It’s not always easy to get motivated for the day ahead – especially when you know your hours are full of the same mundane, repetitive stuff. But don’t be tempted into hitting the snooze button for the 3rd time, try these self motivation tricks instead.
1. Select a Treat
Before making plans and forging ahead, choose a treat or reward that will give you something to look forward to along the way: a dinner at your favorite restaurant, a night at the movies with a friend, a day at a spa or simply a cup of hot chocolate in the garden. Visualizing a reward at the end can help greatly with the completion of a task. Even planning your weekend fun gives you a goal when you’re struggling to face Tuesday morning’s commute.
2. Making Plans
Setting achievable goals, sorting out priorities for each day by writing to-do lists with no more than a handful of items can help you to focus on what's important and getting it done. Enter these items in your diary or on your household calendar just like anniversaries, birthdays or appointments.
3. Seek Inspiration
Everybody has periods where their productivity dips for whatever reason. Seek inspiration from people you admire: watch a short interview with a business woman of the year or Olympic champion or read a short chapter about people who have overcome or dealt successfully with adversities like poverty, illness and disability. Find your inner hero. Before you'll know it, your mind will be ready to handle the next challenge with ease.
4. Minimize Distractions
Cut out all distractions like mobile phones, surfing the web, social media on your laptop, dogs demanding playtime, spouses or kids seeking your undivided attention. Turn off the TV and radio. Put aside the thriller you've been reading. Focus on the task at hand with a clear mind and don't try to multi-task, or you won't get any of the jobs on your to-do list done properly.
5. Outwit Your Inner Layabout
By penciling fake deadlines on your calendar for tasks that don't need to be done until a later date you can get started on challenges well in advance. Outwit your inner layabout, the one who is so adept at coming up with distractions and excuses! Use this technique for short- and long-term projects, so all get the same amount of attention. Since some of the deadlines on your schedule will be real ones and some will be fakes, it's far harder to cheat or miss a deadline.
6. Nobody's Perfect
Stop using excuses like "the time isn't quite right" or "this is not the perfect opportunity to get involved". Beginning a project and performing a task better, rather than perfectly is what matters. Even if you cannot complete a larger project now, you will have made a start and completed a portion of it. Taking small steps will still get you to the finish line. Think "the hare and the tortoise" and take the first step on your journey. The second step won't be anywhere near as hard to take.
7. Visualize Completing the Task
Imagine you've already completed the task by closing your eyes for a few minutes and basking in the warm glow of success. Can't you see the outcome looks fabulous, the process was enjoyable, everybody's patting you on the back? You've grown as a person, your bank balance is looking healthy? Our brains can't tell the difference between wishful thinking and actual progress, so this is a great technique for tricking ourselves into believing we've already completed a task and it wasn't nearly as bad as we thought it would be. Imagining a successful outcome allows you to build up excitement and get started on a task. This technique works very well for long-term projects, too. Break down larger projects into bite-sized chunks and employ the "visualize" technique for each milestone.
Do you think any of these tips will help you when your motivation needs a boost?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I quickly boost my motivation when I'm feeling stuck?
- Try taking a short break, practicing deep breathing, or setting a small, achievable goal to regain focus and energy.
- What role does positive self-talk play in staying motivated?
- Positive self-talk helps reframe negative thoughts, making you feel more confident and driven to keep going.
- Are there simple daily habits to maintain motivation consistently?
- Yes, habits like journaling your goals, celebrating small wins, and keeping a vision board can keep motivation alive every day.
- How does exercise impact motivation levels?
- Regular exercise releases endorphins, which naturally boost mood and increase your energy to stay motivated.
- Can motivational quotes really help? How should I use them?
- Absolutely! Display quotes in visible places to remind yourself of your goals and inspire action when motivation dips.
- What’s a quick mental trick to overcome procrastination?
- Try the 'two-minute rule'—start a task for just two minutes to break inertia and build momentum.
- How important is goal setting for motivation?
- Setting clear, achievable goals provides direction and a sense of purpose, fueling your motivation to succeed.
- How can I stay motivated when facing repeated setbacks?
- Focus on learning from each setback, maintain a growth mindset, and remind yourself why your goals matter to you.
- Is social support really necessary for motivation?
- Yes, sharing your goals with supportive friends or groups can boost accountability and encouragement.
- What’s one unexpected tip to instantly elevate motivation?
- Try changing your environment—rearranging your workspace or stepping outside can refresh your mind and spark motivation.