So What?
Long term goals can be difficult to accomplish when steady consistent effort is needed over a large span of time to successfully achieve what you set out to do.
So, how strong is YOUR “So what?” Do you know why you are here and why the work and effort to accomplish _______ is worth it? No matter what?
The Daily Grind
I was working with a student recently who was struggling with this very thing. She knows what she wants to do with her life and why school is important, but the daily grind of homework, long study hours, and loneliness is taking its toll.
Her “So what?” needed some work.
Tapping into Motivation
A great coaching tool to get back to that big picture perspective on why something matters is called, Motivation For The Sake Of Yourself and Others.
How it works:
- Choose a Desired Outcome – this can be short term or long term. If you are really struggling with motivation, short term may be the most beneficial. You will need a series of small wins in fairly rapid succession to push past the stuck space you are in and gain the momentum necessary to keep moving forward.
- Work through the chart below.
- Consider what section is most motivating to you.
- Think about your learning style and create a tangible reminder for yourself of what motivation looks like, feels like, sounds like, etc.
- Regularly remind yourself why success matters and keep your, “So what?” clearly in view.
If you have any questions on how to use the tool or would like to schedule a free coaching consultation, you can access my calendar here.
Thanks for checking out my article! I am an ICF certified Academic Life Coach and train youth advocates in the Academic Life Coaching 1.0 coach training program. I’m also an adoptive mom, youth advocate, and licensed as a therapeutic foster parent. For more information about this program for the student in your life or on how to train as a coach, please email me here.
This is what people need to read to keep on track. Thank you for a great post.
Glad you liked it and found it useful!
It’s like a motivation Ben Franklin list. Going through the pros and cons of the outcomes of various in/activity. Very helpful! Thanks for the tips!
Lol – I’ve never heard of a Ben Franklin motivation list. Have to look it up. I’m so glad you found the tips helpful!
So true Brenda, we need to help kids find motivation to work hard, to want to excel and be something because this time of their life is so crucial!
Absolutely! Well said, Kristen. 🙂
I connect frequently with other on-line sellers, and this is such a struggle for many. I can see this process being helpful in so many venues. Great post!
Great point, Robin. I actually used this same tool this week with a group of business professionals. Motivation applies no matter what age you are or demographic you come from.
i like the idea of the smaller goals and wins. A chart showing all the wins, leading up to the bigger goal would work for me. Thanks for sharing an idea that works not only with youth but those of us beyond our youth. (in body, not spirit)
You are welcome – glad you found it useful! 🙂
We all need motivation from time to time and being able to latch onto our ‘so what’ helps us gain momentum.
This is a great exercise. I have to share this with my niece. I know she is also swamped with homework and activities from different school clubs. This will help her.
Great article. Too many people fail in life/business because they lose sight of the reason for doing it in the first place. Setting goals and actively celebrating acheivements is so important