We all want to be more motivated in our lives. But it can be hard to find motivation when we’re feeling tired, or when something isn’t going the way we want. When it comes to motivation, we often turn to other people for advice. The most popular strategy is to set goals and make a plan for achieving them.
Motivation is a skill that is key to achieving our goals, but sometimes we can’t find the motivation to get started. It’s like a light switch that turns on when we’re working toward something we want and turns off when we need it most. But when we do find the motivation to achieve our goals, we can achieve amazing things.
Find Your "Why"
When you don’t feel like working, it can seem impossible to find the motivation you need to get things done. But sometimes all it takes is a quick reminder of why you’re doing the things you’re doing to get the motivation you need. For example, if you’re trying to build a business, remind yourself of all the people you’re helping. If you’re trying to get healthy, think about how great you’ll feel when you’ve accomplished your goals.
Motivation is what gets us up and moving — whether it’s exercising, starting a business, or writing a novel. But it’s a funny thing: sometimes we're motivated, and sometimes we're not. That’s because motivation is a lot like the weather. It’s a complex system that varies from person to person, and even from day to day.
How To Get Motivated
There are a lot of different ways to get motivated, but they all have one thing in common: they’re things you want to do. Some of us are “feel-good” types who feel motivated by the praise of others. So find a way to connect with other people who are trying to achieve the same things as you. That way, you have someone to rally behind and stay motivated with. You can also find motivation in the people around you. Surround yourself with friends and family who support you. Find the people who cheer you on, and remind you that you’re doing something great.
Some of us are more “go with the Flow” types. These are the people who feel motivated by action. For us, immediate results show we’re making progress. So set small, attainable goals and work toward them one step at a time. But the key is to find ways to get motivated that feel good. That way, you’ll be investing in yourself rather than wasting your time.
Some of us are more “think about it” types who feel motivated by long-term goals and benefits. Sometimes we need to get inspired. Other times we need to get reminded of why we’re working toward our goals in the first place. And sometimes we need a little push.
Finding what works for you is the most important step. Figure out which “type” you are then think about the kinds of goals you want to meet. Just make sure you set goals that you can achieve based on your personality type.