Learning how to motivate yourself is the key to achieving your goals. We all know that motivation fluctuates. One day, we feel fired up and unstoppable. Another day, we might feel unmotivated and lazy. We’ve all been there. So, how can we motivate ourselves to find and sustain our drive? Let’s discuss a few techniques and tricks that will work across every area of your life.
What is Motivation and Why Does It Fluctuate?
Motivation is the inner drive that pushes us forward and towards our goals. Both internal and external factors can influence it. Our values, goals, aspirations, rewards or deadlines impact how motivated we feel. But, motivation is notoriously unpredictable.
We might have motivation issues when the task seems too overwhelming. But we can break most tasks into manageable bits. Our motivation also fluctuates when the goal is not defined or lacks clear rewards.
So, let’s figure out how to motivate yourself to light up your drive.
Clarity is power when talking about goals. Instead of vague goals, set SMART goals. SMART means specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
For example, “get healthier” is not a SMART goal. It might be exciting at first, but motivation will wear out fast. Why not start with “go to the gym 3 times a week for a month” or “cook whole-food dinners 5 times a week for a month”? A goal like that gives you something tangible to work towards; you can measure your progress, and it is clear when it ends.
- Create a Vision Board
A vision board is a priceless tool for self-motivation. It helps refine goals and visualise. Interestingly, visualisation can stimulate the same neuron pathways as the real-life experience!
To create your vision board, gather various visuals that represent your goals. Vision boards are usually made of pictures, but feel free to add symbols or quotes that have a special meaning to you. You will need to arrange them neatly on a board or collage app. It is best to keep your vision board where you can see it often for a motivational boost.
- Introduce the Two-Minute Rule
Listen up, procrastinators! The two-minute rule is a game-changer! If a task takes two minutes or less, then do it immediately. This simple trick allows you to achieve much more throughout the day. It also boosts confidence and creates momentum.
And, there is more. If you want to learn how to motivate yourself, use the two-minute rule to kick-start bigger tasks. Set a timer for two minutes and get to work. Often, the beginning is the hardest part!
- Understand Your Why
Knowing your why is what gets you through when it gets tough. It is also priceless for self-motivation. When motivation dips, reconnect with the reason behind your goal. Why did you start in the first place? Why is it important to you?
How to Motivate Yourself: Additional Techniques
- Find Your Tribe
Surround yourself with like-minded people to keep the fire burning. Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of five people you spend the most time with.” Use your time wisely. Spend more time with supportive and driven people with positive attitudes. Then, limit time with lazy and negative ones.
For a complete set of guides based on transcripts of Jim Rohn’s most popular speeches and writings on the subjects of Time Management, Personal Development, Goal Setting and more, visit www.jimrohn.com
- Master the Art of Self-Talk
The way you talk to yourself matters. Negative self-talk can easily sabotage your motivation. Catching negative self-talk and reframing it can change your life! So, instead of “I will never get this done”, “I am not good enough” should be replaced with something like “I can do this one little step at a time” and “I am still learning, I will master this”.
- Use Failure as Feedback
Nobody’s perfect, and setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of seeing failure as a dead end, view it as a stepping stone. Ask yourself what went wrong and what you can learn from it. Use every experience to learn and grow.
According to Psychologist Dr Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is fundamental, and we should see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. Check out this awesome podcast on YouTube.
- Reward Yourself
Celebrate progress, big or small, not just perfection. Small rewards can be powerful motivators. Give yourself a relaxing night off, visit your favourite restaurant, organise a family day out, etc. Knowing that there is a reward after all the effort you put into your work will give you a motivational boost to finish your tasks. And tackle the next ones!
How to Motivate Yourself: Interesting Scientific Fact
A study published in the Motivation Science journal found that intrinsic motivators, like personal satisfaction, lead to longer-lasting motivational sprints when compared to extrinsic ones, like monetary rewards. What that means is that external incentives will drive up your motivation to start the task. However, internal factors, like love for the job, will keep you going much longer. Read more here.
A Few Practical Tips
Create a morning routine that sets the tone for productivity. Journal, meditate, exercise, deep breath, etc. Then, plan your day and prioritise your tasks.
Eat the ugliest frog. Tackle the most important task first, regardless of how much you tame it. This technique helps with procrastination, boosts your confidence, and ignites motivation.
Declutter your space. It helps you focus and minimise distractions. More about decluttering here.
Track your progress. This can be incredibly motivating! Use journals or apps.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to motivate yourself is a daily practice, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Try different techniques and see what works best for you. However, remember that with clear goals, positive self-talk, and a supportive environment and people around you, it is way easier to stay motivated even when life happens. What’s your go-to trick for staying motivated? Share your tips below and inspire others to keep moving forward!
