Rome was built on the last day.

The above line is a common project management adage, and means that often times things get accomplished at in the 11th, 12th and sometimes 13th hour. Even with the best intentions at planning, the best laid plan can go awry. It is human nature to prioritize things on the basis of the pleasure principle – personal gratification and ease of use, or the pain principle, which is avoiding discomfort at all costs.

The goal is to eliminate the second, as nothing worth having is going to come easy!

There are going to be things that happen – dog gets sick, kids have after school activities, boss needs that report filed stat and the list goes on. There comes a moment where you must decide in yourself what it is you want to get accomplished, and stick to it! If you have a great idea for a business or want to write a book, there is no magical wand waving in the world that will create this greatness for you. Every day, even if it is just for a single hour, dedicate that time to nursing your desires forward. I can almost guarantee you that things will begin to feel progressive, and the feelings of relief and accomplishment feel a lot better than the dreadful mountain that may be looming on the near horizon.

Motivation is born of many different factors and has it’s ebbs and flows, so take some time and write out what it is you want to do and WHY you want to do it. If your drive and desire is strong enough, use that as your fuel. If you are passionate about changing your financial situation, use those memories of the hard times  and never stop until you have accomplished something each and every day.  The gratification may not be instant, but motivating yourself for success is a long end game indeed. African American women have sacrificed so much and strive for excellence in a world that is not always thankful, if even cognizant. I cannot stress enough how every day you must tend to the garden of your mind, and make yourself the priority.

Rome will be built day by day, brick by brick.