Do motivational self help video's etc. really work?

[gustavofring]

I've been listening to some motivational speakers, like Les Brown or Zig Ziglar and I often find myself temporarily lifted up and spirited, to get up and do something with my life, but then I kinda fall back into the same old habits and thinking patterns.

It's like setting myself up for defeat for thinking too grand and believing "this time I'll do it!" and then falling right back into the same old. Maybe also because the focus is too much on change instead of accepting the way things are. They say good things that you can learn a lot from. But change must come in gradual steps over time, or it won't last.

I guess I need to be far more specific with my daily goals, but I have inmense trouble concentrating and getting things done. I even have trouble making a list for the things I have to do. I feel totally tired and overwhelmed without even having done anything.

 

[LifeInternal88]

For some people they do, for me it's always temporary.

The motivational books/tapes give me a burst of energy and I fool myself into thinking I'll change, but like you said "it's like setting myself up for defeat for thinking too grand and believing "this time I'll do it!" and then falling'.

I think it is better to start by accepting where are now, and then make realistic small adjustments to your daily habits. The problem is that sudden want to change and expecting huge results with an unrealistic time period.

I have the same problems you do, except I'm good at writing to do lists haha I wrote a good one up yesterday. And felt horrible just now for not doing a single thing on it.

 

[da_illest101]

Same here, I want to find a way to be motivated permanently or at least being motivated more often than not.

 

[PhantomPod]

I think they do for some people. Especially if you keep at it and work on maintaining your positive thoughts. Honestly, I'm just like you in that I will get all psyched up about it and will be happy and in a positive mindset, but eventually I just fall out of it and just start feeling down again. I do understand what you're saying in that it's like setting yourself up for defeat, but I do still think it's worth it to give it a shot.

 

[gustavofring]

The trouble is often that I think too much about it, but often don't put it into action. It's like a paradox. If you constantly think about it, you won't do it!

Most of the motivational speakers I listen to very much emphasize the need for specific goals though. That's important to keep sight on. It's also important to feel the motivation yourself. Motivational speakers can only encourage you but true motivation must burn inside of you. If you constantly have to rely on motivational speakers for motivation, you need to stop feeding yourself rubbish and put their words into action. Make it your own.

I lost that feeling of "the flow" (being absolutely 100 % focussed and concentrated and loving what you do) for quite a long time. I don't know why. Negative distractions, negative feelings, bad habits.. Yesterday night I had it again (without any motivational video) and I plan to keep holding onto it to get my work done.

 

[hidwell]

I think the only one who benefits is the person who does the motivational speaking. He gets paid, and gets to feel good about himself.

 

[totoro]

I get fired up with motivation for a short period of time but then it fizzles away and I revert back to my old habits. I haven't come across anything which has had a permanent or life changing impact but I'm sure there are others out there who have had a different experience.

 

[CrazyGirl]

never worked for me. read of bunch of self-help books back in the day and it didn't have any effect on me

 

[Feathers]

I've found some books etc helpful... (not by those authors you mentioned) it was easiest when I was living on my own, away from parents, studying and/or working, with at least partially 'set schedule' and (external) deadlines... my mum is lovely, she can be so negative/critical and with very high standards, and very different interests and expectations of present and future for us, than we have... so the 'self-help' often got 'destroyed' in the process lol...

Even the books say it's just 'temporary' and needs to be 'applied often'...
Healthy habits and routines can be even more important... and maybe 'small steps' and having a support network/accountability partners... people you can lament and talk to or brainstrom with etc.
Changing nutrition and less computer time, more movement/walking has helped some people too (me too)...

I've written some lists and then didn't do much from them either... sometimes got distracted by other daily shenanigans....

Also remember, some goals can be more difficult than others... sometimes going for 'smaller steps' can help... and sometimes one can be 'stopped' by a dilemma or uncertainty how to do something, or whether to do it at all... (and 'motivation' by itself might not be enough, you need to research or find someone who can do it or teach you how or help in other ways)

I like researching 'GTD'/organizing systems or such, some people are more visual or more 'organized'... I accept I'm of artsy/creative type and not likely to be 'perfectly' organized, ever... (and have still done quite SOME things!!) Some people change 'systems' all the time...

So, hm, I guess it's an 'ongoing journey'...?