am a better person today than I was yesterday.
6. I refuse to give way to doubt, confusion or frustration.
7. I choose to focus on my personal goals and where I am going in life
8. I am not a failure, and I am a work in progress and success shall be my outcome
9. I was born a winner and today I plan to win, prepare to win, and I expect to win
10. Today I choose to give love and push through my hurt and pain.
11. I am 100% committed to my goals and positive habits
12. I am not a victim of my circumstances, and I am a victor.
13. The possibilities in my life are endless, and I am excited about them.
14. My life matters and what I do makes a difference so that the world is a better place
15. My life has meaning and purpose
16. I refuse to compare myself with others
17. I am in competition with no one else but me
18. I will not look back in the past because there are far better things ahead for me
19. Time and patience are my strongest warriors in battle
20. The battle is not mine, but it is the Lord’s, and He shall fight for me
21. I have the power to change and live life in abundance
22. I am the apple of God’s eyes, and I am royalty
23. Be quick to listen, and slow to speak.
24. Don’t let life change your goals, because achieving your goals can change your life.
25. God did not create me to be comfortable but to use my talents to be of comfort to others
26. My smile is infectious, and I vow to use it to make a difference in the lives of those around me
27. I refuse to live in misery because I have gratitude as my antidote
28. Don’t worry, be happy and live your greatest life

Final Thoughts 

For a final thought, I leave you with this quote from Confucius that says,

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential…These are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

Over To You

Was this post helpful? Did it inspire you to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life? What are some of your own affirmations that you use each day to motivate you to succeed? Share your thoughts with us.

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