Self motivation is one of the hardest parts to any self-improvement drive. Whether it is about giving up smoking, losing some weight, gaining that extra qualification or even just making more time to relax in your busy day, finding ways to jump start you every day can be very difficult.

I’ve looked into numerous different tools and techniques, and found that each and everyone has its own merits, but none of them jumped at me, none of them made me think that I could achieve my goal. And then a friend sent me a calendar with some of their wedding photos on, as a personalised thank you for my gift. the calendar was lovely, with 12 different pictures for each month, and the couple had chosen a nice range of photos as well. And a little light bulb went on in my mind…

I had a bit of a search online, and found numerous companies that deal in this sort of item. So, I gave a couple of them a call, and found that my idea is not so nuts after all! I have decided to put those hated “before” pictures on a couple of Calendars to help inspire me to stick to my goals. I know they won’t be the greatest looking calendars in the world, but it is a practical and affordable solution to motivating myself. Keeping one at home and one at work may be a bit embarrassing at first, but friends, family and work colleagues are very supportive and will ensure I don’t hide them in a drawer 2 weeks in!