Building Self-Motivation

Building self-motivation came out of a personal decision: was I just going to sit in that wheelchair after my accident, or was I going to fight to get my life back? That decision was not an easy one for me to make, but I knew that where I was was not really going to get me anywhere. So, I had to decide if I was going to let the pain speak for me or if I was the one that would decide in what direction my life was going to go.

In this workshop, I break motivation down into something practical and human. I talk about how moods, energy, and even pain levels can rise and fall, and how relying on “feeling motivated” sets people up to stall. Then I share the exact habits, mental tricks, and tiny routines that helped me stay in the game through decades of recovery and advocacy.

Participants learn how to set goals that actually mean something to them, not just goals that sound good to other people. I guide them through creating a simple “Motivation Map” that connects what they care about to what they do every day. We talk about handling low-energy days without quitting, using accountability without shame, and celebrating small wins in a way that keeps momentum going. This session works well for students, employees, support groups, and anyone that says, “I know what I should do; I just can’t seem to stick with it.” The style is straightforward and encouraging, with room for questions and real-life examples.

Everyone leaves with a short written action plan for 7 days, a reset strategy for when they fall off track, and a new understanding of motivation as a skill they can practice, not a mood they have to wait for.