Finding Motivation & Support Interview
with Meredith Bell, President,
Performance Support Systems
Finding motivation and support is crucial to creating the successful and joy-filled life and business you desire. Sometimes being a leader, consultant and/or small business owner can get lonely – we spend time listening to everyone else – who listens, really listens, to us? 
Well, for me, for the past 5 years Meredith’s been someone who’s listened to me, encouraged me and brainstormed with me. She’s become someone I think of a trusted adviser, colleague and friend. Her wisdom and insight often help me in my quest for finding motivation and support. Our interview was focused around the questions asked in my free Wake Up Eager Assessment around the area of Support click here to take this free online Wake Up Eager assessment now. (Opens a new window) "Invent your world. Surround yourself with people, color, sounds and work that nourish you." ---SARK
 Enjoy this interview about finding motivation and support:
Suzie: Meredith, thank you for taking time to share your insights. First, please tell folks what you’re passionate about in your work, along with what you do and why you do it. Also, tell us about a hobby or interest that you have, outside of work.
Meredith: I’m passionate about helping organizations strengthen the “people” side of their business. My company provides survey tools that give people, teams and organizations valuable feedback from those who know them. I get tremendous satisfaction from knowing our software has given someone insights to make changes that have a positive impact on their own life and improve their relationships with people important to them. We’ve heard heart-warming stories about dramatic transformations that individuals and even entire companies undergo as a result of what they’ve learned from others, including co-workers, bosses and customers. Outside of work, my favorite activity is getting out in nature with my husband, who’s also my best friend. We’re avid bird-watchers and we lose track of time when we take walks and observe these little creatures in their environment. I’m also a life-long learner, constantly consuming books, audios and videos about ways to improve my thinking and my business.
Suzie: In your coaching with consultants and executives – how important do you feel Support is to long term success and finding motivation and support? What happens when business professionals do not have a close group of professional contacts to discuss challenges and celebrations? What’s the impact?
Meredith: Entrepreneurs and business executives are often isolated because they can’t confide in the people who work for them. A support system is extremely important for people in these positions. Otherwise, they’re subject to depression, burn-out and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. To avoid these negative effects, they need to associate with a core group of trusted colleagues and advisers. This group can offer support, encouragement and ideas that fuel positive energy.
Suzie: How can Support positively impact a business person’s personal and professional success and happiness? Can finding motivation and support really make a difference?
Meredith: It’s actually quite amazing the impact Support can have on a person, both personally and professionally. There’s a sense of relief that you’re not alone, that others understand what you’re experiencing and can guide you through the rough times. Support pays huge dividends in increased self-confidence, willingness to be bold and take risks, and immunity to criticism from others. Another benefit is the flow of creativity when you’re inspired by the energy and ideas of others in your support network. "Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose." ---Tennessee Williams
Suzie: Here's another finding motivation and support question: What actions and mindsets do you most recommend to help business people find and feel more wake up eager days? (Wake up eager means: Starting and living each day with genuine energy and focused direction.)
Meredith: The first thing is to be clear about your purpose. Why are you doing what you’re doing with your life? Having a reason fuels your motivation and keeps you going during tough times. That involves being involved with work you love, where you feel a deep sense of joy and satisfaction. You also need to feel good about yourself – happy with who you are at the core of your being. That requires self-acceptance and positive self-talk. It also means surrounding yourself with positive people who affirm and energize you. Suzie: What do you think are the things that stop most people from finding motivation and support and from waking up eager?
Meredith: A huge factor is FEAR, especially right now. The volume of bad news - from TV, radio, newspapers, online - affects people’s perceptions of their world. They’re afraid of what will happen next and feel powerless to do anything about it. Another influence is that many people really don’t like some important aspect of their lives. Maybe it’s their job, their boss or a personal relationship. They may feel stuck and believe they don’t have any options. It all boils down to our beliefs about what’s possible for us. If I believe that my happiness depends on what others do – or if I’m not willing to take actions to improve my circumstances – then I’m going to have a tough time waking up eager. I have to be willing to take personal responsibility for my own happiness AND take the actions necessary to get what I really want, need and deserve. "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." --- Anthony J. D'Angelo
Suzie: What things do you personally do in the search for finding motivation and support and staying energized, focused and interested in your work?
Meredith: I get up early each week day and work out for an hour before going into the office. That helps me start my day with high energy. I listen to business CDs driving to and from work that stimulate my thinking with new ideas. I am constantly challenging myself to learn and try different strategies in our business, so every day is different, fun and exciting. I also love encouraging others – listening to their challenges and providing insights that can help them get “unstuck.” And I get energized being around or talking with positive people because they inspire me to believe in greater possibilities.
Suzie: In the interest of sharing more resources for our readers in the areas of finding motivation and support, tell us about your coaching program for business people. Meredith: Our group coaching program, called Small Business Owners Inner Circle, helps executives develop success strategies to build their businesses. We’ve worked closely with thousands of entrepreneurs, small business owners, managers and consultants in the past 15 years; and I’ve been coaching people most of my professional career, which spans 30 years. Membership includes live monthly group coaching calls and Q&A calls, with transcripts and recordings provided for each call. We also provide ongoing resources like pod casts, articles and book reviews to share current topics and strategies. As small business owners ourselves, we’ve personally tested the techniques we teach, so we know they work and get results.
Suzie: For everyone who is interested in finding motivation and support, how can people find out more about you, your coaching programs and survey system?
Meredith: They can go to our website and click on contact us link . (Opens a new window) You can also check out my blog, here. (Opens a new window)
For finding motivation and support check out Meredith’s free eBook and 2 minute video: Do you know what your employees and customers think? Would you like to find out? Surveys for Small Business is an excellent tool for finding out what your employee and customer issues are—and what you’re doing well. Watch this 2-minute video to find out more and receive the free eBook, Reading Hearts and Minds, click here.
 "A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are." Click here for more Priceless
resources for finding motivation and support.
Another resource is this powerful online team building and coaching program, My Inspiration4Life. To read my review of this program, read this article on workplace motivation.
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