It doesn’t matter who you are, we ALL experience lack of motivation. When you first start a project, or an idea, or a new life change, you are EXTREMELY motivated and happy! You wake up feeling positive, gung-ho and ready to tackle whatever it is HEAD ON!
But… after a few days or weeks that lack-luster feeling starts to trickle in and you start to get in that vicious “I will do it later” mentality. That’s when later becomes a day, then a week, then a month and eventually you are back to square one again.
Don’t you think it would take less effort to actually just DO IT rather than start and stop again and again and again? Sure it would! But how? How can you stop the roller coaster?
Honestly, I have dealt with this my entire life. I am a master-procrastinator. I hate to admit it but it’s the truth. However I have developed some key habits to help me stay focused, motivated and to help me actually get shit done!
1 – Remember your WHY
Why did you start? Sometimes I will write this over and over again. I have post it notes on my desk, on my computer, on my coffee maker; anything to help remind me WHY I started to begin with. And when the going gets tough I will focus on this one thing – my WHY.
And you must truly be honest with yourself your goal. Are you doing this for YOU? Do you REALLY want to do this or are you trying to please someone else? If you are not mentally “in the game” then you are setting yourself up for failure. Avoid this by figuring out what YOU truly want!
2 – Create a SUCCESSFUL environment
Your environment needs to support you and your goals. You need to create environments that will contribute to the overall success of your end result. Look closely at the people you surround yourself with. Are they rising you up or keeping you down? Examine your work area. Is it filled with things you love or do you dread the time you have to spend there? If you are not fully happy with your environment this will affect the overall success of your desired outcome.
Environment is a HUGE factor for me! I must have my office area a certain way – colors, feelings, sounds, smells… all of these elements are crucial to my work success. If I have a fitness goal then I must surround myself with fitness – getting a gym membership, investing in some home equipment, signing up in an online fitness challenge group are all huge motivators for me.
Take a few minutes to examine the areas in your life that could be holding you back. This could be a great time for you to make a much-needed change!
3 – Look at the past
There are not many times you should look at the past but you must continually examine what you have accomplished! In the times you feel frustrated with your progress just take a moment and see how far you have actually come! If your brain is not allowing you to see that then talk to someone who has seen you progress through your journey – let them be the reminder!
My husband is really good about praising me when I need it the most. I will vent my frustrations at him and he is very quick to state my progress and how far I have come. This little pep talk always takes me to the next level. I work harder and my progress is elevated!
This is also a great time for you to write your achievements down and to re-evaluate your steps. Maybe something isn’t working out the way you thought. Constantly working at your goals is a great way to keep that momentum going!
4 – And maybe you SHOULD quit
You need to get honest with yourself here. If you are struggling to find enjoyment in a goal or task then you need to figure out WHY. Is this something you REALLY want to be doing? Go back to number 1 – YOUR WHY. This is why it is so important for you to create goals that are for you and only you. At the end of the day if you are striving towards something that will please and benefit someone else you will lose steam quickly and end up failing.
Maybe it’s not the right time for you to tackle the goal. Instead of disappointing yourself just back off and tackle it when you feel the timing is better. Give yourself permission to forgive yourself and know that you are not a quitter or a failure. Timing really is everything and you don’t need to feel ashamed.
I certainly hope these tips help you stay motivated! I would love to hear about your goals and ways that you keep motivated – share below!
XxOo Tasha
The Clean Eating Mama 