I hate to admit this, but often us parents motivate by serving ourselves up as negative examples to our kids.

In my own case, my dad did two things that motivate me to this day.  He smoked…so today I am anti-smoking, and was even before it became fashionable.  

And, he constantly complained about his job.  I mean, like every day!  Luckily, somehow it forced me to think in just the opposite way, giving me motivation to NOT be like that.

I have always wondered why some people follow certain family traits but not others.  But often, it the behavior our parents model to us, that count far more than education or experience.  It can motivate us either way.

How can you take both positive and negative modeling behavior and make it a positive influence in your own life?  That is the question. 

 

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