“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Zig Ziglar
Some days are more motivating than others.
Some days are difficult because of the heavy feeling.
There are many roadblocks, plateaus, and valleys that can prevent you from achieving your goals. You can also get lost in a rut.
You feel as if your motivation has vanished.
So today I’d like to simply share three of my favorites and in my experience most effective ways to find that motivation again.
1. Do the 10-minute recharge exercise.
This is how to do it.
Find a quiet spot and sit down. Close your eyes.
These are the questions you should ask yourself:
- How will my life change if I keep going on the same path now for 5 years?
- What will happen to me, and the lives of those around me?
Although it may feel uncomfortable, try to visualize the negative consequences vividly in your mind. This will help you to motivate yourself to make positive changes.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What will my life look like a year from now if I stay committed and continue making positive changes? What will it look like in five years?
- If I keep at it, how will my life change for myself and the people I love?
You can use these questions to help you not only to see the future with as much detail and clarity as possible, but also to find your very own reason(s) to make the change.
A better body could make you more optimistic and more energy. That’s great.
To really understand the core of your motivation, take a few minutes to search for the personal answer.
You might answer that you are serious about making a change in your health. If you don’t, you may not be able to have fun with your son as often as you would like. As he grows up, you might find yourself too exhausted from work to give your son quality time every day.
You might be looking to change your money habits if you have always longed to visit the Maldives or the pyramids in Egypt.
Note down your deepest thoughts on a piece paper and keep it there so you can see it every day.
2. Allow the spark of motivation in others to flow over to yours.
You can also recharge your motivation by simply tapping into the motivational energy, perspectives, and ideas of others.
Talk to your family members about their goals and the things they are most motivated to accomplish.
But don’t feel confined to just the people you know in real life.
Sometimes I listen to a little bit of Wayne Dyer’s audiobook or Brian Tracy’s audio book to recharge my motivation. Or, I might watch a Youtube video from Ali Abdaal and Matt D’Avella. I might also read a chapter from a book on my Kindle.
It takes only 5-10 minutes to do this, and it can often change your mindset and inspire you again.
3. Get started, and the motivation will follow you.
Even though the tips are extremely powerful, sometimes they don’t work.
What are your options?
It is possible to take a rest and recharge your batteries.
You can also do what I do often when I’m feeling uninspired.
Despite my lack of motivation, I still get started.
You can do this by simply taking one small step forward and focusing on that one step. For example, I might tell myself I will write a new article or edit a section of something I’m creating for three minutes.
After that, I take another step. Then I concentrate on the next until it is completed.
It may feel tedious or boring at first but it’s a small step that I have to do in order to feel comfortable with the task.
Things don’t stay that way though.
The next step is usually a little easier and perhaps even more enjoyable.
By the next step, the motivation is catching up to me. I am beginning to have fun and truly enjoy what my doing.
It is likely that you will not feel motivated every day. It’s okay.
It is possible to get started step by step, and eventually the motivation will catch up to you.
