“Change is never a matter of ability, it’s a matter of motivation.”
- Tony Robbins
Have you ever had those days when you just can’t get motivated? Of course you have: we all have. As it turns out, we have a choice and there are plenty of ways you can motivate yourself to become motivated. Here they are:
1. Redefining motivation
All too often, when thinking about dreams, goals, and ambitions, people picture the finish line, the gruelling journey it would take to get there, and then give up before they’ve even lifted a finger. In order to move forward, we need to redefine motivation and make it more approachable; more achievable.
All motivation really is that spur of energy and inspiration you need to take one step in the direction towards your goal. Just one step.
One step: get in your car, drive to the gym, and walk inside. Don’t think about what happens after; just focus on getting there.
One step: set aside R1000 to R2000 this month and put it in your savings account. Don’t stress about doing it every month; just do it this month.
One step: spend one hour this evening on your passion project (learning a language, for example). Don’t obsess over how far you’ve got to go. Just spend one hour today.
Seeing motivation as just one step is the first and most important step. The rest will follow after and they’ll become easier too.
2. What do you want? What is your vision?
If you could eliminate all of the obstacles and effort between your current situation and what you want, what would that be? What is your vision for yourself? Do you want to write a travel blog that’s followed and respected by thousands? Do you want to lose weight and feel comfortable in a bathing suit? Do you want to repair a relationship with a friend or family member? Do you want to launch a business concept and have it be a success? Without hesitation or pessimism, decide what your personal and professional goals are.
Once the destination is established, you can begin your journey.
3. Don’t wait to feel motivated before you act
One of the biggest misconceptions about the human psyche is that we have to feel like doing something before we can do it. Sure, motivation gives you a helpful psychological push, but sometimes you have to kick the ball before you can get it rolling. Make a start – put on your gym pants, call up your estranged friend, start writing your business plan on paper, and more often than not, you’ll find yourself gaining huge momentum as you go along. Sometimes, all you need to open the floodgates to motivation is to make a start, whether you feel like it or not.
4. Look the part
Never underestimate the positive impact of looking good. Self-respect is a powerful motivator, so if you’re struggling, adjust your goals and focus on looking the part instead. Make yourself presentable. Don’t focus on anything other than looking good. Once you do, you’ll probably be in a much better frame of mind to get things done.
5. Don’t neglect your personal goals
People often sacrifice their personal goals to make space for their professional goals. Not getting enough rest, not making time for passion projects, avoiding exercise, unhealthy eating, overall, neglecting yourself has a definite negative impact on our ability to be effective and productive in our work. A lack of motivation often stems from being tired, run-down, stressed, bored, and even depressed, so if you’ve noticed a consistent lack of that lately, it’s time to focus on yourself, your health, and your well-being. The rest will follow.
