Do you ever find yourself wishing there were ways to get extra motivation? As a freelance writer who works at home, I'm constantly looking for new ways to motivate myself, both personally and professionally - sometimes we all need an extra kick up the butt to get us moving! When it comes to getting and stayed motivated, here are 7 ways to get extra motivation that you can try - try one, or try them all and see which work for you!
This may sound like a way to get energy rather than one of the best ways to get extra motivation, but I find if I have a healthy , protein filled breakfast, I'm more likely to find the motivation I need to get on with my day, rather than feeling tired and sluggish. Everyone is different, but I enjoy eating eggs in the morning as they fill me up and give me loads of energy to make it through until lunchtime.
If you don't already make lists, it's time to start. Making lists is a great way to get motivated, and it's really satisfying to tick things off your list as you go along. I make lists for everything - due in part to my terrible memory - so if there's something I want to achieve that day, it goes on the list. Of course, sometimes things get put off until the next day, but I always have a list on the go so that I know what I'm working towards as I find they help to give my day structure.
A filofax or a planner diary helps you to be organised, which can boost your motivation levels. All that blank, white space is just waiting to be filled with social and work commitments, and once you start, you won't be able to stop! There's something incredibly satisfying about seeing a full, busy week scribbled down in writing in your diary.
We all have days when our motivation is flagging, and it can be tempting to give up. I find that writing down short-term goals can help me to stay motivated. So rather than saying I want to be earning a full-time living from freelance writing by the end of the year, perhaps say to yourself, "I will have my first freelance writing client by the end of next month." These more realistic, short-term goals help to give you something to work towards, and because they're achievable, they spur you on to greater things!
If you're still feeling demotivated, why not head for Amazon and buy a couple of self-help books? You'll find books relating to motivation in your personal and professional life, as well as those aimed at anyone working as a freelancer. Just a few minutes reading the advice in self-help books can give you the boost you need to get through your day.
On days where everything seems to be going wrong and you feel sluggish and tired, get away from your desk or out of the house and get some exercise. Even a quick walk to your local grocery store to buy milk will lift your spirits and your energy levels and by the time you come back home, hopefully you'll be filled with new motivation!
You'll find plenty of podcasts on motivation and success - for freelance writers, copyblogger have podcasts relating to every aspect of writing. A quick browse will have you downloading motivational podcasts in no time, and you can listen whilst you work, whilst you do the dishes...even whilst looking after the kids!
So there you have it, 7 easy ways to get some extra motivation. Do you have any tips that help you to stay motivated?