Motivator, Motivate Thyself (Or What I Learned From My Audience)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]First of all, this is not about me telling you how great I am, although I’d love to do that.  (Who doesn’t?)  That’s pompous and self-aggrandizing, and not what I’m after here —though you’ll have to hang on to the end of the article to believe me.   So if I seem braggy here, I don’t mean to; just hang on to the end and you’ll see.  You’ll get a nice surprise.  Like ice cream.  Or maybe something less cold.

The subject of today’s lesson:  Motivator, Motivate Thyself.  (Have your ever heard that expression, “Doctor, heal thyself?”  This is like that.)  Or I could also call it, What I Learn From My Audience.  Two great titles; one great blog post.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/4VdS7cqF9dg”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was in San Diego recently, giving what, in all modesty, was a kick-ass motivational speech (some days go just better than others–great audience, great room, enough beauty sleep), and afterwards this very nice gentleman from the audience came up to talk to me.  After my business presentations or motivational speeches, frequently people want to connect …and I love it.  I love to hear what they heard.  I love to know what resonated… It often surprises me.

But I digress.  Anyway, this man came up to me and started thanking me and telling me how awesome it was to have someone reminding him to stay upbeat, to look for life’s positives instead of the negatives, to get out there and really enjoy what life and living has to offer.  He went on and on;  I’m telling you he positively gushed.  He said I was a great reminder of positivity.  That my stories about staying upbeat generally and especially at work were valuable.  But most of all, he said, he thought I was a great example myself of positivity. Me.  I know.  I thanked him profusely, was very appreciative, very humble, and underneath I was thinking, What a fraud I am!

Because, the truth is, I don’t always see the positives in my life.  I think I’m a bit more positive than the average person..ok, I might even be quite a bit more positive.  But that doesn’t mean I’m always able to stay upbeat.   And lately I’ve struggled being positive with my kids.

So, this man, whose only thought was to compliment me and tell me how great it was that I had reminded him to focus on life’s positives, actually became the motivator.  He reminded me that we all need reminders.  He was, after all, my reminder.  So that minute I resolved to be a better father, a better friend, a better leader.

What’s my point?  Staying positive is important.  It’s valuable. And it’s difficult.  REALLY difficult.  Therefore we ALL need constant reminders of the how-to’s, the importance, and the necessity of staying positive.

What’s that mean?  It means this:  what are YOU doing to stay positive.  I can tell you what I’m doing:

• Listening to motivational speakers.  (I’m gonna listen to my own recording… No..that’s just wrong.)

• Listen to upbeat comedians.

• Read positive books.  Watch positive TV.

So, this week, thanks to my generous audience member, I’m focusing on motivating myself:  finding the positive, acknowledging the good, being grateful for this wonderful life I have.  In other words, motivating myself.

If you need a motivational speaker who speaks to the people side of business, call me, Brad Montgomery.  I’ll be busy motivating myself — it’s a constant struggle.  (It is for ALL of us.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brad Montgomery is a business and motivational speaker who speaks to leaders, sales teams, and organizations of all types hoping to get the most out of their people.  He helps them to restart their passion, their purpose, and their desire to be their best.  Want more from your team?  Contact us for more info about bringing Brad in to your meeting or conference.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]