Finding Motivation

Think and reflect back on the past two years and your accomplishments. They can be big and/or small goals that you have completed. If you cannot pin point any specific accomplishments, pick one new goal you’d like to reach. The first step is to define your goals. Keep a list (like a to-do list) on a bulletin board, in your phone’s notes, or on a white erase board. When I started to do this, my goals became a reality! Why?! Because when we put our goals out there to the universe, and constantly remind ourselves visually, we have a constant driving factor towards completing these goals. It is easy to get wrapped up in our daily routines and forget our important goals.

Motivation stems from how we feel about ourselves and the topic we are trying to conquer. To improve your motivation, I suggest rewiring how you “think” about the goal. We can all think negatively about something we need to get done. So we put it off and dread starting the goal... which leads to the stress of procrastination. Start rewiring your thoughts by asking yourself “Why do I WANT/NEED to accomplish this?” When we define the reasons and positive outcomes, we already have a better sense of driving factor. Also try thinking “I am excited to start this new goal/project because it will better my life and bring positive outcomes!” If you are dreading homework/exams/house chores, try thinking “I am excited to learn new things that I didn’t know before!”, “I am excited to have a clean and organized home!” Why wouldn’t we want to learn and push our brains further? Sometimes these little moral boosters can help us clearly see why we should keep pushing until our end result is complete.

Nothing good comes easy. This is true for most things in life. When we get into the habit of working hard and sticking to a routine, we get even more in tune with our goals. Everything in life requires work. So might as well get used to the idea that we have to perform labor. If you are dreading doing handy work try to think “At least I am getting exercise while I’m doing this project.” It’s all a matter of how we look at situations and if we are letting ourselves think negatively, we will never have much motivation for anything. Try to see the good and lessons we can learn from every situation. I’m enjoying seeing the wisdom I have gained from experience and practice.

Try keeping a log of your personal progress. It can help remind you that you have indeed made progress even if it’s small. It’s still progress! Also don’t get stuck on the past. We cannot change yesterday, but we can change today. Learn to be active or mindful of your life and choices. Own up to your shortcomings, and set new goals on how to improve yourself. Be honest with yourself and ask yourself “What’s holding me back?” Try to define exactly what it is that is disabling you from feeling motivated. Then try to rewire how you are viewing the situation. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to explore your creative outlets. Attend community events/socialize to help keep you inspired/motivated. Inspiration is another form of motivation. When we are always in our own heads and don’t get out often, sometimes we start to downward spiral back to negative land. Practicing positivity will eventually become automatic. Again, being consistent is how we change our ways.

In time you will find your “flow.” Until then, PRACTICE YOUR ROUTINE and TRY TO STICK TO IT. Consistency is key. If we are feeding ourselves negative thoughts, we will always look at situations and ourselves negatively. Let’s all be excited to wake up every day and have a chance at life! I am happy to be experience this point in time with you all. Much love.