We all have those days when we don't feel like getting out of bed, feeling all moody and defeated especially when we have pending tasks/projects waiting. Here are 9 tips to help you stay motivated.
Keep a running list of wins to refer back to when the going gets tough.
It’s pretty easy to forget our wins and successes when faced with real difficult tasks and situations but did you know that keeping a record of your wins can be the surge of motivation you need? It could be written down in a notepad, or it could be taking a look at trophies or medals won or that certificate hanging on
the wall. This reminds you that you were once faced with a situation, a challenge, a task and you overcame it.
Set the right mood with the right music.
Our environment can have a huge impact on our moods, and while you can’t control the weather or the traffic, you can set the right tone with music. There’s real science behind the way we react to different types of music -- for example, research suggests that video game soundtracks improve concentration, while nature sounds could enhance cognitive function. You can create a playlist of songs that keep you going and uplift you and your moods when yo are feeling a bit low.
Pump yourself up with a motivational video.
For some of us, a song just might not cut it -- maybe you need a more direct message, or maybe you can quickly tune out music as background noise. Never fear. If you need a quick jolt of inspiration, you can watch motivational videos at home or if you haven’t got any, you can watch them online.
Set a morning routine.
Your willpower is strongest in the morning, so start your days off right. Making a routine of the things you need (or want) to do each morning will make it easier to get through the rest of your day, because you’ll be starting every day having accomplished something.
Knock out a few quick wins in the first half hour of each day.
This one requires reframing how you view a “win.” It doesn’t have to be a successful connect call -- leaving a great voicemail or sending a good prospecting email are both small, yet significant, things you can celebrate.
While you should always be working on improving your weak areas, there’s no reason to start your days discouraged. Prioritizing the things you’re great at allows you to start off your day strong and puts you in the right frame of mind to stay positive and focused.
Start your most difficult task the day before.
Oftentimes, the hardest part of completing a difficult project is simply to get started. We all dread these kind of projects. But did you know that If you spend the last part of each day researching and outlining facts for the projects, you cover a lot more ground and you know you are not starting from scratch. This technique accomplishes two things:
- Outlining requires less brainpower than writing. Outlining the necessary facts, details, the day before keeps you productive at the end of the day, when your willpower is drained and it’s harder for you to focus.
- You can dive straight into the most challenging part of my day as soon as I sit down. This sets the tone for the rest of your day and keeps you moving forward instead of getting sidetracked or discouraged.
If you have a big meeting you need to prepare for or a major project you have work on tomorrow, start it today or create a plan for how you’re going to tackle it. You’ll be amazed by how much more you accomplish when you do a little prep work.
Do something every day that makes you happy.
We don’t procrastinate because we’re lazy or have poor work ethic -- generally, it’s because we’re unhappy. In Temptation: Finding Self-Control in an Age of Excess, journalist and public policy scholar Daniel Akst wrote that ultimately, “procrastination is a mood-management technique.”
Build some simple joys into your routine. Take time out of your schedule every month to volunteer for a cause that matters to you, put on a favorite piece of music while you’re brushing your teeth, or do something as simple as packing a lunchtime treat for yourself in the morning.
Reward yourself.
It’s really okay and advised to buy or get yourself a reward each time you accomplish something. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, it could be taking yourself to the movies, or buying yourself a cone of icecream. It could even be cooking that delicious meal you’ve been putting off. Try it.
Use the “chameleon effect” to get inspired.
Feeling down at work? Go find the most enthusiastic, motivated person you know -- the one who bleeds your company colors, always seems to have a new side hustle, and actually follows through. Grab coffee with them and feed off their good energy.
Oh! We decided to throw in one last tip for when you're feeling really low not motivated.
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