Staying motivated is one of my biggest challenges I face daily. I might feel great at the start of the day but when the challenges of the day start to rise, I start to feel a little discouraged. It is almost Impossible to go through the day without any challenges. The first step to take in order to learn to stay motivated is to accept that challenges will definitely arise during the day or in the course of trying to achieve our goals. We have to learn how to keep going despite these challenges.
Setting Clear and Achievable Goals
Setting goals gives me a purpose, it helps serve as a guide. When I feel my day has been disrupted, I try and remember my goal for the day and try to focus my energy on making that work. When the goal feels too big at the time, I love to break my big goals into tiny little goals so I don’t feel overwhelmed. For example, for something like grocery shopping, the goal is to get grocery, the breakdown of this goal to me is
- Get a pen and a paper
- Write the list
- Dress up to go out
- Pick out grocery bag and put list and essential items in
- Wear shoes
- Walk outside
- Take transportation to store (you can listen to music or podcast while in transit)
- Walk into the store and pick items on list
- Queue and pay
- Walk outside
- Take transportation back home (you can listen to music or podcast while in transit)
- Enter into your home
There, I have completed a goal, you can break down any goal this way. This is how I work toward some of my bigger goals.
Another way I set my goals is to block time by setting a timer for a task. This way helps me focus on that task. I know for those set of minutes I have to focus on my task.
How to stay motivated after setting goals
- Find Your “Why”
Understanding why I want to achieve a goal can significantly boosts my motivation. My main reason for my goals is for my personal growth. Try to tie your goal for the day to a bigger goal. For grocery shopping, the goal for me is to eat delicious food.
Whether it’s personal growth, financial stability, health, or happiness, connecting with your deeper motivations will help you stay focused and driven.
- Create a Plan
Having a detailed plan can help me stay organized and on track. I love working on plans, it gives me hope things can still get better.
Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or project management apps to keep track of your progress. Stick to your plan, but be flexible enough to make adjustments as needed.
- Reward Yourself
Recognizing and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, can boost your motivation. Reward yourself when you reach a milestone or complete a task. I reward myself by taking a break, enjoying my favourite snack, or treating myself to something special. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the behaviours that lead to success.
- Practice Self-Compassion
Focus on the progress you’ve made rather than the setbacks you’ve encountered. Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, and each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.