In my most recent blog I stated that the most important take away from my new book, iMotivateMe: Take Control of Your Motivation to Reach Your Goals and Achieve Your Dreams, and my workshops and teachings is “You are responsible for your own motivation.” This is why I refer to it as self motivation.

If you have a dream, some special change you want to make in your life, I can guarantee you, no one cares about it as much as you do. I can also guarantee you that no one knows you as well as you do, so no one is going to know your motivators, the things that motivate you, and your demotivators, the things that rob you of your motivation. If you want to make your dream come true, you need to take control of your motivation.

In today’s blog I want share with you the best way to take control of your motivation, creating a plan for motivation. Here are the eight steps for making your plan.

Step One: Get ready to do some writing.

Get out a pencil or pen and a piece of paper or your journal, or open up a new document on your favorite word processor. One thing research shows us is extremely motivating is clarity, knowing exactly what you want, and exactly how you are going to get there. Figuring this out and writing it down will give you the clarity you need to become and stay motivated. So as you think about your plan for motivation, take notes. When you are done thinking, write down your final plan.

Step Two: Write down exactly what you want, that is, what special change you want to make in your life that is going to make your life so much better. The more precise you are, the better your motivation plan will be.

Step Three: Write down why you want to make this change. Once again, be as specific as you can be.

Step Four: Write down all the steps you need to take to make this special change come true.

Step Five:  Enlist like minded and supportive people to encourage you and guide you on your path.

Step Six:  Get the training and education you need to help you make your dream come true. The increased confidence that will result will have its own motivational impact.

Step Seven: Celebrate your victories. Making big dreams come true is hard work. Make sure you appreciate all you have done. Give yourself a big pat on the back and maybe even a special reward.  You deserve it.

Step Eight: Revisit and revise. Your motivation plan is a living document. As you move forward on making your dream come true, you will better understand what is required, and you will better understand what you need to do to make it come true. Make the changes in your motivation plan that result from this wisdom.

Motivation doesn’t just happen. It requires attention and hard work, but creating a plan for motivation is well worth the effort. It will make sure your dreams come true.