Years ago, there was a time when I was trying and not really succeeding at staying motivated in my sucky job while I figured out what greater value I might have to offer in the world. A dear friend, coach and mentor saw me struggling, and gave me some advice that stuck with me.

“The key to motivating yourself is this,” Bernie said. “To be successful at anything, you must do the things you know you need to do when you don’t feel like doing them.”

Even though it was the best advice I ever received I forget this a lot. I need to constantly remind myself to do the things that are important to me when the little voice inside my head is whining “I don’t wanna.” I will add that motivating myself to get out of bed is one of those “things” (but only every. single. day.)

This month, finding the time to write for at least one hour every day is my most important thing, and I’m using that quote to remind myself and motivate myself to do it, even when I’d much rather be curled up on the couch under my favorite mohair blanket, with a purring cat and a glass of cabernet perched nearby.

Then I’m reminded of my friend’s advice. I remember that the day is not over yet. It’s December 1st as I write this. The year is not over yet. I can get up off the couch and go make sh*t happen.

Over the years, using this mantra, I’ve  graduated from doing the things I know I need to do to doing the things I want to do, like running longer distances, making my living as a speaker, and writing this blog. It has had a transformational effect in my life and in my career.

What will you accomplish today,  this week and this year that know you need to do, even though you don’t feel like it?