I can’t recall the number of times I have been thrown the question “What keeps you motivated?” I can be quite passionate about meeting deadlines and doing a good job, so, yes, folks assume I know what it takes to stay motivated.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I may not know more than the next person. I know what works for me and I’m always willing to share, but first, am I the only one who’s wondered why the one you find most difficult to motivate is yourself.
Motivating others comes effortlessly. We’re quick to tell the next person to ‘Aspire to Perspire to Acquire your Desire’ but we’ll just as easily sink into our couches, grab some popcorn, and eat our challenges away.
I did some research on this thing called Motivation and I found that my tips and tricks are not mine only. I’ll be sharing just 5 today, and you might just recognize something. They’ve helped me over the years and I hope they help you too. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I have tons of motivation tips and tricks. Ultimately, they don’t ALWAYS work, so I just switch tactics until I find something that works. It can be a hustle, trust me.
1. Passion is not cliché
Passion is important; don’t let anyone fool you. Whatever you decide to do, consider what interests you the most. For instance, if you have to go to college, study a course that makes you happy, and keeps you interested. When it comes to going for what you truly love, listen to yourself over others. The same applies to jobs. Never stop searching for that job that fulfills you. Now, I’m the last person that’ll ask you not to be realistic. There are times we have to settle for what is available, especially when bills are involved. But there’s a difference between setting up a tent and putting up a mansion. Take the jobs that help pay your bills, but if it’s not that thing you’re passionate about, never stop looking.
From personal experience, I can tell you passion is what makes you look forward to another day at work, even though the previous one had you begging for the day to end.
2. Understand WHY
It is very important that you understand why you do what you do. I know this sounds like tacky wordplay, but it’s not. You need to know why you chose to do whatever it is you currently do. Most of the time, what you do or how you do it aren’t even the issues. In many cases, understanding the purpose for which you’re doing what you do will give you the required motivation to stay on course.
3. Deal with procrastination
It’s popularly said that procrastination is the thief of time. If you’ve ever doubted this saying, I don’t know what to say. Sadly, procrastination goes beyond stealing your time; it steals your motivation. Don’t create excuses or rationalize why you’re yet to start that project. Rather, try to find out the real reason behind the delay and get to work immediately. Remember, the best way to begin anything is to simply BEGIN. So, get off your lazy behind and get to work. Chop Chop!
4. Be organized
Nobody likes to work in a dirty, scattered, and cluttered space; if there are, I haven’t met them. Ensure that your workplace is neat, clean, and uncluttered so your mind can be organized enough to get the job done. Your environment matters a lot. If you are able to create a calm and serene environment to work in, you have better chances of being efficient and productive at whatever you do.
5. Reward yourself
It’s one thing to work. It’s another to get rewarded. Beyond your grades in school, the salary you earn, or the profit you make from that business, you can celebrate your small wins. What I’m saying is this: while there is a reward for your cumulative effort which can come in the form of better grades, higher salaries, or greater profit, you should also reward yourself. Celebrate each milestone, every task you successfully complete. The truth remains that a tiny reward can push you much further than you could have ever imagined.
Remember, motivation is found on the inside. Find your motivation today, own it, and make it work for you!
