I don’t know about you but staying motivated is one of the hardest things for me to do. I have every intention to complete the tasks on my “to do” list but find it easy to become distracted by the slightest of things. At times I can be so scatter brained that I think there may be something to the theory that there’s a bit of ADHD in all of us.
With that said, I do have tips that I find useful when I need to buckle down and get things done. They are my motivators when I need motivation,the extra push I need to get my butt in gear. If you’re stuck in a rut and need some extra motivation then you’ve come to the right place. Some things will work for you and some won’t, choose the ones that will and toss the ones that won’t. More than anything it’s a starting off point and I hope these things help you to get the motivation you need to start that project that’s been on your head and in your heart.
1.Create a list and Check Things off as you Go
Being able to clearly see my to-do list and then check the items off that I’ve completed makes me feel accomplished. Plus I’m pretty forgetful, if I don’t see the things I need to do on a list I may forget.
2. Start Small
Instead of saying “I want to lose 20 lbs”, say to yourself “I’m going to cut fast food from my diet” or “I’m going to start walking for 20 minutes a day”. Sometimes starting off with the small wins inspires you to go for the big ones.
3. Find your Inspirational Space
Find a space (in your home or outside) that inspires you. For me I get inspiration at my local coffee shop. There’s just something about the space, with its creative art pieces, strong coffee, and big fluffy chairs that makes me feel inspired. Find your space and when you need inspiration go there to get your creativity flowing. It shouldn’t be a distraction but rather a space that makes you feel good.
4. Listen to Motivational Music
Music has always been a constant in my life, so when I’ve had an issue I turn to it. I connect certain songs to some of the biggest moments in my life and hearing that song will make me relive the moment all over again. The same can be said about the music that inspires me. I listen to it and instantly have the push I need to get stuff done. Create a playlist and when you need extra motivation, play it and feel inspired! The playlist need not be religious and doesn’t even need to “make sense” it just needs to motivate you.
5.Write in a Journal
Just write, the writing doesn’t need to make sense it can be train of thought. Sometimes when you put pen to paper you’re able to write yourself out of a funk and into what you need to do.
6. Take a Walk to Clear your Mind
I’m so not one of those girls who can take a run around the block to clear my mind. I really wish I was that girl because if I was that girl I’d probably be a whole heck of a lot thinner, but I’m not. Instead a walk around the block does the trick for me. I live in a pretty busy area so being around people, hearing the sounds around me, the conversations I may happen upon, it’s all motivation to get going.
7. Bribe Yourself
I started doing this when I worked at a job where I had deadlines. I would tell myself that if I completed so many tasks I could then treat myself to a 10-15 minute break. I take this same practice when it comes to my blog. If I have a post to write I will give myself 30 minutes of strict head down writing time with no interruptions. Once I’ve finished that I give myself a treat. Take this same approach when completing your own projects.
8. Phone a Friend
Friends are great motivators. When I need some motivation I can call my best friend and she will tell me a million reasons why I need to get with it and get it done! I’ve used my friends to check up on my progress with a project and knowing that someone is going to want an update helps to keep me accountable.
9. If you see it you can Achieve it
Visualize yourself attaining your goal. I mean see yourself at the space you want to be, feel the feelings you will feel once you get there, imagine the awesome things that will happen to you, the pride you will feel. Take about 5 minutes and really visualize these things and let them push you to conquer your goals. I believe that when you can attach a good feeling to whatever it is that you want it makes that much easier to accomplish.
10. Just Begin Again
There have been times when I’ve started and stopped a project and felt so badly about myself I was too afraid to begin again for fear of disappointing myself again. But this is when I needed to be more gentle with myself . Without letting myself off the hook it’s perfectly fine to admit my mistakes and it’s just as important to forgive them and accept the fact that you’re human and it’s all apart of the process. When you spend time in a space of feeling sorry for yourself you are stopping yourself from what it is you’re trying to achieve.
What do you do to stay motivated? Are there any from the list you’d like to incorporate? Let me know in the comments below.