Motivation is the force that drives you to achieve your goals. Today we are presenting 15 easy ways using which you can motivate yourself, whether to study for an exam, to lose weight or in order to succeed at work.
1. Review your past successes
If you have been feeling depressed or simply going through a bad spell lately, at school or work, then taking some time to review past success can help. You have come this far already; so think about these positives from time to time-it is an essential way to help you keep yourself motivated.
2. Understand that you cannot make everyone happy
Sometimes, self motivation can only come by being selfish. You have to think about your happiness and goals and stop trying to please everyone. You are the only one accountable for yourself.
3. Create an environment for success
Create a space where you feel motivated to succeed. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and love you. Try to avoid negative people who pull you down. Keep ‘triggers’-factors that encourage you to remember your goals- to remind you to think and work in that direction.
4. Energize your mind and body
A healthy, happy mind and body is very important to motivate yourself to study hard or to succeed at work. So, invest time in both. Set aside a time to meditate daily. Also set aside 30 minutes for physical exercise which releases feel good endorphins that make you healthier and happier. Also focus on eating healthy food that will nourish your body instead of filling up on empty carbs that only give short spikes of energy.
5. Get started
The first step is the most important step on any journey. Just start; do not think too much-ACT. Once you start, things will automatically fall in place. Gather the right tools that will help you get started. For example, if you are looking to lose weight, you can shop for a nice set of workout gear which will motivate you to get started.
6. Refuel from time to time
When you set out on a long journey, you need to take some time to refuel every now and then. Likewise, you need to re-fuel your mind, body and soul through exercise, right nutrition and proper relaxation techniques. You also need to set aside some time for hobbies to help recharge you and prevent you from getting depressed. You can meet up with friends once or twice a week- people who love you and make you laugh. The same is true when you are motivating yourself to lose weight- a treat once in a while is great-just do not make it a habit.
7. Read inspirational quotes and books
Motivational books based on the lives of people who have made it big can also come in really hand as they can help improve your outlook on life.
8. Track your progress
Tracking your progress is an important part of self motivation-whether it is to lose weight or study for an exam. Write down whatever you have achieved so far and note down things you still are left to do. Do not let negative results discourage you. Stay positive throughout.
9. Challenge yourself
Sometimes, boredom sets in when you get stuck in a rut. So try and challenge yourself. When you push yourself to do more, you will be amazed at the things you will achieve. This will keep you motivated to try harder.
10. Smile
They say, ‘Smile and the whole world smiles with you!’ So keep smiling no matter how depressed you might feel. When you smile, you actually feel genuinely happy. This happiness also rubs on to others around you. Everyone will start liking you and this can also change your situation.
11. Keep learning
Life has so much to offer you! Keep learning every day. Learning will keep you young and happy and also encourage you to try out new things. People who constantly learn new things broaden their scope on life.
12. Set SMART goals
SMART stands for ‘Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time Oriented’ goals. When you achieve goals, you feel much happier. So, create goals which you can attain. Tell someone about that goal or write it down. Establish a timeline for that goal.Make sure the goals are achievable else you’d be setting yourself up for failure. So, an example of a SMART goal would be: “I want to lose 5 lbs till the end of December 2016. For this, I will perform 30 minutes of cardio daily and will limit my calorie intake to 1200 calories per day’.
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13. Take responsibility
If you are looking for ways to motivate yourself to succeed in school or work, you must take responsibility for your goals. Thus, you must attend all classes and be up to date with your class and homework. Set a workable schedule and pay attention to deadlines. Likewise, if you end up eating carbs that keep you from your weight loss goals, you must take the responsibility to burn those carbs off too.
14. Get help
Sometimes you cannot do everything alone. So try and make connections with people who can help you out with your problems. Ask questions that will help you answer your doubts. Meet up with trainers, instructors or seniors who can guide you. If needed, get a buddy to work with you.
15. Keep your eyes on the prize
Remember: there will be many distractions that will lead you to stray from your path. So, try and minimize them. Maintain a laser sharp focus on the end result. The intensity of your focus will help you see the task through till the end.
Finally, set an example: Do not just motivate yourself, motivate others around you too. This is an important step to get ahead in life, at work or school.