{"id":987939,"date":"2024-04-30T19:01:02","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T19:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devoutly.org\/journal\/?p=987939"},"modified":"2024-04-30T19:02:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T19:02:11","slug":"persistence-to-success-creating-a-motivational-action-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devoutly.org\/journal\/persistence-to-success-creating-a-motivational-action-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Persistence to Success: Creating a Motivational Action Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

How to assess your motivation and find strategies to help you reach your goals.<\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

We live in an instant world. Isn\u2019t it nice to get ready-to-eat gourmet meals delivered to our front doors? Receive courteous answers to complex questions simply by asking our smartphones? It\u2019s possible to purchase a new pair of shoes on one app and then click over and check our bank balance on another. And let\u2019s not forget the gratification of downloading and listening to an audiobook on one road trip. Remember when we had to wait for books on hold at the library?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Success Is Worth the Work<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Despite the instant availability of information, learning and applying skills is still a process. The things that matter most still take time. I can\u2019t learn everything I want to know about how to write and publish a book from my author friend by taking her out for coffee\u2014even if I pick up the tab. Nor can my husband restore his classic truck to pristine condition overnight. Some cliches still ring true: Rome certainly was not built in a day. Nor could it be rebuilt in a day\u2014even with our technological advances.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The same holds true for big dreams. Which ones keep swirling around in your mind and how do you make them happen? Let\u2019s discuss how to move from thinking about them to <\/span>doing<\/span><\/i> something about them. And while we\u2019re at it, let\u2019s plan ahead for when you feel like quitting\u2014because you will.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Three Questions to Set You Up for Success<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

When it comes to an action plan<\/a>, we can\u2019t go all Forrest Gump about it. He started running because he felt like it and ran for several years until he decided not to anymore. No, there\u2019s a danger in thinking that constant activity is the same as making meaningful progress. We need to be intentional because that leads to persistence\u2014the grit that keeps us going even when facing challenges<\/a>, disappointments or failure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

God created you with a divine plan and purpose that connect with your unique gifts and abilities. The following questions will guide you toward actions that lead to your achievements.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. What\u2019s my motivation?<\/span><\/b> Knowing why you want to achieve something can be a powerful motivator when progress feels like trying to run in deep sand. Those steps are slow sometimes, and our \u201cwhy\u201d matters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I\u2019ve met writers who want to have a bestseller. But that\u2019s outside of their control if they write nothing worth reading. And if sales look grim, they quickly give up. Their motivation has to be to make a difference in the life of every person who reads their book, even if only one. They will persist in learning the craft because being passionate about the meaningful outcome brings fulfillment<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You\u2019ll want to establish meaningful outcomes for your aspirations too. Here are some very generalized examples of goals followed by more precise, abbreviated motivations:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n