Cover photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash
Are you struggling to keep the motivational flame burning? That strikes a chord with me. Motivation ebbs and flows for everyone.
Remember that motivation is temporary, but discipline is permanent. However, there are some techniques you can use to bolster your commitment even when winds attempt to put out your fire.
Today, I’ll give you 12 smart ways to stay motivated and crush your goals. I’ve used them myself.
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Tip 1: Set Clear Goals
To keep yourself inspired, it’s crucial to know what you’re working towards. Make your target precise. Use the SMART approach – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – to find your aim.
Example of SMART Goal:
Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” a SMART goal would be, “I will lose 5 kilos in the next three months by exercising for 30 minutes, five days a week, and reducing my daily caloric intake by 500 calories.”
- Specific: Lose 5 kilos
- Measurable: In the next three months
- Achievable: By exercising for 30 minutes, five days a week
- Relevant: And reducing daily caloric intake by 500 calories
- Time-bound: Three months
Tip 2: Break Down Goals
Since large goals can intimidate, split your targets into more digestible tasks. These are manageable and give you a sense of progress. Whenever you achieve one, you fuel your motivation.
Here’s an example:
Large Goal: Write a 50,000-word novel in six months.
Smaller Tasks:
1- Week 1: Research and outline the plot, characters, and settings.
2- Week 2-4: Write the first chapter (approx 2,000 words)
3- Week 5-8: Write the second chapter (approx 2,000 words)
4- Week 9-12: Write the third chapter (approx 2,000 words)
5- Month 3-4: Complete the first half of the novel (approx 25,000 words)
6- Month 5: Edit and revise the first half.
7- Month 6: Complete the second half of the novel and begin the editing process.
Break down the aforementioned actions into smaller tasks, but focus on one step at a time.
Tip 3: Create a Vision Board
A board filled with images and inspiring quotes serves as a daily reminder of your goals. While a physical illustration is great, opt for a digital version for easy access and editing.
These platforms could help you with that:
Canva
This design tool offers templates for vision boards. You can add pictures, text, and even videos.
Create a private board and pin images, articles, and quotes that align with your goals.
Trello
Use this project management app to give birth to a collage with lists, cards, attachments, and collaborate with others.
MindMeister
If you prefer a mind map format, this software is perfect. Add snapshots, links, and notes to make your artwork unique.
Tip 4: Find Your ‘Why’
Why do you want to reach that milestone? Your reason is a powerful motivator. Keep your ‘why’ at the forefront of your mind to push through tough times.
A virtual and portable drumming solution…
Tip 5: Surround Yourself with Positivity
Your surroundings play a huge role in your motivation levels. Spend time with positive people and things that uplift you.
Websites
BrainyQuote: A comprehensive collection of quotes from various categories and authors.
Goodreads Quotes: It allows you to browse by tags like ‘inspirational’ or ‘motivational.’
Quotefancy: Presents visually appealing quote wallpapers to download for free.
YouTube Channels
TED Talks: They share a wide range of encouraging speeches from experts in diverse fields.
MotivationHub: This channel features empowering interviews to inspire you to achieve your goals.
Podcast
“Everyday Positivity” with Kate Cocker. I love this one.
Tip 6: Celebrate Small Wins
Do not wait until you’ve reached your final goal to toast. Acknowledge and applaud minor milestones along the way to keep your spirits high.
Tip 7: Never Stop Learning
The more you know, the more confident you feel and the more motivated you’ll be. Invest time and money in expanding your skill set or deepening your knowledge.
Recommendations:
Communication Skills: Being able to articulate your thoughts benefits you in both your personal and professional lives.
Financial Literacy: A foundational understanding of budgeting, investing, and taxes gives you control over your monetary future.
Time Management: Discover how to administer your time effectively to achieve more and reduce stress.
Coding: Even the basics of programming languages like Python or HTML can open up new opportunities.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices assist you with stress and improve your focus and mental clarity.
Cooking: Knowing how to prepare your own meals saves you money and improves your health.
Tip 8: Stay Accountable
Share your goals with a trustworthy person. An accountability partner may give you that extra push when your motivation wanes. But what does a partner do, and how do they help you remain disciplined?
Benefits of a sidekick:
Regular Check-ins: Schedule updates with your teammate to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your plans.
Objective Feedback: A collaborator offers unbiased opinions and constructive criticism.
Emotional Support: On tough days, a few words of encouragement from someone who understands your journey can be a game-changer.
Shared Experience: If your ally has similar goals, you might learn from each other’s experiences, challenges, and solutions.
Increased Commitment: Knowing that somebody else is tracking your progress makes you more committed to your plans.
Tip 9: Create a Daily Routine
A well-structured agenda helps you make the most of your day and keeps you on track. Stick to it, but allow some flexibility for the unexpected.
Here’s an example:
6:00 – Wake Up: Start early to capitalise on your morning power.
6:30 – Exercise: A quick workout boosts your mood and metabolism.
7:00 – Breakfast and Planning: Fuel your body and review your tasks and goals for the day.
8:00 – Work Block 1: Tackle your most difficult assignments when your energy and focus are at their peak.
10:00 – Short Break: Take a 15-minute break to stretch, hydrate, and breathe.
10:15 – Work Block 2: Continue with your duties, focusing on priority items.
12:00 – Lunch: Enjoy your meal and perhaps go for a walk to clear your mind.
13:00 – Work Block 3: Work on projects that require less cognitive effort as you ease into the afternoon.
15:00 – Short Break: Unwind for 15 minutes.
15:15 – Work Block 4: Wrap up any remaining duties and plan for tomorrow.
17:00 – Wind Down: End your workday and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
19:00 – Dinner: A balanced meal to refuel.
20:00 – Leisure/Personal Time: Read, watch TV, or spend time with loved ones.
22:00 – Bedtime: Ensure you get adequate sleep for a fresh start the next day.
Adjust the routine to suit your lifestyle and commitments. The key is to have a structure that aligns with your goals and allows for some flexibility.
Tip 10: Minimise Distractions
Distractions are a hindrance to maintaining motivation. Identifying and eliminating or reducing these interruptions helps you focus better and be more productive.
Techniques for minimising interference:
Pomodoro Technique: Work in short bursts of focused time (usually 25 minutes), followed by a 5-minute break. This maintains a high level of concentration without causing burnout.
Block distracting websites: Use website blockers like ‘Freedom’ or ‘StayFocused.’
Set up a dedicated workspace: Create a clutter-free environment that’s solely for work.
Turn off alarms: Silence your phone and disable pop-up notifications on your computer.
Get noise-cancelling headphones: Consider buying them if loud sounds hinder your concentration.
Establish limits: Tell friends and family that during certain hours you should not be disturbed unless it’s an emergency.
Time blocking: Assign specific sessions to different tasks or types of work. Stick to these blocks as much as possible to maintain a focused workflow.
Mindfulness practices: Take short breaks to centre yourself and regain focus. Apps like ‘Headspace’ or ‘Calm’ can guide you through quick sessions.
Tip 11: Seek Inspiration
Read books, watch motivational videos, or listen to podcasts that inspire you. Sometimes a little external boost is all you need to reignite your internal fire.
Tip 12: Be Kind to Yourself
You are human, and it’s okay to have off days. Be nice and don’t let a brief lapse in motivation derail your entire journey.
Staying motivated is an ongoing process, but with these dozen smart tips, you’ll have all the tools you need to keep your blaze burning. So, move forward, seize the day, and make your dreams a reality.
Have you tried any of these tips before, or do you have your own go-to strategies for remaining encouraged?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences in the comments section below!
