8 steps to continued self-motivation even during difficult times
INDEX
- Start simple
- Make good company
- Keep learning
- See the good in the bad
- Stop thinking
- Know yourself
- Track your progress
- Help others
Many of us are in motivational crises from which we have to work to get out. Sometimes it is like a continuous cycle in which we are motivated for a period of time, we fall and then we have to rebuild things.
There is nothing more powerful for self-motivation than the right attitude. You cannot choose or control their circumstance, but you can choose your attitude towards your circumstances.
How I see this working is as you develop these mental steps, and using them regularly, self-motivation will come naturally when you need it.
The key, for me, is to take the last step to share with others. It can be addictive and motivating when you help others who have problems.
A good way to continually motivate yourself is to implement something like these 8 steps by Ian McKenzie. [1] I enjoyed Ian's article, but thought I could use some definition when it comes to trying to generate a continuous drive for motivation. Here is a new list on how to motivate yourself:
Start simple
Keep motivators in your work area, things that give you that initial spark to start.
These motivators will be the triggers that will remind you to get going.
Make good company
Make more regular meetings with positive and motivated people. This could be as simple as instant messaging chats with colleagues or a quick discussion with a friend who likes to share ideas.
Positive and motivated people are very different from negative people. They will help you grow and see opportunities in difficult times.
Keep learning
Read and try to assimilate as much as you can. The more you learn, the more confidence you will have to start projects.
See the good in the bad
When you encounter obstacles or challenging targets, you should be in the habit of finding what works to overcome them.
Stop thinking
Just do it. If you lack motivation for a particular project, try starting with something else. Even a little trivial, then you will develop the drive to start the most important things.
When you think and worry too much about it, you're just wasting time. These proven techniques to combat worries can help you.
Know yourself
Keep notes on when your motivation sucks and when you feel like a superstar. There will be a pattern that once you are aware you can work and develop.
7. Track your progress
Maintain an account or progress bar for ongoing projects. When you see something grow, you always want to nourish it.
Take a look at these 4 simple ways to track your progress for motivation to reach your goals.
8. Help others Share your ideas and help your friends get motivated.
Seeing others do it right will motivate you to do the same. Write about your success and receive comments from readers.
Helping others really helps yourself, here is why. What I hope will happen here is that you will gradually develop certain skills that will become motivational habits.
Once you reach the stage where you regularly help others stay motivated, be it through a blog or talking to your peers, you will find that the cycle continues where each facet of staying motivated is refined and developed.
Too many steps? If you could only take one step? Just do it!
Once you start doing something, you will almost always get involved and carry on. There will be times when you will have to do things you really don't want - that's where the other steps and advice from other writers come in handy.
However, the most important thing, which I think is worth repeating, is to start.
Get that boost, and then, when necessary, take Ian's Step 7 and take a break. No one wants to work all the time!
