Struggling with Motivation? Here’s what to do

We all have times when even the smallest of tasks seem like an uphill climb. Life has a way of getting on top of us sometimes. But, staying motivated doesn’t have to be difficult, all it takes is a little determination and an ability to see the bigger picture. So, get up from your seat and try these things to stay at the top of your game.

Do some exercise

We all know that exercise makes you feel good, although the thought of going for a run makes some of us want to retreat to bed. But, just a few minutes of any type of exercise makes you feel happier – it’s the release of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine into our brains that causes the feelings of well-being. Your mind becomes clearer and you feel like you could take on the world. Exercise also helps you to become more motivated to try new things or even to finish that task you started.

Make a to-do list

A to-do list is a good way to keep focused and you’ll feel motivated to finish all the tasks on your list in a given time frame. It’s such a good feeling when you cross off the last task! Keep it small though because if you keep adding to the same list, those feelings of despair might creep in and that will have the opposite effect.

Start with small steps

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so whatever you’re doing, don’t race to finish it! Take your time and produce quality rather than quantity. Start with the small things and progress to the bigger, and potentially more complicated, tasks. The sense of achievement you will feel at completing even the smallest of tasks will make you feel more confident and more likely to carry on.

Get out into nature

If you’re struggling with motivation, there is nothing better than to get out in the fresh air. Go for a walk and surround yourself with nature. You will be surprised how much listening to birds or sitting by a lake relaxes you. Your thoughts will be clearer and you’ll be ready to get back on that self-motivation wagon.

Educate yourself

I don’t mean go and register for a course, although, you could do that. What I mean by educate yourself is to do something that interests you. Go to an art gallery, watch a documentary or read a blog or a book. You’ll be able to find inspiration in these things and recreate it into the things that you set out to do. By doing this, you will think to yourself “I can do that too”!

Don’t compare yourself with others

Everyone has different goals and objectives in life, so don’t compare yourself with anyone else. If you constantly think that everyone around you has a better car or earns more money or has a better job, you won’t get anywhere and you won’t need anyone to put you down, you’ll be doing that yourself. Remember one thing, it’s your life! It’s not your business what anyone else is doing and vice versa. Concentrate on living your life and achieving things for yourself – that’s where the motivation lies, not to mention the empowerment!

Remember why you are doing what you do

You could be the most motivated person on the planet, but there will be days when you just can’t be bothered. We have all been there. What you’ve got to do is to think of why you set out doing what you are doing in the first place. Take a break from it, sure, but always think about the end goal or the big picture. If you don’t carry on, you’re never going to get there!

Celebrate your Success

When you are focused on achieving your goals, whatever they may be, you might forget to stop and think about what you’ve done. It’s so easy to get engrossed in what you’re doing, to get in the flow of things, and that’s a good thing, but simply thinking about what you have accomplished rather than what lies ahead can help your motivation levels. If you take a moment to realise just how successful you are already, you will more determined than ever, so celebrate your successes – however small they are!

How do you motivate yourself? 🙂