Self-motivation is an imperative skill in personal growth and development. At various points in our lives, we encounter personal hardships that make us feel unwell. Life can be very difficult during what I call pruning seasons. (Pruning in this instance does not refer to the agricultural practice of selectively removing parts of a plant, but rather, it refers to the seasons in our lives when we undergo changes that leave us feeling like something is missing or has been taken away from us).These seasons vary in length, and are often intense. They require us to practice great resilience and maintain a positive attitude.

I recently came across a TED talk by Neil Pasricha who needed to put in major effort in motivating himself during a pruning season in his life. In his talk, Neil outlines the keys to a satisfying life, he refers to them as the Three A's of Awesome viz; Attitude, Awareness, and Authenticity. I highly encourage that you listen to his story. To prompt you to watching the TED video, here is what Neil briefly says about the Three A’s of Awesome:

Attitude
When bad news hits, you always have two choices:

1. "You can swirl and twirl in gloom and doom forever, or,

2. You can grieve and then face the future with newly sober eyes."

You can choose to move forward and move on, taking baby steps into the future.

Awareness
Appreciate the small wonders around you, as if you're seeing the world for the first time. Embrace your inner three-year-old, remembering that you saw everything you've seen for the first time too.

Authenticity
Be true to yourself. It's about "being you and being cool with that." When you're authentic, you put yourself in places, situations, and conversations that you love and that you enjoy.