Finding the motivation to stay on track toward our goals can often prove challenging. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, we present a ten-step guide to uncovering how to achieve lasting motivation. Through a combination of practical and creative ideas, we provide tools and tactics on how to cultivate a higher level of motivation that can last even in the most difficult of times. Read on to explore and discover the secrets behind achieving lasting motivation.
Table of Contents:
1. Set Short-Term Goals
2. Make a Plan for Reaching Your Goals
3. Celebrate Every Win
4. Surround Yourself with Motivated People
5. Take Time to Appreciate What You Do Have
6. Utilize Technology to Stay on Track
7. Reinforce Why You Do What You Do
8. Create Positive Thought Patterns
9. Practice Productive Procrastination
10. Take Time to Recharge
1. Set Short-Term Goals
Achieving lasting motivation starts with having tangible goals in place. Consider assessing your strengths and weaknesses, and set a goal that is challenging yet attainable. Goals need to be realistic and attainable, so break the overall goal into small chunks and set a timeline for each step. Establishing milestones and pinpointing deadlines for your objectives will help keep you motivated by giving you a sense of accomplishment after each achievement.
2. Make a Plan for Reaching Your Goals
Once you’ve set a goal, it’s time to create a plan to make sure you are achieving it. This should be based on small, manageable tasks that you can commit to daily or weekly. Making a plan will help keep you on track, and it can also reveal any roadblocks that may need to be addressed. It should also include goals that you can measure and review in order to know when to push yourself a bit more and when to take a break.
3. Celebrate Every Win
Achieving your goals isn’t only about what you do, but also how you reward yourself for the hard work you put in. Too often, people forget to celebrate their accomplishments and focus solely on the next step. So take the time to appreciate your successes, even if it’s just small ones. This could be something as simple as a night out with friends, or as meaningful as a spa day. taking a moment to celebrate the wins will keep you upbeat and motivated.
4. Surround Yourself with Motivated People
It’s easy to get sidetracked by those in our circles who have a negative or sluggish outlook. One way to ensure that you remain motivated is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share the same goals and values. Reaching out to like-minded individuals is not only valuable for networking, but it can also lead to having an environment of constant encouragement and feedback. Try to join communities and groups that are focused on the same goals you have and will support you every step of the way.
5. Take Time to Appreciate What You Do Have
Gratefulness can give us the boost we need to stay motivated. Taking the time to appreciate things in your life that you are fortunate to have will help keep you psychologically safe and motivate you to move forward. Focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, big or small, can make a huge impact. It can also help to make a list of things that we can be thankful for and refer to it when needed.
6. Utilize Technology to Stay on Track
We have 21st-century technology at our fingertips, so why not use it to help us stay on track? Apps such as Evernote, Asana, and to-do lists help you organize and list tasks, create lists, set reminders, and track progress all in one place. They allow you to stay on top of the details of your plan and make adjustments as needed.
7. Reinforce Why You Do What You Do
Sometimes, we can lose track of why we started something in the first place. In order to remain motivated, take moments to remind yourself of your initial motivations and goals. Reminding yourself of the positive elements of why you started and the impact it has or will have, will help keep you going. Writing down your motivations and referring to these when you start to feel overwhelmed or demotivated will help to rejuvenate your purpose.
8. Create Positive Thought Patterns
It is easy to get caught up in negative thought patterns that can completely derail our motivation and keep us from reaching our desired outcomes. The best way to battle this is to practice positive self-talk by replacing negative thoughts with affirming phrases that foster a sense of belief and motivate yourself to create the best version of yourself. For example, instead of saying “I’m not good enough,” replace it with something like “I give my best and will make progress every day.” This will help you to develop a more positive mindset and ultimately achieve greater levels of motivation.
9. Practice Productive Procrastination
Often, we think of procrastination as something to avoid. But procrastination doesn’t have to be negative. Use it to your advantage. Give yourself scheduled times to take breaks and use these times to reflect and relax so that you can come back energized and motivated. All this will help you stay productive and on track to achieving your goals.
10. Take Time to Recharge
It is essential to take time to care for and manage your physical and mental health. Doing so will ensure that your body and mind are well-rested and productive enough to carry out your tasks and duties. Furthermore, dedicating yourself to a healthy lifestyle like regular exercise and eating well can help to boost your energy levels and keep you motivated over time.