5 Keys for Becoming More Motivated

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Self-discipline

Self-discipline is a key for keeping going, rather than always relying on motivation, which can come and go depending on their mood, state of alertness, and distractions. Ways to keep going include:

• Make a plan for each day, and stick to it
• Create and follow a routine to accomplish the goal
• Take one step at a time
• Keep up with deadlines, including for small steps within a large project
• Have fun! Don’t take yourself so seriously
• Appreciate and reward your progress with breaks, calling a friend, or good food
• Make it a game. For example, you can compete against yourself to achieve more than on the previous day
• Remember to breathe, exercise, take a walk, and get plenty of sleep
• Use the hypnotic state to tell yourself you want to stay in the zone
• Avoid negative self-judgement. Remain patient with your progress
• Remind yourself of past successes and encourage yourself that you can be successful again
• Recall Oprah Winfrey’s suggestion: “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do”

Choose an Appropriate Goal

Choosing an appropriate goal is another key for maintaining motivation and self-discipline. In choosing a goal people should think about:

• Choosing a goal of doing something that they love or from which they will gain important benefit
• Considering whether a goal is realistic, and altering it if necessary
• Reminding themselves frequently why they are pursuing a particular goal
• Taking control of a project rather than following someone else’s lead
• Picking something challenging, as this is important for people who lack motivation because of boredom

Avoid Distractions

Avoiding distractions is yet another key:

• Engage with friends who are supportive of your progress, rather than ones who encourage you to postpone your plans to accommodate their desires
• Set smart phones on silent to prevent interruptions
• Musical rhythms can help maintain progress. However, avoid music that is loud or with distracting content
• Resolve to defer engaging in competing interests on a regular basis until after you work towards your goal

Receive Reinforcement

Receiving reinforcement is always helpful as a way of maintaining motivation. Such reinforcement can come from:

• Someone you care about to whom you report about your progress
• A mentor who can guide you
• A buddy who is working towards a similar goal
• Reinforcement can even come from within: Use hypnosis to imagine how you will achieve your goal (in addition to imagining how it will feel to have succeeded)

Evaluating Progress

Evaluating your progress objectively is the final key. Recognize that:

• Your personal growth will depend more on the steps you take as a result of your journey towards the goal rather than achievement of the goal
• Setbacks are opportunities to learn, rather than a sign of inadequacy"

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

How do you stay motivated?

#Motivation #Inspiration #Discipline #Goals