If you’ve ever struggled to find the energy to get things done or felt a bit blah about doing anything at all, you’re not alone.
Motivation is that magical force that turns “I’ll do it later” into “Let’s do this now!” Well, when life lacks that spark of excitement or adventure, it’s easy to fall into the abyss of disinterest.
Let’s also not forget about being overwhelmed by today’s neverending tasks and expectations.
In this article, we’ll explore 8 practical and simple ways to boost your motivation. Hopefully, this will put you back on track.
1) Crack the Code of Your Why
I’m definitely not a motivation guru, but I’ve picked up a few simple tricks along the way that help me and those around me make it through the day. One of the most powerful tools in my arsenal?
Taking a moment to reflect on why I want to achieve my goals.
And let me tell you, this is a total game-changer when it comes to getting things done. Just taking a moment to think about why you want to achieve your goals can seriously turbocharge your motivation. Take it from me—it took forever for me to finally start exercising.
I could give you a laundry list of excuses for not getting around to it yet. But then I stopped and really questioned myself. Did I want to stay healthy? Heck yes.
Did I want to avoid high blood pressure issues down the line? Absolutely. And did I want to have the energy to keep up with my son? Oh boy, you bet. I mean, just chasing after him now is a workout in itself!
By really understanding what’s driving you to reach your goals, you’ll have a better sense of purpose and excitement.
2) Break It Down
As a mom, my apartment often screams for a cleanup. Sure, my son and my husband know how to tidy up after themselves, but life has a sneaky way of piling on obligations.
Just thinking about cleaning the entire mess in one go sends shivers down my spine, so I just avoid it altogether.
My husband and I used to handle it by barricading ourselves, ignoring calls, and cleaning for what felt like an eternity.
No wonder we put it off for as long as possible! Unless, of course, we have guests on the horizon—then suddenly, we develop superhero cleaning skills and blitz through the chaos at lightning speed.
But let’s face it, guests don’t drop by every day, right?
That’s why I’ve learned it’s essential to break things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This means that you should start room by room, corner by corner, and declutter first. Put away any items that don’t belong there, and throw away or recycle any trash.
Really take it step by step, and soon enough, your house will be neat. The same can be applied to your project at work or whatever gives you headaches.
3) See it to Achieve it: Picture Your Success
Visualization involves forming mental pictures of your goals and practicing them regularly.
People who master the art of motivation picture themselves achieving their goals. They dream it, and it’s in their head constantly.
We don’t realize this, but visualization can be a really powerful tool for increasing motivation and confidence. Imagine how you will feel when you accomplish what you set out to do.
Picture yourself with the goal of learning a new language. Picture the proud smile on your face as you become fluent and the thrill of chatting with locals in their native tongue when you travel to their country.
Imagine acing that dream job interview or the excitement of getting the promotion you’ve been aiming for.
Whether you’re focusing on your personal life or career aspirations, visualizing success is one way to actually achieve it. It gives you the needed motivation and helps you deal with fear along the way.
4) Create a Reward System
Do you need a break from folding laundry or clearing out your inbox? Treat yourself to a little something special, like a favorite song or indulging in a slice of chocolate.
Set up a reward system for yourself. It really does help, and it’s definitely what helps me keep going.
But here’s the twist: don’t wait until you’ve finished the entire task. Nope, reward yourself with something every hour to keep that motivation train chugging along!
In a 2018 study conducted by Cornell researchers Kaitlin Woolley and Ayelet Fishbach, it was discovered that individuals who received immediate, frequent rewards for completing small tasks actually reported higher levels of interest and enjoyment in their work compared to those who received delayed rewards.
This means rewarding yourself only when you are working on a long task or a big project.
And the best part? They stayed interested and engaged in their tasks even when the rewards stopped coming. It’s like teaching a dog a new trick—you keep rewarding them until you don’t, but guess what? They still learn the trick.
That doesn’t mean, of course, that you shouldn’t keep rewarding yourself. I reward myself even after a small project, and I go with my hubby to our favorite coffee place. I deserve it, and he deserves it.
5) Declutter Your Path to Productivity
Take a moment to identify and eliminate any distractions that could be slowing your progress.
If you’re constantly checking your phone, put it on silent mode or leave it in another room while you work.
If noisy surroundings are a problem, try using noise-canceling headphones or finding a quieter space to focus.
When I set aside time to tidy up my desk quickly and silence my phone notifications, I see a significant improvement in my productivity.
My husband, for example, keeps his closet organized and tidy all the time. It may seem like a funny thing, but it makes a big difference for him. When he can easily find the clothes he wants to wear, it sets a positive tone for his day.
With everything neatly accessible, his morning routine goes more smoothly, and he feels more motivated to tackle whatever the day brings.
6) Shift Your Scene
Feeling burnt out is all too common these days, and staying motivated can be quite a challenge. However, a simple change of scenery can work wonders.
For me, a trip to a local coffee shop does the trick. The aroma of coffee instantly lifts my spirits, and the change of environment sparks new energy.
Alternatively, changing up my workspace a little bit with a new plant or decor adds a refreshing vibe that boosts my motivation.
If you prefer a peaceful setting, why not try working out of a library or cafe? If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated on the treadmill, why not give outdoor running a shot?
7) Be Your Own Cheer Squad
Ah, negative self-talk—been there, done that. It’s easy to doubt yourself, but hey, you’ve got this! Instead of dwelling on doubts, focus on your strengths and all the amazing things you’re capable of.
Cheer yourself on with positive affirmations. Trust me, your mood and motivation will soar.
Remind yourself of your strengths and capabilities. Say it out loud if you need it, say “I am capable” and “I can do it.” Guess what? You really can.
8) Take Action
How many precious moments have you allowed to pass you by? How many opportunities for progress, learning, and personal growth have you missed because your thoughts kept you trapped?
The most effective strategy for beating procrastination and staying motivated is to take action. You simply have to begin somewhere.
I understand starting can be the most challenging part, but you just have to do it. Even if it’s something tiny, get yourself in motion.
The important thing is to start, regardless of how insignificant it seems. Once you take that initial step, you’ll often discover that the rest flows much more smoothly.
Conclusion
Feeling unmotivated from time to time is a common experience for many people. But recalling the reasons behind your motivation to pursue these goals in the first place helps.
Taking small steps when you feel overwhelmed is important, too.
Also, go out there and seek inspiration from others who have achieved similar things. And don’t forget, it’s totally fine to take a break and start over when you’re feeling stuck.
Oftentimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to get you back on track.
