Motivation is such a funny thing, sometimes we are super excited to be doing something – be it a workout, completing a particular task, sitting down to study or writing a blog post like this one – other times we just can’t seem to get anything done at all. And while discipline can most certainly outweigh motivation, there are a few little tricks you can utilise to boost your motivation levels, help you achieve your goals and get sh*t done...
1. Create a structure or schedule
This works especially well when you have a few things you need to stay on top of at the same time. If you're a bit like me, then you have a tendency to take on more and more new tasks and commitments professionally as well as personally, which can then lead to feeling overwhelmed by the workload and lack of structure in a day. In my case, I knew I needed to get things done, but I had no concept of when. So I got myself a weekly planner that lets me map out my week, add appointments and dedicate days or blocks of time to each task. I even schedule days off, so I never feel overwhelmed or like I'm not using my time wisely.
2. Set realistic goals or targets
Do you need to accomplish a task within a certain timeframe or do you want to finish an online course by a particular date? Are you looking to learn how to do a particular yoga pose or reach a certain number of followers on your social media accounts? Define your goals and targets clearly and give them a realistic deadline. Something accomplished within a year is better than something you gave up on because your timings weren’t realistic. Also, make sure you reevaluate your goals from time to time. If they are no longer important or up-to-date, adjust them or strike them off your list. It’s reoccurring wins that will help to keep your motivation levels high, which brings me to my next point…
3. Celebrate little wins
Each time you complete an important task, pat yourself on the back and if it’s a particularly big goal or target you achieved, don’t be afraid to celebrate. Whether this is by treating yourself or getting together with a close friend or loved one – celebrate your wins and be proud of yourself. Creating a feeling of excitement around little wins gives you something to chase after with each new task and this, in turn, will keep you motivated.
4. Take a break
This may seem counterintuitive, especially when your to-do list keeps growing by the day…but, sometimes it pays off to take a break. With this, I don’t mean you should take off a whole week (even though this can be very beneficial in certain situations), sometimes just taking a lunch break, going for a walk, a workout, a little meditation session or meeting a friend can boost your productivity and ability to focus.
5. Surround yourself with the right people
This is something most of us learn way later than we should. When it comes to people and who you surround yourself with, it’s quality over quantity. In order to stay positive and motivated it is extremely important to have people by your side who are like-minded, supportive, love to see you win and are able to get excited with you. Encouragement can also come in the form of a coach or mentor, so if you are looking to break into a particular industry or need guidance around an issue, then it may be a good idea to look outside your existing social circles and engage with a professional who can help you re-evaluate your goals, keep you focused and bring back that sense of excitement and motivation.
6. Be kind to yourself
This is always good advice...in any situation. However, especially when we are stressed, trying to better ourselves or achieve something, positive self-talk and daily affirmations can make a big difference to our confidence, motivation and overall happiness. Ways to boost self-love include journaling and writing down five things you are grateful for each morning before starting your day or saying affirmations out loud – to make them really powerful, keep your affirmations short, precise and in the present tense.
Do you have any tips or trick on how to stay motivated? Feel free to share! And if you’d like to continue reading, check out our other blog posts here.