How Do I Motivate Myself - Learning How to Start Living Again

'How do I motivate myself' is a question a lot of depressed people ask themselves. They could be suffering from various types of depression which can range from mild to severe or simply going through SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

When a person asks, how do I motivate myself, you can suggest various strategies. One great way is to get them to reflect on their successes, no matter how small, at the end of the day before going to bed.

Motivate

When I was depressed and anxious, I often asked the question, how do I motivate myself and found that a simple technique like sending myself an email was actually a rather good idea. In that email, I would find a list of things to do that day.

How Do I Motivate Myself - Learning How to Start Living Again

Let us imagine you are having trouble motivating yourself to go to the gym. We all know that you a always feel great afterwards because the happy endorphins or the good mood hormones get a chance to start working, even after a fairly easy workout. Did you know that effects of these can last up to twelve hours? Show me a person who is depressed after a good workout!

The best way then is to put post its around the house with 'Go To The GYM' written on them. Then find a buddy to exercise with and he or she can be a great motivator. Start off with small goals. After each step, you can congratulate yourself. This is really the only way to do it, because if you do not have realistic goals, you will just give up at the first sign of discomfort or obstacle.

If you are feeling down and find yourself asking that question, how do I motivate myself, you could try taking a little herbal medicine to lift your mood. That will save you from having to go down the road of antidepressants. These come with rather a lot of heavy baggage

If you are having trouble motivating yourself too often, check out my website where I have set out a few realistic goals and advice and also explain what it is like to take herbal remedies for mild depression. These herbs,such as St. John's Wort and the Passion Flower are considered the safest of all and they have very few or even no side effects at all.

If you follow that advice, you can really start living again and you will never be a slave to depression and anxiety.

How Do I Motivate Myself - Learning How to Start Living Again

Depression CAN be treated successfully. Discover more about how to deal with depression when you are having trouble motivating yourself. Robert Locke has written extensively on Mental Health for many years.

Top 10 Ways to Motivate Employees to Increase Productivity

Since employee motivation is extremely essential for the growth of an organization, managers and supervisors need to know how to motivate their employees. This article explains the basic steps a manager or a supervisor can take to keep his employees motivated for a long time.

1) Set up the right environment

Motivate

Employees need to be motivated by themselves. The duty of a manager or a supervisor is to set up the right environment where employees can motivate and empower themselves.

Top 10 Ways to Motivate Employees to Increase Productivity

2) Money isn't always a good motivator.

A well paid job can often help people from becoming less motivated, but it usually isn't helpful in making them more motivated. The truth is that different people are motivated by different things. While money is important for some people, some others cherish more time with family or greater recognition within the organization. A manager or a supervisor trying to motivate his employees should try to understand what motivates each one of them. You can usually find what motivates your employees by asking them, listening to them and observing them.

3) Don't frighten your employees

It may help if the boss yells a lot. But this usually works for only a short time. Fear alone can't keep employees motivated for a very long time. So stay away from the practice of frightening your employees.

4) Motivate yourself

A manager trying to motivate his employees should be motivated himself. If he is enthusiastic about his job, it will be easy for him to make others enthusiastic too. So before you start motivating others ask yourself whether you find your job motivating enough. What can you do to better motivate yourself? If you know what motivates you, it will be easier for you to understand what motivates others.

5) Align the goals of the organization with the goals of the employees

Always work with the objective of aligning the goals of the organization with the goals of the employees. Just having a few motivated employees won't help unless they all work towards realizing the goals of the organization.

6) Use motivational systems

To motivate employees you can use motivational systems. For instance, organizations can establish compensation systems and employee performance systems. It is also possible to make some changes in organizational policies and procedures to support employee motivation.

7) Practice what you read

Leadership skills aren't necessarily cultivated by just reading management publications. You need to practice what you read.

8) Show genuine care and concern

Show genuine care and concern for your employees. Get to know them on a personal level - their families, their favorite foods, names of their kids etc. This has to be done with sincere interest, otherwise your will sound manipulative.

9) Learn to delegate

Give due importance to teamwork. Don't do everything yourself. Good leadership involves delegating responsibility and authority to employees. Let them decide how they want to carry out the tasks. When you delegate, your employees will get the impression that you want them to take stronger roles in their jobs.

10) Reward your employees

Everybody seeks recognition and appreciation - your employees aren't any different. So don't hesitate to appreciate them when you see them doing well in their jobs. This is a critical lesson for manager and supervisors. Clearly convey how an employee's performance contributes to organizational results. By showing your appreciation, you will be able to motivate them to do better.

Top 10 Ways to Motivate Employees to Increase Productivity

Read more of my Self Improvement Articles [http://www.212articles.com/categories/Self-Improvement-Articles/] and Motivations Articles [http://www.212articles.com/categories/Self-Improvement-Articles/Motivations-Articles/]

Tori Spelling Weight Loss - How Tori Lost 40 Pounds in 2 Months

Tori Spelling's weight loss has actually brought her into the spotlight as she has shed more pounds than normal. She now sports a bony profile and reveals stress as the main factor behind this. Her health got affected because of the stressful relationship with her estranged mother and also because of the liquid diet.

It has been witnessed that many people are resorting to liquid diets in order to shed extra pounds at a very steady pace. The main motive now is to gain svelte profile. Thus, unhealthy measures are also tested these days so that one can gain the envy of others just like Tori Spelling. Her weight loss has got her back into spotlight. In fact she lost around 40 pounds within 2 months by sticking to the liquid diets.

Motive

How Tori lost 40 pounds in 2 months?

Tori Spelling Weight Loss - How Tori Lost 40 Pounds in 2 Months

Tori actually consumed liquid diets for up to 10 days in order to lose extra pounds at a very steady pace. Such liquid diets can be consumed for up to 40 days as per your patience and perseverance. While one is following this program he or she is not allowed to take any type of food. Since they are very low calorie diet it is always advisable that one should try to take vegetables and fruits along with it.

Side Effects of Liquid Diet

* You might suffer from fatigue and dizziness
* Hair loss can be the direct side effect of this program
* Such a program might lead to heart damage and electrolyte imbalance
* You might also suffer from muscle pain and cold intolerance

It is however very well understood that liquid diets might lead to weight loss but what after that? The moment you return to your normal eating habits you once again start gaining weight. Thus, it is always advisable that one should opt for the natural methods. For instance, the acai berry diet can be consumed without any second thought. Check it out:

Acai Berry Diet: This diet even got publicity in the most touted Oprah Winfrey Talk Show. This diet is very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibers which can easily enhance the metabolism rate of your body. This factor would further help you to shed extra pounds at an accelerated pace.

Tori Spelling Weight Loss - How Tori Lost 40 Pounds in 2 Months

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How To Motivate Myself: Create A Successful Day, Everyday

Do you ever lie in bed and contemplate your upcoming workday? You think, "I'm going to call that new customer after I have my first cup of coffee." Then you decide the call can wait, and you hit the snooze button a few more times.

We all want to be more productive and achieve success. But at times, we find it difficult to motivate ourselves to take action--especially first thing in the morning.Some people view motivation as something of a conundrum--they don't understand how people can always be energized. Getting started has less to do with whether you have the energy and more to do with your desire and willingness to accomplish any given task. As an entrepreneur, you are passionate about your business. Once you dig in, start a project and see the results of your labor, you become even more galvanized. Stop delaying your success, and begin your day with enthusiasm by taking action.

Motivate

1. START YOUR DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE. At the close of your business day, congratulate yourself on what you have accomplished. Do not judge the size of your accomplishments; appreciate that you have moved your business forward. Feeling good about what you completed during your workday sets a positive foundation for your next day. Say to yourself, "I love my business and will create even greater success tomorrow."

How To Motivate Myself: Create A Successful Day, Everyday

2. CREATE AN OUTCOME-ORIENTED TASK LIST FOR THE NEXT DAY. Goals provide focus for your workday and clarify what you are going to achieve. State the payoff associated with completing each task--recognizing the outcome of your hard work increases your motivation. After defining your goals, choose which task to work on first. E-mail your list to yourself, or put it on your desk. Then relax because you have now created a great head start on your next business day.

3. TAKE TIME TO INVEST IN YOURSELF before the start of your business day. As an entrepreneur, you are your business's greatest asset. You must take care of yourself. Choose a morning activity you enjoy so you can appreciate the beginning of each day. Whether it's a morning walk around your neighborhood, a quick breathing exercise or an intense physical workout, decide on something that helps you transition into your workday. Change your morning activity on a weekly basis to avoid getting bored with the same routine.

4. VISUALIZE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT. Review your action list and concentrate on the outcomes you stated. Imagine the success you will achieve with each completed task. For example, envision your customers becoming happier and/or healthier after using your product or service. It may even spark some marketing ideas. Setting your brain on positive mode allows you to stay enthusiastic throughout the day.No single day makes or breaks your business. Plateaus are a natural part of life and of growing a business. If a bad day occurs, don't despair. Become energized by your freedom to be your own boss and your ability to make changes. Your goal is to continually learn and realize that having your own business is more play than work.

How To Motivate Myself: Create A Successful Day, Everyday

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Motivational Quotes For Athletes - 5 Super Motivational Quotes to Inspire Any Athlete

If you're looking for motivational quotes for athletes, you're reading the right article. Of all the people in the world, athletes are the ones who seem to understand the concept of motivation more than anyone else. After all, they wake up each morning trying to beat their own records.

Sometimes, however, their coach's so-called motivational speech loses its effectiveness. It's a good thing that there are motivational quotes for athletes who are in need of encouragement.

Motivational

Even if you're just starting out or you've already made a name for yourself, you will be inspired by these motivational quotes for athletes. These words of wisdom will help you improve not only your skill, but your overall personality as well.

Motivational Quotes For Athletes - 5 Super Motivational Quotes to Inspire Any Athlete

" It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Magic Johnson, NBA star

There comes a time in every athlete's life when he or she comes across an opponent who takes him or her by surprise. If you're smaller than the usual build for athletes in your arena, you have to remember that how much you weigh - or how tall you are - is not always directly proportional to the amount of skill you have. If you're a big person, use your size to your advantage. However, you still have to watch out for the small guy who just might run circles around you.

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." - Marilyn vos Savant, Columnist

Never giving up is one of the foremost motivational quotes for athletes. Even if your team got squashed by your rival school, that doesn't spell the end of everything. You'll just have to learn from your mistakes, move on, and train even harder for the next event. Even old timers are making a comeback to follow their dreams.

"To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift." - Steve Prefontaine, runner

Don't be so modest about your talents. While nobody likes an arrogant athlete, you'll never be able to come into your own unless you acknowledge your skill. So if you have really fast legs, give them the training they deserve. Don't slack off or skip practice. Help yourself become the best athlete you can be and take advantage of your natural abilities.

" The harder you work, the luckier you get." - Gary Player, golfer

This is one of the most overlooked motivational quotes for athletes. There's beginner's luck - and even dumb luck - in this world. But what you really want to have is true luck. True luck is something you create for yourself. As an athlete, you have the chance to increase your luck by training yourself to your full potential. It's you increasing the odds of winning in your favor.

"You can't make a great play unless you do it first in practice." - Chuck Noll

As an athlete, practice could get a little boring. But if you are really serious about improving your skill, then even practice should be taken seriously. How else would you know your strengths and weaknesses? You can't always expect to perform your best spontaneously during a game without proper practice.

It doesn't matter whether you play by yourself or you play with a team, motivational quotes for athletes will still help you get by.

Motivational Quotes For Athletes - 5 Super Motivational Quotes to Inspire Any Athlete

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How to Become a Motivational Speaker

Quite simply, the only way to become a motivational speaker is to train with someone. To begin with you have to decide what market you want to target. You must choose from a field that includes but is not limited to finance, real estate, investing, religion, teen speakers, sales techniques and many more subjects of interest to companies and groups of people around the globe.

Pick your area of expertise or at least the subject you would like to speak to others about. Then seek out and pursue the best motivational speakers in that arena. Go and hear what they have to say and how they go about getting their message across. Are they keynote speakers or just the warm up guys beforehand? You won't start out as a keynote speaker until you have some sort of following, some type of record behind you. But if you are gifted and you study and work heard, learn the basics, you have a chance to go to the top as quickly as anybody else does.

Motivational

Leading motivational speakers often offer classes as well as books and other teaching aides to create new motivational speakers. This may sound strange. Why would a person at the top of his profession offer instruction on how to be a competitor? For the simple reason that the more people who are out there in the world, speaking about his teaching methods and using his motivational speaker training techniques, the more you work the more in demand he will become as a keynote speaker. You have to start somewhere and taking your training as a student of the guys at the top is the quickest way to get yourself hired to speak at someone's convention.

How to Become a Motivational Speaker

When a simple seminar or evening of lectures is not enough to achieve desired results, some companies hire extreme motivational speakers to come in and deliver a heavier blow. These people concentrate on one thing and one thing only - making businesses more profitable from the minute the speaker is done speaking. Like all motivational speakers, the extreme speakers also offer extreme motivational speaker training designed to make you one of the foot soldiers who can go out and espouse his methods of generating more sales, or collecting those receivables, or capturing a bigger market share or whatever his particular slant is, to a number of businesses. The market is almost limitless for extreme motivational speakers, the more the merrier, and a good student always help to make a teacher look even better.

How to Become a Motivational Speaker

Motivational Speakers Info provides detailed information about youth, professional, and Christian motivational speakers, as well as advice on how to become a motivational speaker. Motivational Speakers Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Concept of Physical Fitness

Almost everywhere you go today, you are approached with the concept of physical fitness. Unfortunately, a large percentage of Americans are considered obese and it has become quite a concern. Due to this epidemic, we now see increased marketing of diets, being physical fit, in addition to, the many health products now being offered. TV, magazines, and radio play a major role in the distribution of why the concept of physical fitness is so important.

With all this commotion about fitness, have you joined the team and started your path to total fitness? If not here is a brief description of the standards of physical fitness and what you may do about your current fitness level.

Motive

You may want to work out for looking good or for health. Regardless of your motive, most experts agree there are five basic components of fitness.

Concept of Physical Fitness

They are:

1) Aerobic Endurance- Your level of aerobic endurance measures your ability to do moderately strenuous activity over a period of time. It's a measurement of how efficiently your heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen to your body during exertion and exercise. This fitness component is also called aerobic fitness.

2) Muscular Endurance- Muscular Endurance measures your fitness level by your ability to hold a particular position for a sustained period of time or repeat a movement many times. One example might be to lift a five-pound weight 20 consecutive times.

3) Muscular Strength- The ability to exert maximum force. It is possible to have greater muscular strength in one area, than another. For example, you may have great strength in your arms, while lacking strength in your legs. One example might be lifting the heaviest weight you can possibly lift.

4) Flexibility- Flexibility fitness measures the ability to move a joint through its full range of motion or the elasticity of the muscle. This is how limber you are.

5) Body Composition- This fitness area measures the proportion of fat in your body as compared to your bone and muscle. It does not refer to your weight in pounds or your shape.

If you are weak in any area or need to begin a general overall fitness plan, there are basically three areas of exercise you should concentrate upon to make improvements. They are stretching, aerobic activity, and strength training. Each of these areas is very important to your overall fitness level.

Eating a healthy diet will also contribute greatly to your overall fitness level. If you are going to take the time to work out, you need to refuel your body with healthy foods.

Remember, it is never too late to improve your fitness level. Regardless of your physical fitness level, your age, or the length of time it has been since you last exercised regularly, it's never too late to start and maintain a good fitness routine. Always start simple and work your way up and don't forget it takes at least 21 days to create a habit.

Your body is designed to move. It is just that simple; you only get one body. If you don't use it, you lose it. That's why the concept of physical fitness is so important.

Concept of Physical Fitness

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What Does It Mean When a Guy Wants You to Trust Him? Understand the Real Motive Behind This

Do you get confused every time your guy asks you to trust him? What is it with trust anyway? Well, trust is vital in relationships. It makes the relationship more secure. So, if you are wondering what does it mean when a guy wants you to trust him, the following will enlighten you on what he's really up to:

Meaning # 1: He wants you to feel confident
Trusting someone is equivalent to being confident of yourself. This is why, when your guy wants you to trust him, it means that he wants you to be confident not only of yourself but have confidence on him as well. He wants you to know that there is nothing he will do to break that trust.

Motive

Meaning # 2: He wants to have a long-lasting relationship
No relationship can last for a long time without trust. The fact that a guy wants you to trust him means that he wants your relationship to be long-term. Moreover, you must remember that no relationship will ever survive without trust. So, you should instead be glad that your guy wants you to trust him because chances are, he's preparing to spend the rest of his life with you.

What Does It Mean When a Guy Wants You to Trust Him? Understand the Real Motive Behind This

Meaning # 3: He wants to start a relationship with you
If the guy who asks you to trust him isn't your boyfriend, chances are, he wants to start a relationship with you. Trust is the foundation of a relationship, and no relationship can ever start and blossom without the trust factor.

Meaning # 4: He does not want your relationship to break apart
Stories of failing relationships due to lack of trust can always be heard. Your guy doesn't want the same thing to happen between the two of you. Since he asked that you trust him, all he wants is for you to keep your faith in him and not initiate a break up.

Meaning # 5: He wants your relationship to be happy
Imagine being in a relationship where your guy doesn't trust you. Seems horrible, right? If this is the case, then, you must realize that a happy relationship consists of two individuals who trust each other. No one wants a relationship that is full of drama.

Meaning # 6: He wants an open communication with you
You wouldn't tell your guy intimate matters if don't trust him. When a guy expresses his desire for you to trust him, he wants to relay that he needs you to be open to him and tell everything that concerns both of you. He is also opening himself up so that you can tell him matters even if such can hurt him personally.

Meaning # 7: He will not do anything that would hurt you
Trusting someone entails that you trust him not to hurt you. Therefore, if your guy has asked you to trust him, then, you can have an assurance that he will not break your heart sometime in the future. Moreover, hearing those words from a guy also means that he will not attempt to break the trust that you have given him.

What Does It Mean When a Guy Wants You to Trust Him? Understand the Real Motive Behind This

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Does He Love Me? - Test Whether He Has Feelings For You

If you have your eye on a special someone or are dating him already, you may be asking yourself, "Does he love me?" Sometimes it is very hard to know what a man is really feeling. When you have a crush on or are deeply in love with a man, it is natural to desperately want to know where he stands in terms of his love for you. Does he love you - or is he just possibly interested in your for the short term with no real intention of making this a long-term (or life-long) commitment to love?

If these types of questions are running through your mind constantly, take this short test to find out if he really has feelings of love for you.

Motive

1. Does his face light up whenever you are near?

Does He Love Me? - Test Whether He Has Feelings For You

The eyes are the window to the soul, as my grandmother used to always say. Pay close attention to his eyes whenever his is near. Of course, his showing strong eye contact when he talks to you is important - but that is only half of the story. After all, eye contact can merely mean he is he interested in you physically, or that he just likes you as a friend. However, if you can tell that he gets a real sense of joy whenever you are around, that can be a strong indicator of his deeper feelings for you.

2. Does he show signs of being protective or slightly jealous over you?

A man who has deep feelings for a woman are almost always motivated to protect the object of his love and affection. This tendency probably has evolutionary roots in our past, when men literally fought for the woman they wanted to mate with. While we are way past these primordial cave man days, men who carry a beloved woman in their hearts always feel the need to make her feel protected and safe at all times. This feeling can be likened to the maternal instinct in women as they protect their young - and we all know how strong that can be. So, look for signs that he gets a little jealous over you or wants to ensure your safety and well-being.

3. Does he ever ask about your family or friends?

If your man (or the man you want to make yours) is thinking thoughts of love and commitment about you, he will definitely want to get to know you at a deeper level. Your guy will want to know all about your family and your friends, because asking these questions makes him feel closer to you. And, his asking these questions indicates that he is not just in it for the short term - or just interested in a purely physical relationship.

4. Does he talk about your future together?

Similarly, a man who really loves you will have thoughts of your mutual future together. He will occasionally make references to something you will do together next month or next year. This indicates that, in his mind's eye, he is making plans for larger future and that this future includes you in a starring role.

5. Does ask about what you were like as a child?

You know your man is crazy for you if he asks questions about what it was like for you growing up. This, too, indicates that he has deep feelings for you. He wants to know more about what makes you tick - what makes you who you are. The more details he asks, the surer you can be that he is interested.

While it is impossible to read his mind, in many ways your man is not as complex as you may think: you can figure out what he is really feeling. So, if you are asking yourself, "Does he love me?", test yourself by answering these 5 simple questions.

Does He Love Me? - Test Whether He Has Feelings For You

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How to Recognize Motivational Speakers in Pulpits

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. -- Galatians 1:8

Over the years I’ve watched, with indignation and concern, the proliferation of motivational speakers in pulpits. I’ve watched how many churches and preachers are replacing the gospel of Jesus Christ with motivational speaking. I’ve watched how some of these preachers have even built mega churches and empires with this brand of the “gospel.” But even worse, I’ve watched how droves of people have been misled into believing that they are getting fed the Bread of Life; i.e. the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, not knowing that they are being served motivational speeches on a platter, spiced with scriptures.

Motivational

But I’m not as concerned about these motivational speakers in pulpits, as I am concerned about the spiritual well being of the thousands of people attending their churches; and the several million worldwide television viewers whose lives are being impacted by their teachings.

How to Recognize Motivational Speakers in Pulpits

It is this concern for the spiritually helpless that has led me to expose some of these preachers for who they really are; to warn you, the followers and would-be followers of these preachers. I write to alert the Body of Christ about this proliferation in the Church; the danger of motivational speaking packaged as the gospel; and to teach you how to recognize a motivational speaker in the pulpit when you come across one; which I say, sadly, that there are many out there.

So, let’s start by identifying the two leading motivational speakers in pulpits or what I call, “motivational preachers.” The two leading motivational preachers of our time are Pastor Joel Osteen of the New Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas and Bishop T.D. Jakes of the Potter’s House, Dallas, Texas!

Surprised? Maybe! Maybe not! However, if you are surprised to learn that these two are motivational preachers, perhaps it’s because they are your favorite preachers. Perhaps, it’s because you’ve always thought them to be “O Great Ones.” Or maybe it’s because of their success, popularity, ministry size, followership, etc. or even because of the good they’ve done in society. For instance, Jakes’ Woman Thou Art Loosed book or prison outreach ministry. Or Osteen’s book, Your Best Life Now.

As humans, we tend to attribute worldly success, good works, ministry size, popularity, followership, etc. with godly success. Therefore, the bigger a church, the more popular or successful a preacher, the more success we think a person or organization has. We even credit these successes to God’s blessings. But worldly success, good works, ministry size or even large followership is not necessarily the measure of godly success. A person can have all these, yet not be godly. For instance, Oprah Winfrey has all these attributes, but yet she’s not a preacher; neither can her success be considered godly; because of what she espouses.

So we cannot go by worldly success, good works, popularity, ministry size or even followership. In fact, T.D. Jakes in a CNN/TIME article was described as “Oprah-in-a-pulpit. But for Winfrey's generic spirituality, Jakes substitutes God.” That is to say that, if Oprah were to be a preacher, she’d probably have one of the largest churches in the world! But thankfully, she has enough sense to stay in her lane (at least for now). So, all these attributes have nothing to do with godly success!

But just before we look at why Joel Osteen and T.D. Jakes are motivational preachers, let’s first understand what motivational speaking is, the benefits of motivational speaking and the danger of packaging motivational speaking as the gospel.

What is Motivational Speaking?

Simply, motivational speaking is an encouraging, uplifting speech; intended to motivate the listeners to do better and be better in specific areas of their lives. In a sense, the motivational speaker is an encourager – i.e. the people’s cheer leader. He or she motivates people into action. Motivational speaking is based primarily on mental or human strength and not God’s strength. It is what a person can do in his or her own strength, rather than what God can do through the person in His strength.

Benefits of Motivational Speaking

Without a doubt, motivational speaking has its place in society. Don’t get me wrong, there are many benefits of motivational speaking. For instance, it uplifts people; makes them feel good about themselves. It motivates them to see that they can do better and don’t have to settle for less or live beneath their means. It makes people strive for excellence, forgetting the past – past hurts, bitterness, anger, malice, etc. It can make people reach or strive for their full potentials. It can even help some unforgiving people to forgive those that have hurt them.

So yes! There are many benefits of motivational speaking. There’s nothing wrong with motivational speaking; IF it’s outside the pulpit. And as long as the people listening to it know for a fact that that’s what they are listening to. It’s only a problem when it’s coming from the pulpit as the gospel, and it’s mistaken for the gospel. We don’t go to church to listen to motivational speaking. Neither do we go to church to be entertained. Rather, we go to church to be taught the uncompromised Word of God, rightly divided. If motivational speaking is what one wants, one can just go to a Les Brown or Willie Jolley speaking engagement, to be motivated.

Now, does that mean that you cannot be motivated by the gospel? Absolutely, you can. However, there is a difference in how the gospel inspires you to become the Word, and how motivational speaking motivates. Motivational speaking motivates through feel-good messages; which, like euphoria, are not lasting. But the gospel inspires through doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Not through goody-goody, self empowerment messages.

So, if you leave church feeling good about yourself after every service, chances are you are listening to a motivational preacher. No one should leave church feeling good after service every time; which is what motivational speaking does – makes you feel good about yourself. There should be something in a message that convicts you; i.e., shows you the errors of your ways and how to correct them, so that you can be fit for the Master’s use. By that I don’t mean beat you up or condemn you; but convict you. There is a difference.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Well, if the Word of God pierces even to the division of soul and spirit, how can a person listen to a sermon and go away feeling giddy, and not be convicted? After all, a double-edged sword is not a toy. Rather it cuts, and cuts deep. But the Word of God is even sharper!

The Danger of Motivational Speaking Packaged as the Gospel

Perhaps you ask, “If the motivational speaker motivates people into action, and encourages them to be better, what is wrong with that?” Nothing! If it’s done outside the pulpit! However, motivational speaking disguised as the gospel is very dangerous because it’s often mistaken for the true gospel. It’s like a chocolate covered poison – tastes good to you, but not good for you. Motivational speaking packaged as the gospel blurs the line between the gospel and humanism; which really is what motivational speaking is about. It blurs the line between human ability and God’s ability.

Unless exposed, motivational speaking can be difficult to discern from the gospel. So much so that even a motivational preacher may not know that that’s what he or she is doing. This is the other reason why I’m writing this article; to help other motivational speakers out there to identify and stay in their lanes. So that they don’t mistake their motivational speaking skills for a call to preach the gospel or pastor a church.

What is the Gospel?

Perhaps by now you are thinking, “If motivational speaking is not the gospel, so what is the Gospel?” Simply, the gospel is the “good news” of Jesus Christ. And the good news of Jesus is redemption or salvation from sin.

The major difference between motivational speaking and the gospel is better explained by this analogy…Motivational speaking can be likened to scratching an itch – it relieves the itching but doesn’t cure the cause of the itch. It doesn’t have the power to cure the cause of the itching. It is the truth of God’s Word that cures the cause of the itching. It is the truth of God’s Word that makes people free (John 8:32). Not philosophy, psychology or politics. Not sociology, fables or personal opinions.

Therefore, the primary role of a true preacher is to teach the truth of God’s Word, rightly divided.

A true preacher teaches his or her congregation how to be true disciples for Jesus Christ; so that they can disciple others. In other words, be an extension of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. A true preacher doesn’t teach his or her congregation always about what it can get from God, but what it can do for God to help further His Kingdom; i.e., how they can live for Him.

If you study the lives of Jesus Christ and the early disciples (our examples), you’ll see that the least of their concern was seeking God for what they could get from Him. Rather, their primary concern was denying themselves for the gospel’s sake; to seek and save the Lost. Likewise, the primary role of a true preacher is to perfect his or her congregation to be like-minded. And not this foolishness you see on Christian TV or hear on radio about what you can get from God or what God can do for you – a trait shared by motivational preachers and prosperity preachers.

Why Jakes and Osteen are Motivational Speakers in Pulpits

Without a doubt, both Jakes and Osteen are dynamic and electrifying speakers – Jakes especially. But don’t be fooled by all that theatrics. When you go to church, you go to church to be taught the Word of God; not to be entertained; which unfortunately is what goes on in many of these churches. You don’t go to church to be mesmerized either, but to learn how to relate with God, and how to seek Him for yourself. If entertainment is what you want, you can go to a concert or a circus. Neither do you go to church to hear someone’s “old wives’ fable” as apostle Paul puts it in 1 Timothy 4:7; which is what Joel Osteen does. His sermons are full of stories after stories.

Most motivational preachers, like Jakes and Osteen, preach to please the listeners. They preach what they know the people want to hear. They preach a generic, non-offensive “gospel”; to borrow T.D. Jakes’ words, “a user-friendly” gospel. That is why most of their sermons are either about what God can do for the people or what the people can get from God: favor, promotion, blessing, victory, etc.

Jakes, in a CNN’s Paula Zahn interview, says the reason for his church growth is because he is more user friendly and sensitive to people. Here is an excerpt of the interview…

ZAHN: You have grown quite a flock. Where do you think you're connecting where others aren't?

JAKES: Well, I've thought about that quite a bit, Paula.

I really do think that we've touched a felt need in the community to understand that people are dealing with issues and crises and to be user friendly, sensitive to them. I have tried to find biblical answers to sociological ills and to encourage people, in spite of pains and traumas, to be all that they can be. That was the purpose of The Potter's House Church in Dallas, Texas, as I pastored there for the last eight years and even with MegaFest here in Atlanta.

ZAHN: I'm curious about something you just said. You said you have to be user-friendly. What does that mean, less like the churches maybe many of us went to growing up?

JAKES: Yes. Maybe the focus is not on being starchy and prudish and routines and rituals, but just open and sensitive to the need for people, the ability to hear, not so critical, but open to understand and embrace and encourage people, motivating them, rather than pushing and beating on them.

Joel Osteen shares the same belief in a Larry King Live interview; and reiterates in a Washington Post article…

KING: But you're not fire and brimstone, right? You're not pound the decks and hell and damnation?

OSTEEN: No. That's not me. It's never been me. I've always been an encourager at heart. And when I took over from my father he came from the Southern Baptist background and back 40, 50 years ago there was a lot more of that. But, you know, I just -- I don't believe in that. I don't believe -- maybe it was for a time. But I don't have it in my heart to condemn people. I'm there to encourage them. I see myself more as a coach, as a motivator to help them experience the life God has for us.

KING: But don't you think if people don't believe as you believe, they're somehow condemned?

OSTEEN: You know, I think that happens in our society. But I try not to do that. I tell people all the time, preached a couple Sundays about it. I'm for everybody. You may not agree with me, but to me it's not my job to try to straighten everybody out. The Gospel (is) called the good news. My message is a message of hope, that's God's for you. You can live a good life no matter what's happened to you. And so I don't know. I know there is condemnation but I don't feel that's my place.

KING: You've been criticized for that, haven't you?

OSTEEN: I have. I have. Because I don't know.

KING: Good news guy, right?

OSTEEN: Yeah. But you know what? It's just in me. I search my heart and I think, God, is this what I'm supposed to do? I made a decision when my father died, you know what? I'm going to be who I feel like I'm supposed to be. And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. Not the end of the world if I'm not the pastor...

By “condemnation”, Osteen means preaching against sin or confronting unrighteousness; which he never does. Lois Romano, a Washington Post Staff Writer, in an interview with Osteen, writes...“Osteen, 41, does not sweat or yell, or cry for sinners to repent. He preaches an energetic, New Age gospel of hope and self-help – simple Scripture-based motivational messages, notably devoid of politics and hot-button policy issues…He aims to present himself as neutral as possible, he says, in order not to offend or generate controversy.”

Some preachers’ argument about not preaching against sin or unrighteousness is that God is love, so we should preach more about God’s love and not about God’s wrath or “fire and brimstone,” as they call it. As reasonable as that may sound, unfortunately that’s half the gospel, not the full gospel. True. God is love. But God is fierce too. Jesus never minced words about the judgment or wrath of God; while teaching about the love of God. Neither did the early Disciples.

So, this idea of not preaching about God’s wrath or condemnation (unrighteousness) is misguided and misleading, to say the least! And only meant to deceive and lull people to sleep; or need I say hell! Therefore, a true preacher sent from God preaches about the love of God; encourages the congregation to press towards the mark and stay the course; preaches about the wrath of God and against unrighteousness; and even generates controversy if he has to. That’s the full, uncompromised gospel.

Jesus never failed to confront unrighteousness, generate controversy or preach “fire and brimstone” where appropriate. Jesus confronted the religious leaders in His days, the Scribes and Pharisees. All through Matthew 23, He denounced their hypocritical ways saying, “Woe (doom) unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” He called sin what it is -- sin. He didn’t tip toe through the tulips; to borrow the cliché.

Also, most motivational preachers hardly use the Bible when they preach; because they teach to people’s emotions for crowd reaction, and not their spirit. T.D. Jakes is the master of this. Yes, they may quote a few scriptures or use some Bible stories here and there, but they hardly allow God to use His Word (The Bible) to speak directly to His people. And when they do, they usually read from the Old Testament; often misusing it, not knowing how it relates to us in the dispensation of grace.

I once heard T.D. Jakes say, using the story of Joseph’s dream in the Bible to prove a point, that one should not reveal one’s dreams or plans too soon to people. He said that it was because Joseph revealed his dreams too soon to his brothers that he ended up in an Egyptian jail. As good and convincing that may sound, that’s not scriptural. Rather, Joseph ended up in Egypt so that he could preserve the family of Jacob (Israel) from an upcoming famine, which God knew would come.

And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life… And God sent me before you to preserve posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God… Genesis 45:4-5; 7-8

These preachers rarely use the Bible because they know that the Bible will expose their lies. So, what they do is quote a few scriptures here and there, often out of context, and move on. And rightfully so, because if you want to keep a person ignorant forever, keep the Book away from the person. They’ve been able to get away with this for so long, simply because they know that most Christians don’t or rarely read the Bible on their own; and therefore don’t know what’s in it. Not even those Christians who attend churches where the Bible is read!

Rather, most Christians’ knowledge of the Bible is based on someone else’s interpretation of the Bible, or lack thereof. Most Christians live and die based on someone else’s interpretation; and not what they learned from the Bible themselves by God’s Spirit.

One other thing many motivational preachers have in common is in their usage of the word “God” and “Jesus.” Many motivational preachers say “God” more than say “Jesus.” To them, the name “God” is not as “offensive” or “controversial” as the name “Jesus.” Joel Osteen is guilty of this. But then, what do you expect from a guy trying “not to offend or generate controversy?”

For instance, Osteen will preach an entire sermon, hardly mentioning the name of Jesus, but God. Yet at the end of the broadcast extends to you an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior; which is kind of ironic. I mean, it’s like a man telling you all day about his friend, James, only to say to you, “Oh by the way, meet my friend, Mark,” whom you know nothing about. Makes you want to ask, “Who is Mark?” since he spent all his time telling you about James, not Mark.

I can understand why some of the preachers hardly use the name “Jesus.” It takes someone with a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ to say the name “Jesus.” Besides, the name “God” can mean anything to anybody. But it is the name “Jesus” that differentiates what God you are talking about. Most people don’t have a problem with the name “God.” The name they have a problem with is the name “Jesus.” That is “the stone of stumbling and rock of offense” (1 Peter 2:8). That is the name given under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

In the Early Church, when the apostles were preaching the gospel and performing several miracles in the name of Jesus, the Jewish council had a problem with them because they were preaching and performing miracles in the name of Jesus. If they had been preaching in the name of God, they wouldn’t have had a problem with them.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29

But Joel Osteen would rather be politically correct than affirm the name of Jesus. In the same Larry King interview, King asked Osteen if Jesus was the only way to heaven, and he could not answer in the affirmative! Here is another excerpt of the interview…

KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?

OSTEEN: I don't think it's that hard. To me it's fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family -- I don't feel like that at all. I'm not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I'm just living my life.

KING: But you have rules, don't you?

OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To live a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that's really the essence of the Christian faith.

KING: That we live in deeds?

OSTEEN: I don't know. What do you mean by that?

KING: Because we've had ministers on who said your record don't count. You either believe in Christ or you don't. If you believe in Christ, you are, you are going to heaven. And if you don't, no matter what you've done in your life, you ain't.

OSTEEN: Yeah, I don't know. There's probably a balance between. I believe you have to know Christ. But I think that if you know Christ, if you're a believer in God, you're going to have some good works. I think it's a cop-out to say I'm a Christian but I don't ever do anything...

KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?

OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know...

KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?

OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God will judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.

For someone who is the pastor of a local church, it seems like there are a lot of things Osteen doesn’t know. Could this be a case of the blind leading the blind? One can only guess…

Anyway, there are many more reasons why these two preachers top the list of motivational preachers -- too many than time or space will allow. But for the sake of time and space, here is a comparison chart below summarizing some of the differences between a motivational preacher and a true preacher. This chart also can help you to identify other motivational preachers.

Differences Between a Motivational Preacher and a True Preacher

Motivational Preacher --

Teachings are geared to arouse emotions; i.e. flesh-tingling, flesh-pleasing sermons

True Preacher --

Teachings are geared to the inner man (the spirit); i.e., spirit-pleasing sermons
(1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Motivational Preacher --

Teachings are about self empowerment through self-will

True Preacher --

Teachings are about God empowerment by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6)

Motivational Preacher --

Teachings make congregants self-centered; i.e., what they can get from God: favor, blessing, promotion, joy, victory, etc.

True Preacher --

Teachings make congregants self-less; i.e. deny self, take up cross and follow Christ, and esteem others above self (Matthew 16:24 and Philippians 2:3)

Motivational Preacher --

Sermons are superficial -- lack spiritual depths – all humanism

True Preacher --

Sermons have spiritual depths – rooted in Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

Motivational Preacher --

Challenges a person to do better and be better

True Preacher --

Challenges a person to present his/her body as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2)

Motivational Preacher --

Encourages to make self (hearer) feel good

True Preacher --

Convicts to convert (2 Timothy 3:16)

Motivational Preacher --

Rarely uses the Bible

True Preacher --

Uses the Bible; rightly dividing the Word
(2 Timothy 2:15)

Motivational Preacher --

Elevates self (the preacher)

True Preacher --

Elevates Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

Motivational Preacher --

Full of fables or personal stories – teaches about problems

True Preacher --
Equips the hearer to use the information learned to resolve problems; i.e., teaches about a solution (Ephesians 4:11-14)

Motivational Preacher --

Hardly preaches against sin or unrighteousness

True Preacher --

Preaches against sin or unrighteousness, among other topics (Romans 1)

By no way is this list exhaustive. But it’s just enough to show you the major differences between a motivational preacher and a true preacher. Motivational speaking is motivational speaking. The gospel is the gospel. They are not the same. Nothing even close!

Now, having made that distinction let me reiterate that I have nothing against these preachers or the fact that they are motivational preachers. I’m only concerned about the thousands of spiritually hungry people listening to them, some of whom have a sincere heart to learn God’s Word, and think that they are listening to God’s Word, but have no idea that what they are listening to is motivational speaking packaged as the gospel.

So, my main reason for writing this article is not to convince you that your pastor or favorite televangelist is a motivational speaker with a Bible. No! My goal is to warn you or those listening to these preachers who are unaware that they are getting doses of motivational speeches, in place of the gospel. I write to tell you to “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

However, if you are still doubtful as to whether Jakes and Osteen are motivational preachers or not, using the chart above, I challenge you to listen to both of them for a month; (probably won’t take you that long to figure them out), and see if you won’t see through their smokescreen. But before watching them, pray. Ask God to make clear to you what He needs you to see concerning these two, beyond their dynamic style of teaching and charisma.

You can go to their websites for a listing of their broadcast schedule in your area or you might even be able to stream some sermon videos online.

Now, let me say that while listening to them you’ll hear some things that make sense or sound good to you. That’s common with motivational speaking. But beyond that, you should be able to see through the charade.

By no means are these two the only motivational preachers. So, just because your pastor or favorite televangelist does not make this list does not mean that you may not be listening to a motivational preacher. Therefore, do the same thing you’d do for Jakes and Osteen’s teachings for your pastor or favorite televangelist’s teachings. Take the chart above and compare your pastor or favorite televangelist’s teachings with it to see if he or she qualifies as a motivational preacher or not.

My prayer for you is “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Ephesians 1:17-18

P.S.:

Scripture references taken from the New King James Version Bible!

For a full interview transcript of the King/Osteen interview go to: http://transcripts.cnn.com/transcripts/0506/20/lkl.01.html

For the Washington Post/Osteen article go to:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47023-2005Jan29.html

For streaming video of Joel Osteen’s sermons, go to:

[http://www.lakewood.cc/site/PageServer]

For a broadcast schedule of T.D. Jakes’ sermons, go to:

[http://www.thepottershouse.org/index.php?tv=schedule]

You have to pay i.e. be a “covenant partner” to stream Jakes’ sermons online!

How to Recognize Motivational Speakers in Pulpits

For questions, comments or concerns, send an email to Godsgem@hotmail.com

For more articles by the author, go to: http://www.lordsquill.com

15 Clinchers to Motivate and Persuade

What's a clincher? It's a statement at the end of your promotional piece, that motivates the reader to take the next step.

Up to this point, your material is focused on persuading the reader that he or she really needs your service or product. Now, when they're teetering on the brink of a decision, it's time to use some nifty phrases to help push them over the edge.

Motivate

Here are some examples for you to copy. Or to use as patterns to adapt to your own situation.

15 Clinchers to Motivate and Persuade

- Why settle for [this] when you can have [that]?

- What do you have to lose?

- We have only a limited supply.

- You'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

- That's all it takes.

- Don't miss out!

- Put these ideas to work for you.

- Now it's time for you to make a winning decision.

- Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

- Reserve your [item] today.

If your goal is to have people contact you, here are some clinchers that will help get them to pick up the phone or make a beeline for your store.

- Please don't hestitate to call us.

- We'd love to hear from you.

- Just give us a call.

- All you have to do is fill out the enclosed form.

- Come in and introduce yourself to us!

Often promotional materials leave you thinking "What now?" When you use a powerful clincher, the reader knows exactly what's expected of her. Without any direction, she's at a loss to know what happens next. When you don't give clear instructions, she'll be confused and is likely to leave your website, discard your letter, or just dump your ad in the trash can.

It's up to you to make sure she doesn't.

Now it's your turn: What clinchers could you use to underscore your offer?

15 Clinchers to Motivate and Persuade

Maggie Dennison is a Marketing Consultant and Writer. She is the author of "11 Steps To Marketing Materials That Get You Clients NOW!" Maggie holds a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology, and is fascinated with what triggers people to do the things they do. And that's exactly what marketing materials are all about. Pick up a free report "11 Keys to Website Content That Works" at her website http://MyMarketingmessage.com.