Focus on Divatude - Week 3

When you begin holding yourself accountable (especially in a public forum) it makes you really evaluate what you do and how your actions impact your goals - both long and short-term.  My intent with these weekly check-ins is to keep my goals front and center within my daily tasks and encourage and motivate myself and others along the way.

What was my driving force this week?
Another busy week of rushing, zipping and zooming. My lack of energy has become somewhat of an issue and I need to focus more on my diet and exercise.  By Friday evening, my kids were literally running circles around me as I tried not to crash out on the couch by 7 PM.  I wasn't too successful.

This week my personal focus was finalizing the plans for my community-based sorority's networking event and celebrating five years of work and sisterhood.  Look for an interview and recap of that event in the coming weeks!

What/who inspired me? Who did I inspire?My daughter basically says one word "Mama".  It's the first word I hear each morning as her "Good Morning".  She says it as she reaches for me to pick her up.  She says it when she's frustrated and needs me to come to her rescue.  It's a humbling reminder of the role I play in my children's lives as their protector, nurturer, and care-taker.

Did I walk in victory?
Sigh! This question right here! It's a doozy. My faith and personal beliefs play a huge role in my life.  To me walking in victory means that I keep my head up and a positive attitude throughout the storms I may encounter in my daily walk. I don 't know about y'all but that is HARD to do sometimes.  There are times when it seems the more I focus on the positive, the more negativity is thrown at me.  My goal is to continue to encourage myself and others by focusing on the blessings I have.  When I think of how others are suffering and grieving, the "problems" I may have don't seem that bad.

What specifically did I do that impacted my goals for 2013? What did I do to help someone else?
Honestly, overall, this was not a good week for me when I reflect on what I did to impact my goals for this year.  I did well with my spending (or lack of spending) but still need to finalize a budget. I have tested a few apps on my phone to track my spending and balance my accounts and came to the conclusion that I'm an old-fashioned diva when it comes to my finances - I prefer to right out my daily expenditures and budget in a ledger book.  I do, however, track my debt balances with an Excel spreadsheet. There's something about seeing that figure auto-calculate that brings out my inner-nerd :)

What aspects of DIVATUDE did you focus on this week?

Divatude Spotlight on Kita B.

Hello Divas!!! I'm excited to bring you all a follow-up from a diva first introduced to DWP earlier this summer.  When we last spoke with Kita, she was preparing to for the online debut of Kokoa Magazine.  Since it's debut, the magazine has been seen by approximately 20,000 people!!!! What an accomplishment in 4 short months! Many thanks to Kita for taking the time to chat with us again and discuss how she's embracing her Divatude in 2013 and beyond!

When you hear DIVATUDE what immediately comes to mind?

When I think of Divatude the first thing that comes to mind is strong willed. Someone who knows where they are in life and/or know where they are going. An attitude that has confidence in it.

How do you embrace the aspects of DIVATUDE in your personal and professional life (being driven, inspiring, victorious and called-to-action)?

I have it with my magazine because I like things done a certain way. People call it something else but I call it know what direction I want to go in and being driven by something that I feel is needed. It has taken me a long time to get to the point where if I have to do it alone I will because no one can represent YOUR dream but yourself.

You blog over at Saywhatuwanna.com - where you pretty much give it to us straight, no chaser and keep your readers laughing with your perspective on everything from politics to marriage and friendship. Are you that outspoken face-to-face? Have you always been that way?

Lol, yes I have always been that way. Face to face interaction with people has cost me some friends and acquaintances but I believe in telling it like it is especially if I am asked my opinion. I don’t sugarcoat it just because others may. I always tell people it’s just my opinion take it or leave it because when I give it to you straight I like to come from a different angle of thinking and I am fair. I have always been that way ever since a child I use to be a bit more outspoken when I was younger as I have gotten older I have learned to curb it ……some.  Most people who know me would say I give my honest opinion straight on and if you don’t want to know the truth don’t ask me.

Kokoa Magazine is your newest venture. Can you tell us a little about it and the inspiration behind it?

I was in the line at Wal-Mart one day and I saw some young girls probably around 12 or 13 pick up a magazine and say I want to be like Beyoncé or I want to be like Rihanna or Lady Gaga. I thought to myself why can’t our young girls pick up a magazine and read about people like themselves. I want my kids to look up to people like them whom they can relate too.  Some celebrities do come from backgrounds like us but there are many regular people who get their story told. No one asks them how they helped a man on the street, or how they donated clothes to needy children, or how they feed a family of 4 on 75 dollars a week. I want adults who struggle from paycheck to paycheck to read about themselves and relate. I want to inspire people that although we sometimes don’t know how we are going to put food on the table we can read about someone who does and become inspired to dream big. I tell people to think of this magazine like it’s essence but for regular folks no one rich and famous will be in this magazine.

What was your biggest accomplishment in 2012?

Starting Kokoa Magazine I was sitting on the idea for over a year but was afraid to start because I knew that a lot of work would be needed to done as far as PR, Social Media, Design, etc. I just put in my head one day that I needed to start it because nothing will be accomplished if I don’t at least start.

What's your focus for 2013 - both personally and professionally?

My focus is to start bringing in some money with Kokoa in some type of form via advertisement so that I can start getting more klout. I also want to hire someone to do social media for me so it will take some of the work off of me. If I can’t do both I would like to accomplish at least 1 thing.  I want to get Kokoa spread around a bit more and get the word out. 

 Thank you again, Kita, for taking the time to chat and share with the Divas With A Purpose community! Your drive and determination are truly inspiring and we wish you success in all your endeavors! 

Helping another person with the resources, time and talent that you've been blessed with is an an awesome feeling. We all know someone who fits this description, including ourselves! 

If you or someone you know is an example of a driven, inspiring, victorious and/or action-based woman, please click here for more information on how to be spotlighted as part of the

Focusing on Small Steps

Courtesy of Melanie @ Only A Breath

This week I have to admit was one of those weeks that seriously tested my focus and dedication to making a true change. I shouldn't be surprised, really. That's typically what seems to happen when you make a conscious decision to walk a different path.

What I learned this week is that I need to have my goals front and center in my mind and environment. I used to be an avid planner user and at some point got too attached to my smartphone's calendar. I'm making a point to change that. There's something to say for taking the time to write down what needs to be done - appointments, goals, tasks, etc.

I'm, also, taking the time to begin my 2013 goals journal. I will have my specific goals for the year written and use it as a place to jot down notes, ideas, and successes along the way. While I blog on a semi-regularly basis, I have gotten away from writing just because. Sharing my goals, fears, and accomplishments in a private space for me to fully release.



  Have a fantastic weekend, Divas :)
What small steps are you taking to reach your 2013 goals?
Create With Joy's Friendship Friday

Question Of The Week

This Week’s Theme

One Small Step

The New Year is in full swing!
Over the past few weeks we have identified our One Word and a few Resolutions that will help us to
Keep our goals and priorities in the forefront of our minds.

Now its time to focus on putting these plans into action.

Change occurs when you take small steps towards your goals
Consistently time and time again.

This week, I invite you to share some of the
Small steps you are taking that will help you
Accomplish your goals!

Focus on DIVATUDE - Week 1

Happy Friday!!!! Crossing my fingers, but I think this is a weekend that I'll finally get a chance to just "be". Nothing very pressing that I have to attend or prepare for. No visitors/guests expected. Just some much-needed and well-deserved time at home with my family on the horizon for the next 48 hours.

This year I want to try something different and have a weekly recap focused on the DIVATUDE theme. This is a way to help keep me accountable and focused on the personal and professional goals I set up for myself for 2013.

What was my driving force this week?
Honestly, this week was a blur. It seemed that my family spent most of our time zipping, zooming and just missing one another.  My days started way earlier than normal as we're a one car family unexpectedly until who knows when.  So my husband and I were playing rocks, paper, scissors each morning to decide who was getting car privileges for the day.  Usually I let him win, because taking him to work and back-tracking to our side of town was just a bit much and a waste of gas and precious moments.

My promotion at work was announced (yay!!!) and I've been doing a mixture of my old and new job so it's been a game of "keep up if you can" on both the personal and professional level this week.

My goal is to sit down on Sunday and create a game plan for the week so I don't feel so rushed and hurried. I, also, need to get better at preparing for the day the night before.

What/who inspired me? Who did I inspire?
I received the sweetest thank you card from a cousin who recently graduated from college.  (Yes, I cried when reading it!) She talked about how much she appreciated me being there for her  over the years and little does she know that she's been such an inspiration to me over the years. Her dedication and maturity despite the many obstacles thrown her way made her big cousin super proud!

Did I walk in victory?
Perhaps 55% of the time. I must admit, I let feelings of self-doubt and frustration creep in and take over my emotions and self-talk. Knowing that I'm holding myself accountable will definitely help me do better.

What specifically did I do that impacted my goals? What did I do to help someone else?
I signed up to attend a blogger meet-up next weekend in my hometown. I'll, also, be attending a training session for my Thirty One Gifts business that morning. One of my personal goals is to become debt-free within the next five years so increasing my personal income helps me work towards that goal. I'm, also, taking part in the 52 Week Money Challenge and made my first transfer to my savings account this week.

I'm doing quite a bit of training this week so I'm hoping I was able to impart some useful knowledge on those I crossed paths with.

What aspects of DIVATUDE did you focus on this week?

2012 Reflections...2013 Goals

I have to admit I'm proud of the growth of Divas With A Purpose throughout 2012. I was reviewing some old posts and realized that I did share my social media goals and am fairly satisfied with what was accomplished.  They were:

- to blog on a more consistent basis

- to network with other bloggers and support their blogs more with comments

- to build the Diva Blogging Circle

Overall, I'm very pleased with myself and the focus I had on my goals for last year. My blogging consistency compared to previous years was much better.  I, also, branched out and connected with more bloggers with different blogging styles and made some great blogging buddies.  The latter part of 2012 I participated in a few Twitter parties and I had a blast! I've, also, narrowed down the blogging groups and forums that I participate in so I can focus more on quality relationships and not just have a large number of friends and contacts in the blogging world.



The DWP Blogging Circle ended with 52 participants for 2012.  The linky has been reset for this year.  I'm looking forward to connecting with some old participants and meeting some new ones.  I've made a commitment to support all that link up with a comment, share, or link back at least once a week.

For the upcoming year I'm working on becoming more organized and pre-planning blog events and posts. I've set up a calendar for the year (many thanks to Janeane over at Janeane's World for the inspiration to do so!) and am excited about many of the series and blog events I have in mind (like my 5 year blogoversary in August!!!).

I announced The Divatude Challenge 2013 on the 1st and am looking forward to meeting and learning from some wonderful ladies over the next year.  I'm still taking volunteers for the year-long challenge and the weekly posts. You can get more information and sign up here.

I would, also, like to connect more with local bloggers in the SC area and increase my social media presence and interaction on websites like Twitter and Pinterest.

Did you do a recap of your goals for last year?

Are you satisfied with what you accomplished?

What goals are you wanting to accomplish in 2013? 

A Year of Focus

Two years ago rather than come up with a list of resolutions that I knew I most likely wouldn't keep I chose a word to be my "theme" for the year - gratitude.
My intention was to have that word be something I worked on regularly and help me stay on track with my goals and purpose.  I'd read about the idea in a cute novel and really loved how choosing a word for the year impacted the characters. (For the life of me, I can't find that book but I'm determined to do so!)

Life can be a trip, I tell you. Two years ago today (and two days after posting my 2011 focus on gratitude post), my uncle passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.  Some days were much harder than others, but I made it a point to express thanks and gratitude for life's treasures on a daily basis.  I decided to continue my my gratitude theme into 2012, as well.

2013 is bringing some shifts into my life both personally and professionally.  The word focus keeps coming to mind so I'm deeming that my word for this year.

When I reflect on 2012 and all the zipping and zooming that I did - I realized something. I did lots of  "stuff" but it doesn't seem like I really accomplished anything.  On a regular basis, it seems like I'm super busy but I'm not getting a sense of completion.

This year I will be paying close attention to where I choose to spend my time and energy.  I want to be more focused and streamlined with my blog, personal time and professional goals.

I will be more diligent with setting S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based) to ensure I'm not busy doing a bunch of nothing.

I'm, also, eliminating some things, people and organizations from my schedule.  Some I've outgrown and it's time to move on.  We've met our purpose in each other's lives.  We've grown together, learned from one another and need to separate before we begin to bring one another down.

I'm looking forward to another year of growth and living life to it's fullest. Welcome 2013!

What word would you choose to represent 

what you want to accomplish in 2013?

Keep Living...Keep Moving...Keep Being

I had a teacher in 6th grade who was a complete God-send. She was one of those teachers that had a tough exterior but once you got to know them they were the sweetest, most sincere and caring individuals you'd ever meet.

I can't recall the exact scenario she used (I believe it was a clock) but she'd give us these regular pep talks regarding life trials. Her words have stuck with me through some rough patches.  We're either going through, coming out or about to go through SOMETHING in our lives.  If we're going through, just hold on a little bit longer and you'll be coming out and can celebrate making it through that storm.  In celebrating, realize that the life lessons you've learned shouldn't be taken for granted and remember that feeling of exuberance when you face another life trial.

I remember going through a really dark period and her words came to mind.  It was probably 10 years or so after I'd been her student but clear as day I could hear her voice telling me to hold on and wait for the next season.

 

                                                                              Source: Uploaded by user via JenJen on Pinterest

There are times when I get frustrated because I'm not where I thought I'd be when I was all bright-eyed and new to the grown-up world.  However, I'm a true believer that the experiences that we have, the people we encounter, the life we truly live - all that shapes us to be wonderful unique beings that we are.

Happy Wednesday Divas!

#SOCSunday: Roughing It

The purpose of Stream of Consciousness writing is to do just that - write. Whatever comes to mind on a particular topic or what's in your thoughts and perhaps needs to just get out of of you.

Today's (optional) Prompt: Roughing It

I'm so not a roughing it kind of girl. I prefer comfort and peace.  However, it seems that for some time now I've been in a "roughing it" kind of stage in life.  Wow - that is not even where I thought this prompt was going to take me. I had visions of my family's infamous camping trip while I was 8 months pregnant (definitely not a good idea, in my opinion!) but as I started typing all these other thoughts and feelings came flowing through.  One of the reasons I truly love Stream of Consciousness writing. It's a chance to get all the stuff (well, some of the stuff) that I often filter in my writing and my speech.

Right now, my family is in a rough place.  There's lots of stress and short-tempers and just wariness.  Do I get discouraged? YES Do I get frustrated? Oh yes.  This seems like a never-ending cycle, but I know in actuality that's the stress and frustration taking over.

As I was typing, I was reminded of the process of mining diamonds. Hopefully, that's the right term since I only have 5 minutes and can't waste a moment googling it :)  However, coal goes through this torturous process and comes out as a beautiful, shiny gem. I have to remind myself of that when I get frustrated and want to throw in the towel.  This process is refining me. This season of "roughing it" is preparing me to shine and let others know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This process is helping me to truly enjoy the small, seemingly insignificant, things in life and celebrate each day and what it brings.

I still don't like roughing it, but I will embrace the reasoning and rationale behind it and continue pressing forward.

Whew!

 ~~~~

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post hosted by jana's thinking place 

It is 5 minutes of your time and a brain dump. If you'd like to try it...here are the rules:

~Set a timer and write for 5 minutes

~Write an intro if you'd like but don't edit the post. No spellchecking. No proofreading. Just raw writing.

~Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. Your back door to your blog, if you'd like, but make it accessible.

~Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post

~Link up your post at jana's thinking place

~Visit your fellow bloggers and show them some love

#MotivationalMonday - Advice from my 4 Year Old

 

I ran out of gas this morning on the way to work. Yeah. I know. I completely forgot I was supposed to get gas yesterday. It was too late. Too cold. Too dark. And I was too tired Saturday night on my way home.  Completely side-tracked until I got in the car this morning and UGH!!!

Wait...it gets better.....

On my lunch break I had to stop off at my oldest son's school to drop off a permission slip and lunch money, headed back to work I get a flat tire...not just a flat tire...completely busted no longer usable pull car over and do not pass go tire. Wonderful.

Park car, call husband, let him deal with it, and get a co-worker to pick me up. Enjoy the free wi-fi in the Lowe's parking lot (heads up - many now offer it to their customers - appreciate that!) while I wait.

Husband picks me up, drops me off to car with tire already replaced (note to self - remember this next time I'm ready to throttle him for who knows what) and I go pick up my youngest two.  We get home and I trip in the garage - enter tears because this is the absolute culmination of my day. My wonderful 4 year old looks at me and says....

Gotta love him, right??? Here's to a better Tuesday :)

What unexpected words of wisdom have your kids imparted on you?
 

#MotivationalMonday - Excellence

One of my favorite poems is by Langston Hughes and  encourages us to...

"Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow."

Sometimes our dreams may have to be delayed or deterred,  but with perseverance we can and will make those dreams a reality.  Don't let anyone or anything keep you from what you believe is truly yours.

Happy Monday Divas!

Make the most of today and every day!

#NaBloPoMo : Walking the Talk

Speak It!

Live It!

Be It!

Those words came to me one day while writing a post on walking in one's purpose and making a positive impact on those around you and it just clicked.  Those 6 simple words have become my daily mantra and the essence of what I want Divas With A Purpose to stand for.

Speak It!
I truly believe that there is power in our words. By speaking aloud what we want, the impact we'd like to make, the changes that need to be made - we can set so much in motion.  I stress positivity, especially when speaking to and about children.  We have the power to crush spirits and dreams with our speech.  I've seen so many people (and I have been guilty of it, too!) speak negativity into a situation or a person's life.  Many of us were taught as children, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Many of us (yes, I'm including myself) need to start living by that rule again as adults.  It's not always easy, but by speaking positivity on a regular basis, it allows us to...

Live It!
Don't just speak the words but live the words.  I strive to truly live and enjoy life.  It's not easy to be positive all the time and, believe me, I most definitely am not.  However, I would like to think for the most part I have a very positive outlook and demeanor.  It's just depressing to always be mad and upset and holding on to things.  I strive to enjoy life and make the most out of the smallest and most insignificant moments.  There's a lot I don't have, but by focusing on what I do have and giving thanks on a regular basis I feel that I'm a better person overall than I was 5-10 years ago when I was constantly stressed out and just "blah" lots of the time.

Be It!
Be wonderful! Be motivated! Be daring! Be driven! Be inspirational! Be victorious! But most of all just be you!

Happy November Divas! Enjoy this day and make the most of it!






Throughout the month of November, I will be linking up with BlogHer's National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo). My goal going into 2013 is not to just blog on a more regular and consistent basis, but to, also, focus more on the PURPOSE within Divas With A Purpose.  I began blogging almost 3 years ago and had no idea what I was getting into! I've come across some of the most caring and wonderful group of people through the blogging community. Definitely a journey I've enjoyed and look forward to the doors that are opening for Divas With A Purpose and the women that have supported it from day one! You divas ROCK!

DWP Rewind: Walking in Wisdom

Hello Divas! Enjoy your weekend! Use the time to unwind from the work week, spend quality time with family and friends, perhaps some of you are celebrating Valentine's Day this weekend or preparing classroom treats (like I'm attempting to do!)...whatever your plans, enjoy and continue to walk in victory!!!  The post below is one originally written back in 2010, but it came to my remembrance this morning and I wanted to share it with my new readers and remind some of old friends.


Be Blessed and remember to be a blessing to others!!!
~Michelle

This morning I read a quote in Michelle McKinney Hammond's The Diva Principle that really stuck with me throughout the day: "Wisdom is not just an accumulation of the right information, it is also the ability to apply it to one's life. Perhaps this is why we are encouraged in Scripture to make sure we get an understanding. Understanding cements your commitment to make wise choices and stick with doing the right thing even when you don't feel like it."

Cleaning Time

Happy Saturday Divas :)

No worries...this isn't one of those deep, thought-provoking posts on how necessary it is to release those things from our lives that are holding us back, down and away from our dreams and aspirations.  I'm not going to talk about how we often hold on to people and things unnecessarily in hopes of changing a situation or person that just isn't ready to change.  Let's not touch on the emotional hold we let certain people and things have over us when they've clearly reached and exceeded their expiration dates.

It's time to do some cleaning in my household and I wanted to share this with you all.  A wonderful guideline when it comes to determining what should go and what should stay...in our homes...in our lives...in our minds...in our hearts.

Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!! Perhaps some of you have some cleaning to do today as well...Best wishes :)

~Michelle

Sometimes one is enough...

Just One
Unknown

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!

Today's one of those days where I have so much to say but very little energy to say it.  Just know that sometimes you are all a person needs to know they can make that next step.  Be careful of the words that you speak - whether in anger or in jest - because you never know what affect they will have on a person.

Be Blessed, Divas! But, more importantly, be a blessing to others!!!

Motivational Monday: Just Do It!!!

"A year from now you will wish you had started today" - Karen Lamb

I "re-tweeted" this on Twitter a few months ago and it's stuck with me since then. Often times we continuously put off doing something and time just gets away from us. It could be dieting, going back to school, paying off debt, saving for a vacation, reconnecting with a loved one, the possibilities are endless.

Taking the first step and making a decision to make a change or try something new can often be the most difficult step. Once you get moving, oftentimes everything else will fall into place. Especially if it's something that you are truly supposed to be doing and will help benefit you, your family and those around you. Unfortunately, it won't always be smooth sailing, but those things we want the most are often worth working the hardest for and sacrificing the most for. Find a support group - family, friends, others making the same changes through online groups - and reach out for help and advice as needed. Make an action plan. Decide what you are able to do and take the necessary steps to complete your plans in a reasonable time span.

You can do this...and a year from now you'll be patting yourself on the back when you look at what you've accomplished!!!

What is it that you are committing to starting today?

Share your plans, Divas!!! You never know what resources are out there that can be of help to you.

Have a wonderful and joyous week!!!

Let the Journey Begin...

Drive. Determination. Hard-working. Perseverance. Faith. Struggle. Break-through. Village. Helping-hands. Giving back. Family. Sisters. Reliability. These and many other words are very familiar to women that have a defined purpose. Identifying and walking in your purpose can be a very fulfilling – yet challenging – task. Balancing faith, home (significant other and/or children), work (whether out of the home or at home), volunteer work, side hustles (smile!), family, friends and self can be challenging to say the least. It takes lots of energy, time management, patience and prayer! Reaping the rewards, however, is often the most beneficial. Helping another person with the resources, time and talent that you’ve been blessed with is an awesome feeling. I am so blessed to have a circle of women that I’ve crossed paths with over the years that do all of this and much, much, much more!

I would like to take the next few months to introduce you to them one-by-one. They are divas in every since of the word! Dedicated, Inspirational, Victorious, and Aspiring to make a change in their personal lives, families, communities and beyond!!! They are moms, wives, sisters, friends, life coaches, prayer partners, entrepreneurs, inspirational speakers, community activists…I could go on and on and on!

Stay tuned tomorrow for our first Diva with a Purpose (DWP): LaKeisha Thues-Stiff – Momprenuer Extraordinaire!!! I hope you're excited as I am!!!

Life Lessons - Purpose

What is it that you want to accomplish? Do you have a clear-cut path for your success or are you just going with the flow? Is there a dream you have that you've shared with no one but you know that one day it will come true? Are you willing to put in the hard work, sweat, tears, and sacrifice to get what it is that you really desire?

There was a time in my life when I had the blue-print for my life laid out. I knew what I was going to do, when, and how...or so I thought. Life happened. I made questionable decisions, took detours and am still traveling down life's path. I'm not where I thought I would be or even where some think I should be, but I am in the right place at the right time for the right purpose. There are times that I get discouraged and disappointed, but I keep pressing on. It is definitely not easy, but I continue to visualize what it is that I want out of life for my boys and for myself. The legacy that I want to leave my children. This thought process helps me stay on track when I stumble or want to throw in the towel.

I encourage others to think about why it is they do what they do. What is your personal purpose in life? What do you want others to say about you when your not around? What do you stand for? Once you can answer these questions, you have something to motivate yourself at times when you may not be around to do so.