How to Stay Motivated Until You Get What You Want
Was there a time when you were completely motivated to succeed?
And somehow you knew how to stay motivated...
Goals are mysterious things - they spring into our minds
motivating us to succeed, fuel fires of fantasy about success
and new found happiness, initiate an almost manic effort to move
our lives forward, and then - suddenly the fire goes out.
What once motivated you to succeed, drove you to get up early
and work late, now weighs in your mind as a failure in the wings.
Don't despair.
The aftermath of the best intentions often feels like failure,
but a few simple questions to yourself every day will provide
the motivation to carry you through until your goal's completion.
Step 1: Repeat goal aloud.
Repeat it again. And again. Simple statements repeated aloud and
often can trigger the subconscious into action.
Choose your goal, and pick strong words that inspire you. As you
say them aloud, pay attention to what the words mean. If your
goal is to practice the bassoon, say aloud "I will practice the
bassoon and make beautiful music!" or "I will make my bassoon
sing!"
Each statement rephrases the initial goal, but does so in a way
that refreshes and revitalizes the initial excitement of your
goal.
Step 2: Tell a good friend about your goal.
Talk openly about why you wanted to pursue your goal in the
first place, and what you hoped to achieve.
Talking with someone about possible outcomes and the steps along
the way can make the goal more realistic in your mind.
Each time you talk to someone, the goal becomes less a secret
desire, and more a route you have chosen that your friends can
encourage you on.
Step 3: Even if you don't feel like it, do it anyways!
There are mornings we all loathe getting out of bed, but hitting
snooze once more will not get the paperwork done any earlier,
finish our paper route, or see us to success.
Feelings are not facts, but they can catch up to the facts in
time - doing what you know you ought will eventually bring you a
feeling of satisfaction as well as of relief.
Step 4: Reward Yourself!
When you complete a step in your overall plan, reward yourself.
Little rewards along the way can make the overall job seem more
attainable.
Rewards do not have to be overly expensive to provide a boost.
Allow yourself a night off if you make three cold calls, or give
yourself a manicure once you have completed your thank-you card
list.
The goal is important, but the path you take can be where the
fun is. As you think about what arena of life you wish to
succeed in, remind yourself how capable you are.
Goals are meant to stretch us and push into places we would not
ordinarily go. Let the journey help you grow as a person.
Recognize that, although you will not always feel the same level
of motivation, an unwavering commitment can make all the
difference and you can stay motivated to succeed.