You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.
~ Henry Ford
You know that amazing feeling when your totally focused on a project, the wheels are turning, everything’s going smoothly, and you’re making great progress? There’s nothing like that feeling! You know nothing can stop you when you’ve got motivation on your side. Life, regretfully, isn’t always like that though.
Sometimes you come across unexpected roadblocks.
Sometimes your energy and commitment falters.
Sometimes things get tough.
And, your motivation falters – your project progress slows, or worse, completely grinds to a halt! Following are six ways to keep yourself motivated even when the going gets tough.
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Focus on Only the Important Things – Oftentimes our motivation flags when we find ourselves spread too thin. We’re focused on a project, but then our attention is pulled this way and that, and we find it hard to get back to the first project. If tasks aren’t important, put them on the back burner and don’t divert your attention.
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Reward Yourself for Mini Goals – Sometimes motivation falters when we realize our end goal is a LOOONG way away. When the end is not in sight, it’s sometimes easy to think it’s impossible. As the old adage goes though, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” To keep yourself motivated to move toward that long-term goal, set mini goals stepping you toward the end result, and reward yourself for achieving those.
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Don’t Wait for Perfection – We’d all like to do things perfectly the first time. However, sometimes those mental blocks are us hyperfocusing on trying to be perfect. Perhaps you’re putting together a presentation and you can’t find the exact way you want to say something, so you sit there staring at the screen – stuck. Instead of sitting there, push through those tough times with just getting it done. Give yourself permission to come back and make it better later. Sometimes all it takes to get the creativity flowing is to get the mental wheels moving!
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Get Some Exercise – When you feel your motivation slipping away from you, get some exercise. If you’re at the office, head outside and take a brisk walk. If you can slip away to the gym at lunch time, do it! Exercising produces those feel good endorphins that can turn your mood around. Plus, getting moving can help clear out those mental cobwebs!
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Steer Clear of Pessimists – There is no bigger motivation killer than someone doubting you can accomplish a goal. When others doubt you, you begin to doubt you! Instead, surround yourself with positive, supportive people, who will reinforce what a good job you’re doing and make you want to keep moving forward!
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Watch Out for Technological Time Suckers – Although it may be more fun to check out what your friends and family are doing on Facebook, or watch funny cat videos on YouTube, stay away from these technological time suckers. Nothing is worse than looking at the clock and realizing you just spent a big chunk of time getting absolutely nothing of value done. Instead, save those fun, technological breaks for mini rewards for progress. Set a timer, to make sure you don’t lose track of time!
About Colleen Seward Ryan, Leadership Expert
CREDENTIALS: Colleen Seward Ryan is an international workplace and employee management expert, award-winning corporate trainer, and conference keynote speaker. A media veteran, she has appeared on numerous radio shows around the country and has written more than 40 popular articles on diverse workplace issues. Colleen has delivered more than 1,100 entertaining programs in 48 states and five countries. She is the author of 10 published audio programs and two books including SECRETS YOUR BOSS ISN’T TELLING YOU.
Colleen Seward Ryan is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, and seminars by calling (623)340-7690.
