In your course studies, daily chores, and work duties, the drive to be diligent can become an obstacle. Avoiding the work is not a solution, and procrastination only produces additional frustration and stress. How can we maintain motivation in every area of our lives? Here are a few tried-and-true tips!
Staying motivated can be difficult. Sometimes we feel full of motivation and ready to make big accomplishments. Other times we lose motivation and feel bored or uninterested in the work we are doing. Whether you are looking for motivation in your personal life or professional life there are specific strategies that help you stay motivated.
Positive self talk, positive affirmations, and other similar practices are popular today. These can be good for a short period of time but often don't help you in the long term. You may have goals such as getting your dream job, improving your everyday life, or losing weight. Your motivation needs to be found in a sustainable way that continues to help you moving forward.
First, we must recognize how we are motivated. When we “walk through the motions” in our work, we may be relying on our extrinsic motivation. This motivation includes tangible rewards such as receiving a paycheck in our jobs, diploma in our studies, or praise from others in our relationships. Depending on external stimuli for motivation can disconnect us from the power and purpose of our work.
Intrinsic rewards, on the other hand, are another source of motivation. Intrinsic motivation includes external and personal interests such as fulfilling your purpose and calling in life or working on a hobby for enjoyment.
Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations are equally valuable and must be included in our work. To refrain from procrastination and maintain healthy motivation, consider this series of practical habits and steps.
Rather than pushing through a task, take a productive break to reflect. When we feel a lull of energy in our work, reflecting on the reasons why we started can refresh us. Feel empowered by how far you have come and all the hard work you have accomplished.
Before diving back into your work, plan ways to implement rewards in your work. Celebrating the milestones and small victories establishes a natural motivator for yourself. You can also customize these rewards for yourself and your needs.
You do not have to start your tasks from the beginning, but creating a renewed and strategic plan of action can help you become productive and motivated.
Maintaining motivation is a discipline, and time is valuable. Be encouraged and empower others who are discouraged in their work, studies, or personal lives to take time to reflect, reward themselves, and restart their tasks with a balance of extrinsic and intrinsic motives. Learning to stay motivated is a great practice for better mental health.
