Unlocking Your Motivational Potential: Strategies for Getting, Being, and Staying Motivated

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Motivation – an elusive force that propels us toward our goals, yet sometimes feels like it’s slipping through our fingers when we need it most.

Striving for academic success, pursuing a career goal, or simply aiming to improve your overall well-being, maintaining motivation isn’t easy for everyone and can be outright challenging.

If you’re feeling stuck, we’ll see if we can help get you back on track.

Let’s talk about effective strategies for not only getting motivated but also staying motivated in the long run.

How To Get Motivated

Set Clear Goals

You can’t hit a target you can’t see.

Or maybe you can but, boy, you’re luckier than I am.

Like most, you have to start by setting a clear goal and defining what you want to achieve.

So, what is it you really want?

Is it acing an exam, landing your dream job, adopting a healthier lifestyle?

Having clear, specific goals gives you something tangible to work towards.

So, the first step is simple (and maybe a little obvious):

Pick a goal to hit so you can start your focus.

Find Your Why

Sometimes you just need to dig deep and uncover the underlying reasons behind your goals.

Understanding the Why behind what you want to achieve can ignite a sense of purpose and drive, making it easier to stay motivated when faced with obstacles.

What would it mean to you to have the thing you want?

Think about it hard… what would it truly mean?

A better job? A better body? A longer life?

Where do you see yourself once you have reached that goal?

When you hear people talk about ‘having a passion’ this is where it begins.

The most passionate ones have the most clear understanding of their intention and what drives them.

Knowing your ‘Why’ is a cornerstone in hitting any goal.

Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable tasks.

In the book Atomic Habits by James Clear, he talks about taking it 1% at a time each day.

Over the course of 30 days, you will have moved forward by 30%.

You don’t have to do everything all at once or even the minimum 1% a day (if you feel you can do more), but anything moving toward the goal daily is a move in the right direction.

Focus on one step at a time, celebrating your progress along the way.

Create a Plan

Develop a strategic plan outlining the actions you need to take to reach your goals.

Write it down.

Do not just think of the plan and assume you will remember every step.

It is difficult to do and you are setting your self up for a greater chance of failure.

There is something about putting pen to paper, between the mind and the hand, which solidifies our intent.

If you need a place to start, get a journal or dedicated notebook and start writing.

Having a roadmap in place provides clarity and direction, reducing feelings of uncertainty and increasing motivation.

Visualize Success

Take some time each day to visualize yourself achieving your goals.

Some use a vision board, while others use meditation.

The key is to see yourself already having the success and as if you have already accomplished the thing you want.

In order to have the thing you have never had, you need to become someone you have never been.

Picture the end result in vivid detail, and let that image inspire and motivate you to take action.

How To Be Motivated

Stay Positive

Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the things you can control and practicing gratitude.

This goes along with focusing on your Why.

And remember, setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but maintaining a positive outlook can help you navigate through challenges with resilience.

Surround Yourself with Support

Try to associate with people who uplift and inspire you.

You are the result of the top 5 people you associated with most often, so keep in mind who you keep around.

You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.

Have a specific goal in mind you know others might have as well?

Search Facebook or social media sites to see if there are others who are going through the same ups and downs.

They can be motivating because they have been in your shoes or offer advice on how to get past an obstacle.

Whether it’s friends, family, online associates or mentors, do your best to create a supportive network who can provide encouragement and motivation even during challenging times.

Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Little boasts in confidence are a good thing and keep the energy alive.

Celebrating milestones along the way give a well needed boost and keeps you motivated to continue moving forward.

But keep in mind, celebrate the small wins quietly.

We can often celebrate our small wins too loudly to others and our mind begins to think we have accomplished the big goal prematurely.

Be humble, but focused to hit the end result.

Stay Flexible

Be willing to adapt and adjust your approach as needed.

Things rarely go the way you plan and you need to be open to pivot.

Many entrepreneurs have said they started out with one objective in mind and then went in a completely different direction.

For example, did you know bubble wrap actually started out as wallpaper?

The goal was to sell the material, but the method to the goal changed in order to achieve it.

Life is unpredictable, and staying flexible allows you to navigate through obstacles and setbacks without losing sight of your goals.

Take Care of Yourself

Prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that recharge you.

It has to start with you.

Do not underestimate the power of sleep for helping maintain energy and focus.

Turn off the screens 30 minutes to an hour before bed and let your mind settle.

Use this time to update your planner for the following day or even journal about your current progress in order to wind down.

Getting the correct amount of sleep is one of the most essential things we can do to improve our energy levels.

Healthy eating habits and more exercise (even 15 minutes a day to start) can be part of the goal as well- if you are not doing it already.

A healthy body and mind are essential for sustaining motivation and overall well-being.

How To Stay Motivated

Review and Reflect

Regularly review your progress and reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved.

Check on your plan you, hopefully, wrote down and it will help keep a keen eye on the end target.

Adjust your goals and strategies as needed to stay aligned with your evolving aspirations.

Stay Inspired

Seek out sources of inspiration that resonate with you.

Whether it’s reading motivational books, listening to inspiring podcasts, or connecting with like-minded individuals, surrounding yourself with inspiration fuels your motivation.

Need a motivational or inspirational podcast?

Check out The Resilient Mind podcast on Spotify.

It is a series of motivational talks from various successful people who can inspire you to help maintain that energy and passion.

Find a title you think will help that day and give a listen.

For me, this is a go-to listen in the morning and can get the day started with intent and a positive energy.

Practice Self-Compassion

Above all, be kind to yourself on the journey.

Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, and practice self-compassion during challenging times.

Self talk can be a huge influencer on how we operate.

Repeating phrases such as, “I like myself” and “You’ve got this” may seem silly, but are important.

What would you say to a child who is trying something for the first time, but having trouble?

It may seem different but, trust me, it is the same.

Your mind follows and feels as you tell it.

Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.

If you do not do this already, it will start to change you in the most positive way.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is a very important key to maintaining motivation over the long term.

Establish daily habits and routines that support your goals.

You will hear high achievers say over and over that everyday will never be the same, but you must still show up- every day!

Create the habit and commit to showing up for yourself consistently, even on days when motivation wanes.

Revisit Your Why

Periodically revisit your underlying motivations and reasons for pursuing your goals.

When times get tough, your Why will be the force that pushes and pulls you to continue.

Revisiting your Why as part of your daily routine can be a game changer.

This can reignite your sense of purpose and remind you of the importance of staying motivated.

Keep Going

Maintaining motivation can be a challenging journey, it’s entirely achievable with the right strategies and mindset.

By setting clear goals, cultivating a positive mindset, and prioritizing self-care, you can not only get motivated but also stay motivated in the long run.

Remember, you have the power to unlock your motivational potential and achieve your aspirations.

Using what we’ve discussed, I hope you get started today today with newly found determination and resilience!