Motivation makes you more excited to do something, but it's not always there when you need it. If you feel reluctant to start an activity or complete a task, try to motivate yourself to keep yourself motivated. Ask a friend, family member, or team for support so that you continue to work responsibly. To realize long-term goals, make a work plan with clear and realistic targets so that you stay motivated until the goals are achieved.
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Method 1 of 3: Cultivating Enthusiasm
Step 1. Decide why you want to do something
Sometimes, we need encouragement to complete a task or job. Say it out loud or write down why you need to do an activity or complete a task and what the benefits are.
- For example, say to yourself, "Starting today, I will exercise regularly to keep my body healthy." or "I have to do my best at homework to get an A."
- Realize the bad consequences if you get used to procrastinating. Promise yourself by saying, "I can come home early this afternoon if I start work early." or "I can do more fun things when I'm done."
- Create a vision board that represents your goals as a means to remind yourself of all the things you dream about.
Step 2. Break the task down into activities that are easier to do
If you feel overwhelmed by having to work several hours to complete a pile of tasks, make a schedule so that the work feels lighter. To create momentum, start by working on a task that can be completed in a short amount of time. For example, instead of saying to yourself, "I have to work hard from morning until noon," you might say, "I'm going to write an hour-long report and then join the 11am meeting until it's time for lunch break."
Allocate time and keep track of all tasks using the to-do or calendar app. Use different colors to mark each activity so that long work hours are divided into short sessions so that tasks feel lighter and easier to complete
Step 3. Make sure that each activity is done in a fun way
Tasks or activities that feel overwhelming are usually difficult to start. If you experience this, think of a fun way to do the task, for example by asking someone else for help, challenging yourself to adopt a new way, or changing your routine to make the task easier to complete.
- For example, if you want to stay healthy, but don't want to go to the gym, join a class at a gym, for example, to practice kickboxing, aerobics, or yoga.
- Compete with friends while studying for an exam and determine who gets the most questions right or does the questions faster.
Step 4. Make a commitment to reward yourself when the task is completed
Appreciate yourself even if you only achieve small successes. To stay energized and motivated to do the next task, reward yourself, for example by taking a short break, enjoying a snack or a hot cup of coffee, getting a massage, or celebrating accomplishments with those closest to you.
Step 5. Take a break so you don't feel bored
Even if you need to focus on work or study, keep in mind that overcrowding can reduce productivity. Set aside time for short breaks several times a day. Set aside more time on the weekends to relax and unwind.
- For example, take a 5-minute break every 1 hour by walking or doing light stretching.
- Schedule a break so there's something to look forward to. For example, make a plan, "I'm going to take a break when I finish writing my report at 2 a.m. this afternoon."
- Don't do several things at the same time that it's hard for you to concentrate, such as reading an email while calling a friend, as your productivity will decrease.
Step 6. Tell yourself that you can achieve anything you want
When you lose motivation, you can be the worst critic. Say positive affirmations to encourage yourself. You can complete a task if your mind is focused on it.
If you find yourself thinking negatively about a task that needs to be done, switch it up by saying something positive to yourself. For example, instead of thinking, "I can't finish today's work because there's so much to do," say to yourself, "If I started working now, I'd be done before the deadline."
Method 2 of 3: Be a Responsible Person
Step 1. Find someone who will remind you to stay accountable
Have him monitor you as you complete tasks to make sure you're always making progress toward your goals. Ask if a friend, mentor, or coworker is willing to monitor your progress to keep you accountable.
- Agree in advance on a meeting schedule or telephone communication as a deadline for achieving goals so that you remain motivated to carry out activities or complete tasks before the deadline.
- Send the work to the monitor and ask him to give honest and objective feedback.
- Monitors may send reminders before the deadline, for example, "You must submit your proposal by the end of this week." or "Have you applied for funds?"
Step 2. List all the tasks that need to be completed
Put the task notes in a place that is easily visible, for example on your desk/study or display it on a computer screen. Cross out any completed tasks to maintain motivation. When all the tasks have been completed, satisfaction keeps you motivated to work on the next task.
- Use phone apps to create to-do lists, such as using Apple Reminders, Microsoft To-Do, and Google Tasks. In addition, you can set an alarm to remind you to work according to a predetermined schedule.
- Use the daily to-do list to complete daily tasks. Make a separate list to record tasks that must be completed in the short term and long term.
Step 3. Join a team that focuses on the same activity
This step ensures that you keep progressing towards your goals because your teammates can provide support, feedback, and appreciation to keep you motivated. Seek information about work teams through social media or visit community centers, libraries and town halls.
- If you want to write a novel or thesis, look for writers' groups in your city, for example by looking up information at universities, libraries, or bookstores.
- Running, hiking, or other sports are great ways to interact with others while motivating yourself to achieve your health goals.
- Study groups help you understand the material you want to study. Classmates can explain topics that are difficult to understand and studying with friends makes this activity even more fun.
- Join a class if you want to master a new skill. Studying with classmates keeps you motivated.
Step 4. Make a daily schedule
Make a work schedule as needed, but make sure you set up a consistent daily schedule so that you do the same activities/tasks at the same time every day. Routines ensure that you stay focused on completing tasks even if you don't feel like doing them.
- For example, in order to create your own website, set aside 1 hour each afternoon to create a program.
- Find out what time you are able to work in the most prime condition. For example, if your work performance is highest in the morning, schedule challenging tasks to be completed in the morning.
- Like it or not, all scheduled tasks must be completed. Even if you're not feeling well, do the work on schedule.
Step 5. Make a plan to anticipate unexpected difficulties
Prepare yourself before a problem or obstacle occurs. That way, you are ready to deal with it if it really happens so that the completion of the task is not hampered.
- You may be disappointed if you get negative feedback. To overcome this, do activities that make you feel calm, such as taking a leisurely walk in the park, drawing doodles on paper, or calling a loved one.
- If your computer has frequent problems and you need to write a report, keep the telephone number for the nearest information technology personnel or computer store. Look for places that rent laptops or use the computers available in the library. So, you are ready in case of computer problems.
Method 3 of 3: Achieving Long-Term Goals
Step 1. Determine the goals to be achieved
Sometimes, we find it difficult to motivate ourselves because we don't know what we want. Set goals that are specific, realistic, and achievable.
- For example, for students, you might want to study at your favorite university or take an internship at a particular company.
- If you want to have your own business, determine the type of company you want to set up. Do you want to sell a product, become a business consultant, or offer a service to the community?
- Set specific goals. For example, if you wanted to travel the world, which country would you like to visit first? Want to determine your own travel route or travel by cruise ship? Want to travel the world in one trip or multiple short trips?
- Don't set goals that make you neglect other aspects of your life that should be prioritized. Make sure you already know how much effort you have to put in to achieve all the goals that have been set.
Step 2. Break down the main goal into several intermediate goals
After determining the main goals specifically, also prepare some intermediate goals that support the achievement of the main goals. This method makes activities or tasks that support the achievement of the main goal easier to do.
- For example, if you want to own a house, set several intermediate goals, such as saving money, maintaining the credibility of potential debtors, applying for loans, and looking for a house in a certain housing complex.
- If you want to quit your job so that you can sell handicrafts over the internet, first set up a store website, stock up on products to sell, and advertise.
Step 3. Find successful role models
If you know someone who has achieved a similar goal, follow the example of what he or she has done. Use the experience as a source of inspiration to keep you motivated.
- A role model can be someone you know, such as a family member, boss, lecturer, mentor, or a famous person, such as a company leader or scientist.
- If you know your role model personally, ask him what he did to be successful. If he is a well-known character, read an interview he wrote or a life story that tells of his struggles to achieve his goals.
Step 4. Post motivational quotes in a visible place
Hang a poster on your office wall, post a Post-It on the mirror, or a small note on the refrigerator door with a motivating message. Whenever you need a source of motivation to keep you motivated, read the message.
- Choose the right place to post an inspirational message. For example, for those of you who want to lose weight, post a message near the scale or on the mirror in the bathroom. If you're finishing a big project at the office, place a piece of paper with an inspiring message on your desk or display it on your computer screen.
- Look for inspirational messages in books, websites, and video tutorials on how to motivate yourself. Purchase posters online or make your own using paper and stationery.
Step 5. Visualize your goal or dream
Set aside a few minutes each day to sit comfortably and imagine your goal has been achieved. When visualizing, imagine that you already have, do, achieve, or become what you want to be. What does it taste like? After a few minutes of visualizing, how do you feel? Use the obtained energy to start the next step.
- Imagine the details as vividly as possible by answering the following questions: where are you? What are you doing? what are you wearing? what do you look like? who is accompanying you?
- Visualizing using a vision board helps you maintain the motivation to keep fighting for your goals. Make a collage or arrange photos that reflect your goals or dreams. Put a vision board where you can see it every day, such as in your office or bedroom to motivate yourself from day to day.
