Let’s face it, we all experience lack of motivation from time-to-time.  Whether you are trying to stay fit, lose weight, get that degree or build a business, motivation is pretty important and can often wane the longer the task takes. Whatever it is that you are trying to get motivated to do; there are a few tips that can help. You can stay motivated to accomplish almost any goal.

Listen to motivating information, mentors or music: Grabbing your ipod and turning on your favorite mentor or music can serve to get you pumped about your goals.  Be sure to find mentors that you admire or music that inspires (Rocky Movie Theme is great for exercising) so that when you are feeling at your lowest, you can turn them on and tune in to your motivational moments.

Visualize and imagine your goals achieved: Cultivating the ability to see your goals and imagine what the end results can be an amazing source of motivation. By creating a detailed picture in your mind of yourself as you achieve the goal, reach the level you are climbing toward or do the final weigh in, will prove to be a powerful motivator.

Take a break and celebrate: No matter what the goal, there will be milestones that you reach that can be celebrated.  Take time to do just that.  Set those small goals and then when you get there, celebrate like crazy.  Rewarding yourself from time-to-time with small prizes will help you be able to pick up the next day and start the next phase of the goal.  Since goals are not achieved overnight, taking time to acknowledge small steps is very important in staying motivation.

Get accountable: You can accomplish anything with some help and finding an accountability partner will keep you on track.  In the middle of the night, when you feel like giving up, it is helpful to have someone to call and get a tune-up.  Don’t be afraid to find someone to help you, it may make all the difference.

Use negative people to propel you forward: We are all motivated for different reasons, but many people are motivated by someone who told you that you couldn’t do it. Proving the negative people around you wrong by accomplishing your goals to show them you can, will help fuel that fire. While you should never try to live your life for the approval of others, using them for a little motivation now and then is quite acceptable.

Do it for you: Conversely, others find that they need to reach within themselves for the motivation to achieve, simply because they want to do so.  Achieve your goals because you want to do it and not because others want you to. When you find your motivation from doing something just for you, it will be easier to focus on your goals.

Look to those who have gone before: There is value in finding others who have achieved what you are seeking to achieve, to gain encouragement and knowledge. Listen to what they have to say and take their advice.  Just knowing that others have achieved the same goal encourages you that it can be done. 

Motivation is sometimes hard to find, but not impossible.  Since we are all "rugged indiviualists" we assume we can keep our motivation strong all the time.  Perhaps with these few tricks, your own determination, you too will be able to make your dreams come true.

Sharon Schierling - Coach, Organizer and a member of the Work at Home United team, offering an simple and economical opportunity for women (and men) who want to provide for their families while being home to raise their children.

Work at Home United

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