How to find Motivation…
We all reach that part of life… when the todo list, or the goal list far exceeds the level of motivation we have to complete it.
Today I’m finding myself struggling in the motivation department. I’m super far behind on my current assignments that I just feel defeated. . . So I’m procrastinating some more by using this blog entry to get back into it.
PUT A NAME ON IT.
When motivation is running low, lets start with the basics. NAME IT. Call it out, call yourself out. If you are truly screwing around instead of being focused. Call – yourself – out.
Acknowledgement is half the battle I feel. The other half is to get back into the game. So acknowledge that you are avoiding something… whether that something is small, insignificant, or extremely important, huge, or time sensitive. OWN IT.
WRITE IT OUT.
I love lists, post-its, and all things that claim to help one be organized.
So let’s write out what we need, want, or have to do. Make a list of what you need to get done… and maybe even a list of why you aren’t getting it done. Do you need certain things? Are you avoiding a certain person, place, or thing? (Been there, done that). I can tell you that avoidance is… dumb. Plain and simple. So let’s rip our bandaids off and get cracking.
Make your list. Here’s mine:
- Study for exam
- Make dinner
- Sign up for gym membership
- Laundry
- Buy flights
It’s in no particular order… other than the way I remembered all the things I need to get done. Some items are time sensitive – dinner obviously can’t wait until next week. A girl’s gotta eat! But other items are more monumental in origin – see my “study for exam”. My exam is in September, and a beast of an exam with a beast of material to prepare for it. Other items like laundry and gym membership are ideal, but not make or break to happen today. My flights… well I priced those suckers out, and bought them prior to completing this entry. Just writing it down helped with that motivation!
BREAK UP LARGER TASKS.
Sometimes breaking up larger, more daunting tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks helps with not only motivation, but also productivity.
Create a plan for the smaller tasks to get your headspace focused on what you need to get done. Getting your head in the game is a large part of the battle.
TAKE BREAKS.
My motivation for my exam will come and go. I’m learning to be gentle with myself and stop forcing it when it just plain isn’t working. I make changes, and adjust when I hit a study block. And I let myself SLEEP when I really just need to.
Today I slept in… a little longer than I originally anticipated. However, I got to work as soon as I was physically able to. I was refreshed from my morning nap and ready to tackle my material. (And yes it was a nap… I tried earlier and just plain couldn’t stay awake, hence the long nap). I completed what I was working on, but had a hard time getting motivated to work on the next subject. So I packed up my items and hit the road for a change of scenery. Sometimes what you need is a different environment. And sometimes you just need to stray away for a hot minute to then return, renewed, refreshed, and ready to roll.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.
When you just can’t seem to get the motivation on your own… phone a friend! The buddy system isn’t just for walking to cars at night, or potty breaks. Talking about your plans, goals, dream, aspirations, etc with friends sometimes sparks light not only into your plans, but maybe into theirs as well. Two people working towards the same goal/task can help maintain motivation. Working together you can boost the other person while they are struggling, or both can stay motivated through competition – Healthy competition, not that crazy horse pucky that leads to broken relationships and decades long turmoil. Let’s stick to the positive stuff!
And lastly,
REWARD YOURSELF.
After completing a hard task, or maybe it’s just any plain ol’ task… don’t forget to reward yourself.
I’m not talking a brand new car, or expensive jewelry. I’m talking simple little things that help you stay focused, motivated, and spark joy in your life. If your motivation challenge was mastering your budget, then reward yourself with a nice meal, or treat. Both can be made at home, at a friends, or out (if your budget allows it). If your motivation is for working out and losing the weight… don’t go down the slippery slide to gain BACK the weight. Choose a different reward system.
Today, I was able to do laundry, buy airline tickets, and study. Up next is dinner… which will then be followed by some dessert, TV/Movies, and more studying. But if you noticed there… I almost made it through my whole list (I will have to save the gym membership for tomorrow).
Hope this entry help you to find the motivation to get through your list!
Happy blogging!
Nattie & Hazel Nut