10 Ways to Stay Motivated:
1. Focus on 1 Thing at a Time ~ Often my mind tends to feel overwhelmed when I have too many things going on or tasks to complete. I start to feel frustrated & defeated which makes me want to stop all together. So I have learned that if I just work on one thing at a time, I am more likely to finish & feel that sense of accomplishment that carries over into the next project.
2. Celebrate Even the Small Things ~ If you are struggling to stay motivated, start small. For me, simple things like laundry & dishes can sometimes feel daunting. On those days when I may be struggling a bit, I remind myself that it's OK & do the best that I can. A single load of laundry is an accomplishment. Here's why ... because I did it! I motivated myself to get up, sort the clothes, start the washer, transfer the wash to the dryer, fold the clean clothes & then put them away. That is actually 5 things in 1, if you think about it. It may be a small task, but it got done!!
3. Keep Your To Do Lists Small ~ I used to make these crazy long To Do Lists. I was at a different time in my life then, now I look at those lists & feel anxiety that I'm never going to accomplish all of it. So in all honesty, I would give up before I even started. My mind couldn't process everything at once without feeling stressed. So I started making smaller lists (much, much smaller). This requires prioritizing but smaller is more manageable in your mind. It's also very satisfying at the end of the day to look at your list & see that you crossed off everything as opposed to all the things that you were not able to get to. You go to sleep feeling accomplished and not defeated, thus leading to a better chance of feeling more motivated the next day.
4. Meditation ~ The mind is a powerful machine. Taking 10 minutes each day to close your eyes & calm your thoughts can make a world of difference in your motivation. Meditation is a soothing practice that helps your focus & keeps you working towards your goals. I have been using the Calm app for years now, and it has made a huge difference in my life.
5. Take Breaks ~ It's important if you are struggling with motivation to give yourself a break now & then. When we are tired, it's much easier to quit or give up. So give yourself permission to take a break (if even just for a little bit) to sit down, watch an episode of a show you are bingeing, read a magazine or chapter in a book or take a walk around the block. Your project will still be there & 9 times out of 10, you will feel more motivated to keep working on it if you aren't exhausted or overwhelmed.
6. Fix Your Bed ~ I'm sure you've heard this one before. Fixing your bed makes it harder to crawl back into it. Therefore, giving you the motivation to keep moving throughout the day the best that you can. My bedroom has always been my "safe space", so by doing the simple act of getting up & fixing my bed I am more likely to be motivated to keep going & be productive throughout the day.
7. Keep a Journal ~ This is a great practice to get into regardless, but especially if you are struggling with motivation. It doesn't have to be neat or organized, because let's face it sometimes our thoughts are messy and that's OK. Just write what you are feeling in the moment. It's amazing how much better you feel when you get thoughts & ideas out of your head and on to the paper. It's your own private therapy session. I always feel better after journaling. Things that may have been hindering my progress or weighing me down are lifted, making my head feel like it's in a better place to keep going.
8. Phone a Friend or Loved One ~ Even on our best days, we all can use a little encouragement. No one is perfect, no one has all the answers, but most importantly ... no one is alone. Call up that trusted friend that makes you laugh or your spouse/significant other to just hear their voice. It does wonders for your mood and in turn, your motivation.
9. Positive Affirmation ~ There have been many times when I felt like I just couldn't do something. But in reality, if I really thought about it (or went back through my journal or even talked with a friend), I was reminded that I had been able to do whatever it was I was afraid of before and I'd made it through. The power of positive thinking is unbelievable! It's OK to be afraid. But "You did it before, you can do it again" mentality or gentle reminder is a wonderful boost to keep going.
10. Just Breathe ~ Take a deep breath. Focus on the inhale & then again on the exhale. See the difference it makes in your mood & mental state. I used to not like it when people would tell me to "just breathe", but now I realize they were really giving me the best advice of all.
If you have any other ideas on how you stay motivated, I would love to hear them!
