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How do I independently motivate myself?

150 Answers
Last Updated: 05/12/2022 at 1:16pm
How do I independently motivate myself?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
AllTheColors
May 4th, 2019 5:59pm
It is not easy to have intrinsic motivation. In my experience, these are the things that help: 1) Realizing what is important to you and putting it down on the paper. 2) Realizing that life is too short not to live for what is important to you. 3) Jotting down the steps you need to take to get where you want yourself to be. 4) Going down that path step by step and not expecting too much of yourself. 5) Realizing that not everything is going to go according to you plan. 6) Realizing that sometimes you cannot predict what the best way for you to reach that goal is. When you are set to achieve something, sometimes a path you could've never imagined could open up. Sometimes you need to accept it, even if seems like it doesn't lead you where you want to do - it can give you experience you need to achieve what you wish for.
littlelittlelove
May 15th, 2019 5:50am
I independently motivate myself by doing something good for another person. Whether it is lending a helping hand, volunteering, or sharing something with a friend; I like helping out and seeing someone else smile because of what I have done for them is very pleasing and uplifting to the soul. I like knowing that I am appreciated. Especially in today's society there is so much going on whether people take each other the wrong way or people tend to argue; there is just so much jealousy and anger and animosity between people who could simply get along if they only communicated with one another and serviced each other.
Anonymous
September 1st, 2019 9:20am
I experienced myself low motivation, for exemple to do my homeworks early enough. And later, to do the things at work that seemed the hardest for me, like phoning unknown people, or talking to someone always grumpy. I felt really guilty because these things seemed achievable (some of my friends did it, so why not me ?), and angry at myself. Most of all I felt scared because the homework or job was not done and I had less and less time to achieve it. When I started to work, I have been obliged to finally do those things (or my student group would have had nothing in their schedule !). Then I discovered that the first step was the most difficult. When I started to do something, even small, my fears went away. I felt that I was doing my best, and that was enough to keep motivated.
Anonymous
September 18th, 2019 4:06pm
Independent motivation is a skill that needs to be practiced. For me, it is all about small steps to reach a bigger goal. If I'm feeling unwell or unmotivated, I focus on small, simple tasks/steps. I may not reach my goal quickly, but I will eventually reach it by being persistent. Even on my worst days, I try to accomplish something. It may be simply getting dressed or combing my hair, but it is important for me to look back on the day and see that something worthwhile happened. There is something inside of me that must be satisfied, and that is what motivates me.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2019 10:35pm
Good question. There are a ton of ways. First. You can focus on your goal. Why do you wish to complete whatever your doing? What is the end goal? When you have the end goal in mind, the process in which you are in currently will be completed quicker. The second strategy can be the 5 second rule. The 5 second rule is to decide in 5 seconds whether you want to do a task or not. You literally count down. 5.4.3.2.1. BOOM. Decide. This way time is saved and your more efficient. The final thing can be to play inspirational music or watch motivational videos. Bleh. May work with some however it doesnt work sometimes. If you must, look up Jocko Willink. Always gets me out of a rut.
Anonymous
December 1st, 2019 6:39pm
It's very hard to independently motivate oneself. It's usually why people rely on their biopsychosocial network of peers, family, doctors, etc. That being said, sometimes you have to do things on your own, like writing a test. In cases like these, it's good to have a purpose or goal to do something. For example, you want to pass your engineering exam so that you are eligible for reliable employment opportunities in engineering. Some people are motivated to do well in school because their parents told them so. However, this is not a good goal as it's not your own goal. A good goal is something that is possibly attainable if you break it down in smaller sections. So if you wanted to do well to get a nice job, that requires you studying for tests, networking, volunteering, etc. Obviously, this is not easy - but if you break down the overarching goals into smaller pieces, it becomes more manageable and you can add onto it once you have mastered one thing. So first you would focus on how to study based on your talents. Then, you would focus on how to meet like-minded people in the industry through research. Then, you would try to do some volunteer work once you are ready. Moral of the story: a reasonable purpose and goal for doing a thing.
realPeigi
December 4th, 2019 7:43pm
Know yourself, really know what you are doing, know why you do it, love yourself, love what you are doing, love why and how you do it. If you can’t love it, accept that you are doing it in this moment.
flamboyantseahorse
February 1st, 2020 8:38pm
I personally motivate myself by thinking about how the action will benefit me in the future. This is enough of a reward in itself. If something benefits you later it is always worth doing it now. Also, a small physical reward as a treat is always a good idea. For example, at the end of my exams I might get myself a bit of chocolate as a treat. I also want to make my family and friends proud, so that is a huge motivator for me personally. Motivation is different for everyone, but is extremely important because it helps us get things done.
Anonymous
February 20th, 2020 1:58am
One thing I try to do personally is visualize myself reaching my goals because that can put you in a better positive mindset. If you believe you can do it, that might just work. Other things you could do is take a walk in the park to clear your head or even exercise. Another thing I do is make a to-do list. That way you can feel encouraged as you cross each one off. Make sure you also prepare things early so then you don't have a lot of stress put on you. Baby steps is all it takes.
Anonymous
February 23rd, 2020 1:34pm
1. Remind yourself why you want to do something 2. Break down your work into smaller chunks 3. Make your activities fun 4. Promise yourself a reward when you get something done 5. Give yourself occasional breaks to avoid burnout 6. Tell yourself that you can accomplish anything 7. Convince yourself you want to do it 8. Remember your "why."
BrightUnicorn14
February 28th, 2020 5:45am
A way to independently motivate yourself is to think about your goals and what would make you happiest if you did them. Then, write them down. Each day, try to integrate something in your day that will get you closer to your goals. For example, if it is to be less depressed, think about what helps you feel better-animals, cooking, reading a book, etc... Then in that moment, you can bring in one of those tools that helps you feel better. Next, if you want to be in nature to help yourself feel better, try to take a walk around the block or take a hike once a week.
CalmCourage
March 8th, 2020 8:49pm
Hey there, that's a good question. I think you have to think about the things that exite you. The things that make you so exited to get up, even if they are a big goal that you think is out of your reach! I feel imagining these things happening as if they were actually already happnened also helps for motivation. Doing this for myself has helped a great deal. I think also setting small tasks that when you do them you reward yourself. Set small tasks that when you do them you reward yourslef for. This builds up momentum. Try it out. Hope this helps :)
SoaringPhoenixButterfly
March 22nd, 2020 10:44pm
I feel like this is best done digging deep and finding out what your true motivation is. Dont worry about fear or judgment but worry about your true happiness. Once you find your happiness, your light; nothing can stop you. When you start to lack that motivation think back on that and hold on to that. Let that little piece of hope guide you to what task or mission you would like to accomplish and remember you serve a bigger purpose that you might not be able to see just now. Always follow your heart as it is your true north star.
Omnipresent
March 28th, 2020 9:07pm
I try reading about the lives of people whom I admire and then try to find inspiration from their stories. I also believe that no one is perfect, which enables me to keep on improving. There is nothing in this world that can stop me if I get going. The only real problem is that starting point. Just like friction keeps on increasing untill it reaches a maximum value after which the body starts moving inspite of the friction, we too are made in an analogous way. All we need to do is to find that tipping point somehow, however far that might be.
Anonymous
April 9th, 2020 10:22am
Motivation can be a very difficult thing. For me personally I have to motivate myself to workout everyday and try eat healthier. These are situation that I find hard. I try to think about the my reasons for trying to be healthier and I also give myself goals so I can celebrate my small achievements on the way to my end goal. Think positively about your motivation. Set a plan for yourself and don’t worry if you find yourself straying from the plan every now and then. Just remember why you wanted to set that goal for yourself in the first place.
Anonymous
April 19th, 2020 6:29pm
Motivation is a hard thing some times. You have to set a goal. Set an immediate goal (achieve that day) something simple and very easy to achieve nothing is too small. Set some short term goals (achieve in a few days or weeks). Set a long term goal (achieve in a few months) this will help in keeping you motivated. When you have that long term goal make a vision board things you want to achieve and some inspirational words or quotes. Make your goals for you. If it help tell someone about your goals have them ask you about it every so often to keep you accountable or lend dome support when you need it.
whimsicalFish8566
May 15th, 2020 2:10am
To motivate myself, I like to write things down. If I am able to see what I would like to accomplish on a list it holds me accountable for what I want to do. Writing things down turns ideas into reality. If I just think about doing something it becomes easy to push it to the back of my brain and forget about it. When I write things down I am able to cross them off once I have completed them. I find it very fulfilling to be able cross items off of a list. It makes me very excited when I am able to cross another completed task off.
cal1860
May 16th, 2020 12:06pm
Identify what you want to do - your goal. It might be getting motivated to take a shower. You're at the start (point A), having the shower is the goal (point B). Make a short list of the steps needed to get from point A to Point B. For example, step 1 could be get out of bed; step 2 could be turning the shower on to warm up; step 3 could be getting ready, and so on. If you can't do the whole series of steps, try doing them one at a time. This will build your motivation through giving a sense of accomplishment at each step. Don't think of yourself as a failure for not doing all the steps at one try. Be kind and gentle with yourself and take things slowly. I found this method worked when I had severe depression. I found my mind would only focus on the moment I was in, I couldn't plan ahead for even the next minute. It helped me build up my motivation to do other things.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2020 3:45am
Motivation is something that guides us through thick and thin, and sometimes it's hard to follow through with it, but it helps when you think about the outcome and how rewarding the process is. Also take time to reflect upon yourself and self-care, keep your mind positive and love yourself, build confidence within you. Motivation is not only about the goals and dreams for our future, but also for ourselves personally. It also helps you see life from a different point of view, and you discover something new about yourself and the world everyday, it's the beauty of life in one of its purest forms.
Anonymous
May 24th, 2020 7:39pm
Something that worked for me was to start reading self help books, listen to motivation podcasts, and listen to up beat music that has independent vibes. If you're on social media, you can follow motivational accounts so you have that support always at hand. Try to start the day with a few stretches, a deep breath, look in the mirror and say "I got this, and nothing can stop me!" because it's true! Confidence is a long process for some, but i completely believe in you and so does everyone on 7 cups. Live your life to the fullest, because everyone falls occasionaly- that makes us human. Cut out any toxic people and bad habits, because they will drag you down with no mercy. Fear is useless, seize the day and make it yours.
serenityking25
June 17th, 2020 12:14am
Watch Youtube videos about your goals. Watch videos that show people achieving those goals. It doesn't even have to be a major life-changing goal-centered video; it can simply be a night routine to get you started on feeling a bit better and productive about your day. It's hard finding that bit of motivation but once you see others doing the same, it can help start a change inside of you. It makes you feel as if you aren't alone and you're not. It may help you find that connection and get you started on things. Don't be discouraged if certain things don't work for you. There's a multitude of other things that can work and help. The path is never easy but the journey teaches you a lot both about yourself and the world around you.
Anonymous
July 29th, 2020 8:55pm
There's something called internal motivators that help us with motivation that comes within yourself versus an external motivator that comes from an outside source Like an incentive. Positive thinking is powerful and telling ourselves to do something for it's own benefit has an impact. For example, doing something that you don't necessarily want to do but you do anyway, because you know it'll make you feel accomplished. Another way is to make something meaningful, find a purpose in your actions. Keeping those thoughts in mind will help motivate oneself independently, and of course the more you do it the better you get
Curious5789
August 1st, 2020 10:54pm
Motivation is very hard to get when anyone is just starting out. So I believe the best way is to get an external resources to help me out. I listen to motivational speech, videos, and podcasts to help me out. There are may ways to go about this but I feel these are the most efficient. Another tip would be making your bed. I know it sounds trivial but when I make my bed in the morning that is already one thing off my checklist for what I have to do that day. Hope this helps, thank you.
hope0207
August 7th, 2020 6:29am
hello! to independently motivate yourself, you need to think about what you really want. are you satisfied with yourself right now? if not, then WHO do you want to be? once you've identified what you want to achieve, think about how you can get there. appreciate yourself for all the things that you're good at, even if it's something really tiny. thank yourself for taking care of YOU. maybe try writing a letter to yourself where you pen down all your good qualities. exercise, do what you love. do things that are good for you, practice a little self-care, too
Sugary10
September 9th, 2020 2:04pm
You have to set a particular perception for yourself and dedicate your motivation from everything you love without minding others opinion. Because in the first plase it is your life, it's your journey and what comes ahead of you will always depends on your decisions. Motivates yourself to become the best of you and do not let out side forces interferes with the goal you've set. You need to consider all the challenges, conflicts and problems in life as a process for you to grow more independently. You have to motivate yourself in order to keep your emotional and physical well-being cooperates with one another. Life maybe cruel, atleast you are motivated enough to live for it.
BlueberryTree
September 11th, 2020 7:30pm
From my personal experience, to motivate oneself independently requires a meaning goal. The meaningfulness is necessary. For a goal to be meaningful, it has to be personal and valuable to your "inner self". Therefore, the meaning always lives inside you, independent of external influences. It's inside, so you can always think about it and derive motivation from it. For example, if Viktor Frankl is a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust. He believes having a sense of meaning allowed him to endure hardships and survive in concentration camps. He constantly thought of returning to his wife and daughter (his love for his family is intrinsically meaningful to him). After he was liberated from the concentration camps, he found out his wife and daughter passed away, so he focused on being a psychiatrist—lecturing on psychiatry and helping others find meaning. Again, he found intrinsic meaning in being a healer, which allowed him to carry on his life, grow and thrive. To find meaning may require much self-reflection, discussion with trustworthy and thoughtful people, and exploration in the real world. But I can personally attest to that everyone can discover their own meaningful goals that serve as powerful and stalwart motivators.
mayaLIFTnibbles2020
October 2nd, 2020 6:06pm
Here's how I independently motivate myself, I hope something here helps: 1. Find what my top 3 core values are. These are the unconscious motivators in us. They are also the face of the love we have to share with the world. My favorite site for this is this one (free survey) - https://www.viacharacter.org/ 2. Do one 10min thing, today, that feeds one of my top 3 values. For me, it's "creativity, spirituality and learning". So I might choose to watch a 10-min youtube video to learn something, or take 10-minutes to meditate, or take 10-minutes to create something (a drawing, or knit, or create a solution to a problem for others). Any 10-minute activity counts, if it feeds one of your core values. 3. After I finish a 10-minute task I ask myself, "what would I like to do better or differently next time?" Like riding a bike, this question helps me "adjust the handle bars" or "pedal slower" or "pedal faster". The question helps keep me going, and helps me avoid me negatively criticising or judging myself. 4. Remember to investigate judgments and assessments for the core value behind them. If I'm telling myself, "I'm not doing enough," I ask what core value I'm trying to feed. Maybe I am scared because I want security. Maybe I'm feeling restless because I need companionship. Once I understand the core value behind the judgement, I pick a 10-minute task to feed that core value. If the core need is companionship, maybe I'll call a friend, go to reddit, or come to 7cups. If the core value is security, maybe I'll meditate on releasing my fear and grief and focus on the feeling of reaching my goals. 5. Remember to play. Sometimes I can get so focused on "doing good" or "doing better" or "doing the right thing" that I can lose my sense of humor. So to prevent this, I now have a long list of hobbies and activities that bring me joy, and reach to do one every day. A 10-minute stroll outside, or 10-minutes of watching cute animal videos can help me lighten up, and bring balance. Studies have shown that even daydreaming can improve productivity (in 10-20min bursts). I hope these help you. The specifics depend on your core values and needs. Then your heart and body can direct you what to do next. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to talk more to: - uncover your core values - find 10-minute tasks that will feed your needs - find ways to bring play and balance to every day Especially in odd times like these, we could all use the gift of whatever your love wants to give the world. Strength to your heart! M
Anonymous
October 8th, 2020 8:40pm
Something I've tried is to start by talking to people. The more you talk to people, the more motivated you become to start doing things. Asking for help from friends is always a good thing to do, as you have a more personal connection with them. If that doesn't work out, you can try to do something everyday for five or ten minutes. Once you start, sometimes you'll find that you can't stop. And then, boom, there you are doing something. If you keep thinking "I just can't do it," or "It's just not worth it," it might make you feel even less motivated than you were before. The trick is to catch those thoughts before you start believing them. Yes, it's hard, but you have to push through it. It'll all be worth it in the end.
Ellakmason
November 4th, 2020 1:03am
Based on my personal experience, you have to find something that you're passionate at. Once you find that thing, you have to consistently remind yourself why you're doing that thing. My motivation includes the feeling of checking off a box so to speak, or having accomplishments. I love that feeling, so that's what continues to motivate me. However, let's say you can't find something you're passionate about, which is common for many people. Trying different things until you find the idea of what you like may work best for you. Keep trying things you like and see what you felt when you did those things in order to motivate you to keep going. Then, you can translate that feeling to many other aspects of your life to continue to motivate you, no matter the subject.
Sunshine4691
November 21st, 2020 8:10pm
When I consider motivation in general, I believe there to be two option, the intrinsic and extrinsic. Although, much of our decisions and final calls to action or inaction would come down to a combination of them both. This occurs in any situation, whether its in the making of a healthy meal, whether or not to sleep in, or to delay homework or any other responsibility. The portion of our internal motivators makes the decision, as the self moves it to action, while the other external motivator makes the judgement as to how it will be perceived by those around us. The limitations on both of these things come down to how much we value ourselves, the intrinsic, and how much we value others, the extrinsic. Regardless, our motivation will waiver depending on how our health levels of valuing ourselves and others are weighed.