By: Roy Bartell Copyright (c) 2003 All Rights Reserved

Everyone’s motivation droops now and then, which can affect our productivity and outlook on life. Fortunately, no one motivates us quite as effectively as we motivate ourselves and we have power to reverse these downward spirals. Consider following:

n Recognise that you’re feeling blue - before your outlook turns black. Then, find an activity that will recharge your energies. Asking for a new challenge may be in order. Or, take some time off for a rejuvenating break.

n Shift your focus outward. Think about how your efforts held others and benefit your organisation. Make a conscious effort to make a positive impact on your customers and co-workers.

The days are getting longer now and sun sits higher in sky. The sugar maples stretch after a long cold winter. Soon their sweet sap will run and fires will be lit at maple sugarhouses for all night boiling vigils. The fires must be continually stoked, babied and watched. Dreams are cooking. You can see evidence as white smoke billows out from rooftops of maple sugarhouses and sweet steam rises filling air. The farmer's dream is to boil sap collected from maple tree into maple syrup in a span of 4 to 6 weeks.