Motivating yourself is hard! Sometimes we just don’t feel like it, but we have to push and keep going. And of course, it’s easier said than done… Trying to sustain your drive through a task, project or even career can sometimes feel like you are pulling yourself out of a swamp by your own hair. We all seem to have a natural aversion to a persistent effort that no amount of caffeine or inspirational poster can fix. Effective self-motivation is one of the main things that distinguishes high-achieving professionals from everyone else. Many of us ask the question, “how can I keep pushing onward, even when I don’t feel like it?”
Design goals and not chores
The key is to create small, bite-size goals. Of course, you should have a really big, audacious goal, but make sure you break down that goal into bite-size, consumable goals. This way you’ll feel like you’re making progress in your journey, and you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete the smaller goals. The feeling of progress and achievement is a beautiful combination.
Stop caring about the things that don’t matter
Doing things that don’t mean anything costs a ton of mental energy. Looking at your aggregated to-do list, find things you know that you don’t care about, and get rid of as many of these activities as possible. You will stay more consistently motivated if you’re working on activities that are inherently meaningful or are part of a larger mission. Look very carefully and closely at your list and shave off anything that’s both truly demotivating and unnecessary for you to do. It’s not always best to finish what you started if, down the line, you can’t even remember the reason you started it in the first place!
Just do it
As soon as you think something needs to be done, jump into it, do it immediately. You must not think about anything else, suppressing all other thoughts, keep your mind blank. Otherwise, you will debate whether you should do it now or there were too many issues with doing it or there are other more pleasurable and exciting things to do over this boring task. The most rewarding feeling is completing the task that took you forever to start and get into it.
Celebrating the wins
Shine a light on your successes, no matter how small! Start acknowledging all the good you are doing. Don’t discount the little things. How often do you think the good things such as being on time, or signing a new client is simply how it’s meant to be? They need to be celebrated. You need more wins in your life. This will motivate you, encourage you and help you see how brilliant you truly are.
