Anticipation as a motivator

 Having something to look forward to now that Christmas is over, can be a powerful motivator and mood-booster. Here are some ideas on how to use this sense of anticipation to change our perspective on less-than-desirable events:

Instead of dreading a task or event, try to see it as a chance to learn, grow, or achieve something new. For example, if you have a big project deadline looming, instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when it's completed. Resource: "The Power of Reframing" by Dr. Carol Dweck (TED Talk)

Break down a daunting task or event into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each small victory along the way to build momentum and anticipation for the next step. Resource: "The Pomodoro Technique" by Francesco Cirillo (article on Medium)

Identify the positive aspects of an event or task, no matter how small they may seem. Focus on those aspects to shift your perspective and build anticipation for the benefits that will come from it. Resource: "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale (book)

Develop a pre-event routine that signals to your brain that something exciting is about to happen. This could be as simple as making a favourite snack, listening to a specific playlist, or doing a quick workout. Resource: "The Power of Rituals" by Dr. Dan Ariely (TED Talk)

Close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself successfully navigating the event or task. Visualize the sense of pride, relief, or accomplishment you'll feel when it's over. Resource: "The Power of Visualization" by Dr. Denis Waitley (article on MindTools)

Share your goals and plans with a friend or family member and ask them to hold you accountable. This can provide an added motivation to stay on track and build anticipation for the event. Resource: "The Power of Accountability" by Dr. John C. Maxwell (article on Inc.com)

Set small rewards for yourself after completing a task or event. This could be something as simple as a favorite meal, a relaxing bath, or a fun activity. Resource: "The Science of Rewards" by Dr. Alfie Kohn (article on Psychology Today)

By using these strategies, you can harness the power of anticipation to transform your perspective on less-than-desirable events and build a sense of excitement and optimism for the future.

Anticipation of a full year 1

 Christmas is over, and the anticipation of the day was a key driving force in motivating you as you looked forward to something that gave you a sense of optimism. Planning for the holidays gives people a goal and meaning. For most of us, it gives us an outlet to use our creative energy and look forward to an event that’s fun or meaningful. 

So, as we settle in for the upcoming new year, think about having something to genuinely look forward to as doing so stimulates your brains in positive, dopamine-releasing ways We can use this sense of new anticipation to strategically to change our perspective on less-than-desirable events. Over the next two posts, I will share some ideas and resources to help rebuild a sense of anticipation

Congratulations!

 My birthday is this month and one of my friends sent me the following, so I thought I would share it with all of you who were born in my year.

We are One-Percenters (No, Not That Kind).

If you were born between 1930 and 1946, like me, you’re part of an exclusive club: the rare 1% of your generation still alive and kicking. Forget hedge funds—you are the true "old money."

You’ve lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the invention of... everything. You remember when “Google” was a noise your toddler made and “streaming” involved a creek and a fishing rod.

Your childhood wasn’t filled with smartphones—it was filled with smudgy ration books and the excitement of finding a sugar coupon. You saved tin foil like it was gold and poured bacon grease into cans, proving you were eco-friendly long before it was trendy.

Milk was delivered in glass bottles (and occasionally stolen by a thirsty cat), phones were mounted on the wall (in a spot where everyone could hear your conversation), and TV arrived in black-and-white glory… with only three channels. You were the remote—“Turn that knob, kid!”

Your parents didn’t hover—they were busy building a post-war world. And you? You played Jacks, Monopoly, and Marbles unsupervised because, frankly, nobody had time to supervise you. It was glorious.

Sure, polio loomed, but your generation was too busy walking uphill both ways to school to let that stop you. And when highways expanded, you discovered the thrill of going into the city to shop—a far cry from today’s "one-click checkout."

You've witnessed a world of change: typewriters gave way to computers, radios morphed into Spotify, and now your grandkids think milk comes from the store.

So, take a bow, you golden oldies. You climbed out of a global depression, survived world wars, and rode the wave of prosperity like champs. You’ve earned your spot in history—and in the 1% club.

And remember, if anyone under 50 calls you “old,” just smile and remind them: you’re vintage, not old. Cheers to us, the last generation to truly know what it means to live “in the best of times.

Merry Christmas

May the joy of togetherness fill your heart with wonder,

and the laughter of loved ones light your day with delight.

May the dreams you hold dear find their way to your world,

wrapped in the warmth of this cherished season.

As you bask in the warmth of this special day

May the spirit of giving and sharing

Fill your heart and home with love and light

May the memories you make today

Be treasured and cherished for years to come

And as you exchange gifts and stories

May your connections deepen and grow

Wishing you peace, love, and the magic of Christmas.