Staying motivated and setting goals may seem challenging, but anyone can set an achievable goal and take the steps necessary to complete it. You may have to make some sacrifices along the way, but the results will be worth it. The true challenge is consistently climbing toward your goal, day by day, until you finally achieve it.
Here are some helpful methods to stay motivated as you achieve your goal:
Keep Your Goal in Constant Sight
In 1952, Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the Catalina Channel despite a dense cloud of fog blocking her vision. After over sixteen hours of continuous swimming, Florence requested to be pulled out with only half a mile left in her journey. She later credited the fog as the reason she could not finish, stating: “Look, I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen land, I might have made it.” Two months later, Florence attempted the same feat on a clear day, breaking the men’s record by nearly two hours.
Losing sight of your goals can be a lot like swimming in a dense fog. No matter how hard you try, you may feel like you are lost and not making progress. Create constant reminders of what you are pushing toward; tell family and friends about your goals so they can hold you accountable in a positive way, and, to keep your spirits high, create smaller goals to accomplish and track your progress.
Dedicate Time to Yourself
Warren Buffet is famous for saying “The best asset is your own self.”
If you do not invest time in yourself, how will you be able to learn new things or create new habits? A few tips for investing in yourself include:
1. Schedule time to read, write, work out or take a class about something new without worrying about anything or anyone else.
2. Create a predictable schedule where you are able to have time to yourself at the same time every day. It is convenient because it can let your body and mind become familiar with a routine that you enjoy.
3. Say “no”! Though saying “yes” can open up many doors for your business and personal life, it can also crowd your schedule and increase your stress levels. Be smart with your commitments and always remember that your time is a valuable thing.
4. Listen to motivational and positive audiobooks and podcasts on your way to work. Many smart phones connect right to your car which makes it easy listening on your morning commute. Try using the Podcast or Audible app on your smart phone to make your first purchase today.
Create a Rewards System at Your Desk
Rewards systems have been used in schools and work environments to increase productivity, morale and retention. Whether it is a sticker, cash prize or a free training session, rewards keep a goal in sight and are a way to accumulate small wins on your path toward accomplishing a larger goal. It is also a great way to hold yourself accountable and make sure that you are consistent.
Use Motivation that is Relevant and Unique to You
Motivation is created from within; it is not something that is given to you. Something that drives you to finish your afternoon run may not motivate your friend or neighbor in the same way. Look for something that you connect with and that inspires you beyond anything else. This can be a picture, a quote, something you wear around your wrist or even an emotion that you can remember after a powerful experience. Finding passion with a purpose is the secret in harnessing the power from deep inside you.