In search of motivation

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I think that the best way to get me to do something is for someone to tell me that they don’t think I can do it.

Actually, here’s how it really goes.  Someone tells me that they don’t think I can do it, and I believe them.  I get sad and discouraged.  I probably cry a little bit.  I walk around with a dazed focus, like I’m trying to solve a Magic Eye picture but to no avail.  I feel helpless and defeated.

Then, I get angry.

Then, I get defensive.

Then, I get motivated.

Then, I get so staggeringly stubborn, there’s no way on earth I won’t achieve whatever it is that someone has said that I won’t do.

So.

Will someone please tell me that they don’t think I can roll over my 403b into my 401k?  It’s been on the to-do list for 3 years now.  I mean, come on.

And while you’re at it, can you tell me that you don’t think I’ll EVER get renter’s insurance?  Or perhaps that I will live without knobs on the top two drawers of my dresser for the rest of my life?  Or that I’ll eat cookies forever, and without ceasing?

Thanks.

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7 Comments

  1. Peg on September 22, 2010 at 1:17 PM

    OK Annie – you asked for it:
    1. I just don’t think you probably have the patience to get on the phone with the investment types and tolerate them long enough – what is it 30 minutes?) to get the retirement investments switched around!
    2. And that renter’s insurance? Yep – same as above. (just an aside here though – even though it IS spending money – you’ll feel so much better having it).
    3. Really – screwdriver – and I don’t mean the one with vodka
    4. can’t help ya here.

    Love to you my friend — you know we ALL have these thorns.

    Want my list sometime?

  2. Eric on September 22, 2010 at 2:12 PM

    Too bad you can’t write music anymore since you no longer live in Nashville.

    :)

  3. Julianne on September 22, 2010 at 6:19 PM

    You can’t come to Edmonton. And you definitely can’t come to folk fest. (is it working yet?)

  4. Hilary on September 22, 2010 at 6:40 PM

    Can two people play at this game? Will you tell me that I won’t *EVER* get renter’s insurance either? Because then maybe I’ll actually make an effort to do it.

    As for the knobs on your dresser, I have faith that you’ll make it happen. I’ve had two clothing items that needed buttons mended for months and never thought I’d do it. Lo and behold, two nights ago, I DID IT. And for the record, I have no idea where that motivation came from.

    But I don’t know AP, I just don’t know if I believe that you’ll ever move that 403b over to a 401k… (wink)

  5. kelli on September 22, 2010 at 10:30 PM

    Annie AND Hilary – why don’t you ask Mary about the time her apartment BURNED DOWN. Oh, but she had renter’s insurance, so it wasn’t the most awful thing ever.

    Her complex required it – maybe you just need to have your landlords add a clause to your lease? Just a thought…

    Also, Annie, I’m a total nerd about retirement savings, if you need any help there… Hil can back me up on that one ;)

  6. anna on September 23, 2010 at 4:42 AM

    You are NEVER going to roll over you 403b into your 401k. You have waited 3 years?? L-a-z-y. Come ON!

    You are never gonna get renter’s insurance. Because you have this blog you’ll just blog about how your favorite jewellry was stolen. Easy.

    Those knobs. You are too indecisive to ever make a decision about which knobs you like, or, if you already have the knobs…then you’re just plain l-a-z-y. Never gonna happen.

    Just continue eating cookies Annie, that will take up your time, which is an excellent excuse for your procrastination.

    (Now cry, get angry, motivated and DO IT)

  7. hootenannie » Blog Archive » Better self on October 12, 2010 at 8:39 AM

    […] AP’s reverse psychology has kicked in, and as of last night, I’m back up to 3 miles.  You’d have thought […]

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