“I was thinking one day and I realized that if I just had somebody behind me all the way to motivate me I could make a big difference. Nobody came along like that so I just became that person for myself.”
Unknown
Staying motivated until you reach your goals and dreams isn’t always easy.
There are often roadblocks, plateaus, and valleys along the way where you can get into a slump. Or a rut.
And feel like you’ve simply lost your motivation somewhere along the way.
So today I would like to share 17 tips, strategies, and habits that I have used to find that motivation again.
I hope you’ll find something helpful here.
1. Focus on doing what YOU really, really like to do.
When you truly enjoy doing something, motivation comes naturally (most of the time). And when you truly want something, it becomes easier to push through any inner resistance you feel.
So if you lose your motivation, ask yourself:
Am I doing what I really want to do?
If not and if possible, refocus and start working on that very important thing instead.
2. Create a list of benefits.
Write down all the benefits you will gain from achieving something, such as getting into better shape or making more money.
Save it and then review that list whenever your motivation is lacking again. Or place it where you will see it daily until you reach your goal.
This is a powerful way to reconnect with your motivation and reasons for taking action.
3. Make a list of drawbacks.
You can pair this with the list of benefits to give yourself more motivation to start moving and get things done.
Ask yourself:
- How will my life look in 5 years if I continue on the same path as now?
- How will life likely worsen for me and maybe even for those around me?
Try to visualize the negative consequences vividly in your mind to kick-start your motivation to pursue that positive change again.
4. Reflect on your successes for 3 minutes.
If you lose your motivation, it’s easy to focus on your failures and get stuck in a slump.
So instead, take three minutes to remember your successes. Let them inspire and motivate you.
5. Set a larger goal.
Establish a big goal that inspires you, even if it seems a bit unrealistic at the moment.
If your goals are too easily achievable, they may not ignite that motivational spark and drive. Thinking bigger can fuel your motivation and prompt your mind to seek solutions to achieve that goal.
Thinking too small may leave you feeling indifferent or make you procrastinate.
6. Or set a small or tiny goal.
If a medium-sized goal doesn’t feel inspiring and a larger goal feels overwhelming, try setting a smaller one. Or even just a tiny one.
A smaller goal could be exercising for 15 minutes today or spending 5 minutes on your school essay.
If the smaller goal leads to procrastination, a tiny goal could be working out for 1-2 minutes.
The key, when you’re at a standstill, is to start moving and build momentum forward. Begin with small or tiny steps if that works for you at this time.
7. Acknowledge your progress and compare yourself to yourself.
Comparing your results and achievements to others can dampen your motivation.
Focus on your own progress and improvements. Recognize how much you’ve enhanced your life and results.
This is crucial because seeing your growth and how far you’ve come can be a great motivator. You may be pleasantly surprised when you review your journey.
8. Embrace optimism.
Your perspective on what you’re doing or about to do makes a significant difference.
A positive and constructive outlook energizes and inspires you, making it easier to persevere in the face of challenges.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What is one positive aspect of this situation?
- What can I learn from this, and what opportunity does this situation present?
- How can I solve this, and what is the next small step I can take to address it?
9. Exercise.
Even if you feel too frustrated and down to ask yourself the right questions, you can still push yourself to exercise.
If you engage in some repetitive physical activity, your body will respond positively. Endorphins and other chemicals will be released, tension will dissipate, and new energy will flow through you.
10. Seek support.
Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone about your motivational struggles. Expressing your feelings can release pent-up emotions and help you gain a more positive perspective.
We often magnify our own problems in our minds. Sharing them can help us realize that we were blowing them out of proportion.
So confide in a friend or family member. Or seek advice on an online forum with like-minded individuals.
11. Remember to enjoy yourself.
It’s easy to become consumed by the seriousness and stress of a task.
Remind yourself that it’s okay to have fun while working on it. There’s no rule saying you must be serious all the time.
When possible, infuse some fun into your tasks. Challenge yourself to complete them faster, hum a tune while working, or engage in light-hearted banter with colleagues or classmates.
12. Take action and let motivation follow.
Often, it’s more effective to start working instead of waiting for motivation to kick in.
Initially, your efforts may feel challenging, but inspiration and motivation will eventually catch up with you.
Things will flow more smoothly, and your work will be of higher quality.
13. Get accountability.
Sharing your goal, dream, or new habit with others can boost your motivation.
Inform a few friends on social media about your plans. Ask someone to check in on your progress regularly. This social pressure and follow-up can help you stay committed and overcome obstacles.
14. Absorb motivation from others.
Spend time with enthusiastic, motivated, or optimistic individuals in your life.
Incorporate motivation from around the world into your daily routine by:
- Listening to positive podcasts.
- Browsing uplifting websites.
- Watching inspiring videos or films online.
- Exploring motivating books and biographies of successful individuals throughout history.
15. Engage in friendly competition.
Challenge a colleague or friend to a friendly competition to see who can complete a task first.
Offer a small, motivating reward to the winner, such as a free treat, to make the competition fun and engaging.
16. Take a break.
Sometimes, you simply need to step back and rest.
If your timeline for your goal or new habit is too ambitious, or if you’ve been overexerting yourself, take a break.
A few hours or days of relaxation can significantly improve your well-being and recharge your energy.
17. Spend time outdoors.
Being in nature can provide a tremendous boost of motivation and energy.
Take a walk in the woods, focus on your surroundings, breathe in the fresh air, and let your mind relax without any specific thoughts.