What do you do if your motivation wanes after attending conferences?

I love a good conference. They offer nice little gifts, ideas, and a chance to meet new people. But there's a big dark side as well. Why do we struggle so much to make our conference lessons stick? I think we have two major problems. First, we get overwhelmed with all the new information. Second, we have so much to work to catch up on. So what can we do? Here are a few ideas to try. First, try using a good note app to collect your ideas. This allows you to look up your notes later and not lose them in a pile of papers somewhere. Second, find ways to minimize how much work will back up while you're at the conference. This prevents being overwhelmed in the weeks afterward, and you'll have your brilliant conference ideas at your fingertips.

Conferences are indeed motivating. When making connections at conferences I try to immediately follow up within a week. I put my takeaways on paper and start to design goals, and next steps that align with my professional goals. I do a bit of research that are rooted from my takeaways and reflections. I store these in an excel sheet to check back in throughout the year. I also take note of upcoming conferences.

Post-conference, dedicate time for reflection to anchor the insights gained and relate them to your ongoing projects or objectives. Document crucial learnings, inspiring concepts, and actionable steps. This reflective practice not only cements the new information in your memory but also aids in discerning the most pertinent and implementable ideas. Acting swiftly ensures you capitalize on the momentum and excitement from the conference, setting the stage for immediate application and tangible progress in your endeavors.

I have lead 22 support groups with 250,000 members in 18 different countries. It wains on a regular basis. But I have signs around my office that remind of why I am there in the first place. Pictures of the hundreds of obituaries and then tens of thousands of pictures of our living members. At points in our lives we want to quit but remember how you felt when you needed help. How you felt when you found someone to help and support you We are here for a reason and like now I am done with my fight. I have lived 20 years longer than my doctors ever expected. My homeschooled daughter is graduating with a 4.0 gpa in July I made it now I can quit. Our lives and motivation are so different from each other so this is a tough decision

To leverage the insights gained, set specific goals to accomplish by the next conference. This approach creates a focused timeline, turning the inspiration and knowledge from the event into concrete achievements. By targeting specific outcomes, you not only measure your progress effectively but also arrive at the next conference with tangible results, ready to build on your previous successes and continue your growth trajectory.

Networking extends beyond the conference timeframe. Follow up with individuals you've met by connecting on professional platforms. This continued engagement can offer support and motivation, turning one-time encounters into lasting professional relationships. Share updates on how you're applying conference insights to invite feedback and possibly uncover collaboration prospects. These connections not only keep the conference's vibrancy alive but also reinforce your commitment to growth and innovation.

Sharing your conference learnings with colleagues through a presentation or workshop not only cements your understanding but also positions you as a thought leader in your organization. This process of teaching amplifies the value of the insights gained, enhancing your expertise while simultaneously motivating you by witnessing the positive influence of your knowledge on others.

Great ideas take time. Get comfortable carving out space to build off of existing knowledge and jump into project that are easily applied. Some of the best ideas can come from taking a step away from the material to get a new perspective.

After a conference my motivation never wanes. I'm motivated and excited by the many new things I have learn and look implement these new skills.