How I motivate myself to succeed
I believe that motivation comes from having confidence in ourselves, taking care of our physical health, and creating a clear mental picture of where we want to go.
In order to explain how I motivate myself I must first explain how it all began.
When I began my sales career, I initially struggled to meet the sales targets. Despite this, I persisted and focused on addressing customer objections to prove myself as a successful salesperson.
During that period, a close friend of mine was heavily involved in practising martial arts. He stressed that consistent practice significantly improved his ability to concentrate, sharpened his thinking processes, and accelerated his thought.
I decided to try it on my own, hoping it would help me concentrate and overcome my fears. As a result, I not only became more disciplined but also gained complete control over my thoughts and emotions.
Instead of dreading failure at the start of each workday, I was filled with excitement at the prospect of success.
In the following years, my sales career thrived. I broke all sales records at the companies I worked for. I indulged in luxury, driving top-of-the-line cars and taking long vacations to distant destinations. I also had a wonderful girlfriend.
During that time I felt an unstoppable energy within me. It was as if the universe had aligned to ensure my success in sales. I could see myself as a top-performing sales professional, closing deals left and right, and exceeding all my targets. There was no doubt in my mind that I was meant to excel in this field. Every obstacle that once stood in my way suddenly seemed insignificant. I was filled with a sense of confidence and determination that nothing could shake.
But I was wrong, totally wrong.
In the span of a few months, I experienced the loss of two extremely dear family members, and my girlfriend suffered severe injuries in a major car accident. This caused my attitude to plummet to a level I hadn’t experienced in years. Suddenly, my world came crashing down, leaving me feeling lost and unsure of my purpose.
I decided to take a break from sales and spend a year helping people who were less fortunate. I joined support groups for people who have lost loved ones, intending to simply listen and learn. However, I became increasingly engaged, started offering support, assumed a leadership role, and began facilitating the discussions.
After taking a year off, I returned to sales and discovered that attending support groups significantly improved my career. I became more focused, confident, and people-oriented, rather than solely concentrating on sales targets. This helped me excel at my job and I eventually became a sales trainer.
Experiencing setbacks is crucial for your emotional, spiritual, and physical growth. It’s a fact that you need the night to enjoy the day. It’s through overcoming challenges that you develop resilience and strength. So, embrace setbacks, for they are the stepping stones to your success!
You can learn a lot from books and movies
In this digital age it’s becoming increasingly clear that traditional books are being replaced by the internet as the primary source of learning and training. It is worth noting that while the internet provides a vast array of resources, including articles and other materials, these online sources often provide only partial information and may leave out critical details that can only be found in complete articles.
Books provide a structured learning experience with a clear beginning, middle, and end, while the internet often only provides disjointed information.
Undoubtedly, finding a particular topic on the internet is far easier than locating it in a book. It is worth noting that when you come across an article online, it may not be entirely understandable until you search for the underlying basis and reasons behind it.
If you’re serious about succeeding in sales and taking your career to the next level, there’s no question – you must proactively seek out the knowledge and insights that books can provide.
Books
The Greatest Salesman in the WorldÂ
This initial book presents the keys to success in sales in a clear and easy-to-understand way. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, managing emotions, letting go of past mistakes, starting each day with a positive attitude, treating customers with empathy and respect, having a good sense of humour, and taking swift action towards goals. While the language utilized may be straightforward, the concepts presented are entirely up-to-date and relevant.
Psycho-Cybernetics
The second book emphasizes the importance of your thought process and how it influences your experiences, regardless of external circumstances. It is crucial to clarify the reasoning behind your actions to fully understand the impact of your thoughts on your life.
This book delves into the fundamental reasons behind our bleak outlook on a particular area of our existence that we’re grappling with. It presents an in-depth analysis of the factors that contribute to pessimistic thoughts in individuals, imparting a profound comprehension of our mindset.
The timeless principles in these two books have proven to be just as significant today as they were upon their initial publication.
There are currently many motivational books available to the public that encourage readers to adopt a positive outlook and adjust their mindset and goals. However, some of these books make unrealistic claims and use complex language and concepts that most people find difficult to understand.
Movies
I’ve watched many movies about sales and have learned valuable lessons from almost all of them.
The Pursuit of Happyness - 2006, starring Will Smith.
Witness the unrivalled force of unwavering determination and unrelenting commitment in a spellbinding account of triumph in sales. This masterpiece is truly remarkable and sets the standard for greatness in its field.
During my time as a sales manager in the property industry, I found this particular movie to be an incredibly powerful tool in driving home important points during training sessions for agents who were not meeting expectations. It was a necessary reality check for some, and I am confident in the effectiveness of this film.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne - 2006
The movie showcases the incredible power of belief. By adopting a positive outlook and focusing on achieving favourable outcomes, we can accomplish great feats. It is truly remarkable!
Some readers may find it difficult to believe and unrealistic. If you feel the same, try implementing one idea at a time from The Secret teachings into your daily life. This will lead you on the path to greatness.
Inception - 2010 starring Leonardo DiCaprio
Even though it’s a work of science fiction, there are important sales lessons to be gleaned from the movie. The main character, Cobb (played brilliantly by Leonardo DiCaprio), asserts that the most potent form of parasite isn’t a germ, virus, or intestinal worm, but rather an idea that takes hold in one’s mind and won’t let go. Recognizing the undeniable truth that this contagious parasite cannot be hidden, ignored, or dismissed is crucial. Equally important is grasping the power of ideas, which transcend mere information and persist in their comprehensive understanding and implementation, even as specific details may fade away.
The expression mentioned is closely related to sales. However, numerous sales trainers lack a thorough comprehension of how the mind works and still rely on outdated approaches. These so-called “sales experts” prioritize sales techniques, objection handling, and product knowledge, rather than recognizing the significance of mental processes in attaining sales objectives.
Sales training sessions often neglect the crucial aspect of managing agents’ thoughts, ideas, attitudes, and mental strategies. It is imperative to recognize the impact of these factors on a salesperson’s effectiveness and achievements. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to them and incorporate their management into training sessions.
For a sales agent to be successful, their mindset and beliefs are absolutely critical. Even the best sales strategies will fail if they don’t believe in themselves. Therefore, it is imperative to change their mindset to achieve exceptional and almost unbelievable results.
I understand how difficult it can be to maintain a positive attitude while working. But there are some tips that can help you avoid being overwhelmed by any negative aspects of your job.
There Is More To Life Than Work
It is imperative to have interests and activities outside of work to experience true joy and fulfilment. These hobbies or sports should hold a higher level of importance than work, as they can greatly enhance your self-confidence without your awareness. If you are feeling disoriented or stressed, it is highly recommended to consider taking up a physical program to improve your overall well-being. By altering your perspective, you may potentially achieve better sleep and enhanced relaxation.
Ease Off The Pressure, Take A Break
If you're struggling to manage your daily responsibilities, such as communicating with colleagues and customers, don't waste time worrying. Take a break and do something that brings you joy, whether it's going on a fantastic trip or spending quality time with loved ones. Recognizing and savouring life's pleasures is not a weakness, but a valuable asset.
Avoid Negative Companions
It is imperative that you steer clear of individuals who exhibit negative or pessimistic tendencies. Their negative disposition is highly contagious and can inflict damage on your own mindset. It is crucial that you surround yourself with positive, uplifting individuals who can significantly enhance your drive, progress, and success in all areas of life. Always remember that the people you associate with can have a profound impact on your own achievements.
Do Not Mix Work With Personal Life
A dear friend, who is an expert in managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude, once gave me valuable advice. He suggested that I keep my personal and professional lives separate to ensure a happy marriage between both aspects of my life. This way, any issues in one area won't have a negative impact on the other, allowing me to have a fulfilling personal life and a successful career.
Fear Can Be A Friend - Use It To Your Advantage
Conquering fear is a key part of personal growth. Despite often being seen as negative, fear can actually be a powerful tool if utilized effectively. Our childhood experiences shape our fears, but some people thrive on overcoming challenging situations. It's important to take a moment to reflect on your fears and imagine how conquering them can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Be A Believer
Believing in something or someone greater than oneself is vital. Numerous accomplished individuals have faith in a higher power, be it through religious, spiritual, or political beliefs. Aspiring to a role model is crucial. If you're feeling unsure and aimless why not start by having faith in yourself?
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