While I like to work swiftly with clients toward their outcome, I've never been one for what I call the 'double jeopardy high-five' motivational approach. Too much of the 'wahooooooo!' or 'Yaaaay goferit!' makes me want to puke.I've certainly worked with clients who've come to me after seeing a 'wahooo' coach or attending a 'wahooo' seminar or training. And while the initial effect for them was 'yay!', like an old plaster peeling off round the edges, they soon plummeted down to earth with a rough bump.I remember one corporate client telling me she felt more inadequate and unskilled than she did before the seminar. Clearly she was doing something wrong for the seminar not to have worked... which made her feel even worse about herself. Oh pleeeez!Of course it hadn't worked because her emotional, psychological and cognitive state was such that she was in a change process. Precipitous 'wahooo-ing' lays double-whipped cream over a cake that's not yet been cooked. Pretty sloppy!Another corporate client was very clear about what happened. He said he realised he needed to stop papering over cracks and encouraging other people to do so too. When we worked with what he needed it was time out for reflection and chilling as a way forward from his blues.Down time rather than high up time which, of course, could come later if he chose.Times of aliveness and dormant times are in fact the rhythm of nature. To our cost, we've discovered we've impoverished soil by continuously growing on it with artificial fertilisers. Just like the earth, we need time out to reconstitute and develop our potential.So, be sure your motivation isn't the hype type which pops like a balloon at the first pin it comes across. Motivation comes from purpose, passion & power... and the process of growth within.So, what to do if you're motivation has got up and gone? Here's some tips...***Accept it for now!***It's normal to have ups and downs. It's all part of being human... and I just don't believe anyone who says they're never down. What?! Never?! If you tell yourself it's OK and it's just for now, you'll be surprised at the inner relief and relaxation you'll feel.***Nourish Yourself***This is a time for pampering. So go for fragrant baths, massage, or listening to inspirational music, or visiting an art gallery. Draw, paint, walk, write, dance... Do whatever it takes for excellent care of you, to give yourself grade A nourishment during this fallow time***Monitor Your Language***It's so easy to fall into talking with negativity and self-abuse language. So monitor what you say to others and, most importantly, what you say to yourself! When you've caught yourself at it, reframe what you've said. Like, 'I'm learning to write more courageously' rather than 'My writing's a pile of doo-doo!'***Vision Buddy***And, if you haven't done so already, entrust your vision of how you want things to be to a great buddy. Ask them to gently remind you from time to time what you're working towards with encouragement and love. Because even in the down time you need to be reminded you're still moving forward however static it feels!Then, as all things pass, so will the Summertime Blues. And, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, you too can spread your wings newly invigorated and motivated from within.© Sharon Eden 2009 All Rights Reserved