Motivation
Feeling motivated and keeping motivated can challenge all of us at various points in our daily life. Indeed, it’s one of the most common topics that people in my Happiness Club tell me they are struggling with. The number of people struggling with their motivation has significantly increased during the pandemic and the extended periods of lockdown and working from home. So, I asked our Happiness Club members this week, what helps you to get motivated? Well, there is a lot of knowledge in the group and I’ve added all that wisdom to my research and experience to bring you this comprehensive guide to how to get your motivation back and to stay motivated. Much of what I will share is fundamental to what makes us happy and some are the key steps in my Intentional Happiness Circle.
What is motivation?
Motivation is having the desire and the mental and physical energy to do things. It helps us reach our goals and achieve things in life. It drives us forward in our happiness journey.
The #1 tip to get motivated
Almost hands down, what most people in the Happiness Club said was most important for motivation is to find things that give you meaning and purpose. Having a sense of purpose motivates us in our lives and gives us direction. Are you struggling to find your purpose? Book a Discovery Call with me. I love helping people discover what gives them meaning in their lives.
How to keep motivated during lockdown
And during this past challenging year, what people stated helped them the most is to have a routine. Perhaps, like me, you embraced less of a routine at the beginning of lockdown. However, as the pandemic has continued, most of us have had to create a new routine for ourselves. Everything from fake commutes to virtual coffee catch up’s.
Ways to increase motivation
The great news is that there are so many ways to increase our motivation. Which ones are you already doing and what can you begin implementing now?
1. Accountability
Accountability was high on the list for many people. Having a good friend or a group which can hold you accountable and encourage you really helps you stay on track and keep you motivated. Remember to join my Happiness Club for accountability and support in abundance.
2. Be proactive
Be proactive about keeping in touch with friends and family.
3. Socialize with colleagues
Socialize with colleagues. Even though it’s not in person right now, plan virtual coffee breaks or happy hours to build those work relations and stay connected.
4. Celebrate the little things
Celebrate the little things and keep focussed on the positive. Try to focus on what is going well, don’t lose sight of what you are achieving by only seeing the negative. Practicing gratitude is a highly effective tool to train our minds to be grateful for things each day.
5. Move
Make sure you move a little every day.
6. Rest
Equally important is to rest. You can read about the 7 types of rest we need.
7. Declutter
Declutter. You know how much I love this topic. Clutter depletes our mental, physical and creative energy. It’s one of the foundation steps in Intentional Happiness. Make time to assess your clutter and your clutter cost and see what you can do to own less and feel more organised.
8. Make time for personal development
Make time for personal development. Listen to podcasts, read books and listen to Ted talks.
9. Body language
Watch your body Language. Smiling and posture all influence our mood.
10. Be more present
Be more present. Practice mindfulness and learn to be more in the moment and not worrying about the what if’s. Being more present reduces stress levels and increases energy and motivation. Need to learn how to be more present? Join my mindfulness course that runs throughout the year.
11. Create a workspace for yourself
If you are working from home, create a workspace for yourself. Find a table or desk, a comfortable chair and some natural light. Bring in some plants and post up some motivational quotes.
12. Affirmations
Take a few minutes each day to say to yourself some positive and motivational affirmations. A great suggestion from the group was to high five the mirror whilst saying your affirmation. This is proven to increase motivation and self esteem.
13. Get into nature
Get into nature. Take a break each day and spend some time in nature for fresh air and vitamin D. And if you can’t always get out, bring nature indoors with plants and flowers.
14. Get up and get dressed
Get up and get dressed! During the pandemic and lockdown, it’s been easier to skip getting dressed and to work in your PJ’s but everyone agreed that getting up and dressed really helped their motivation.
15. Plan out your day
Plan out your day. Having your day planned out with work, rest, exercise and fun will keep you motivated.
16. Goal setting
Goal setting. Set small, achievable goals that you can tick off and feel a sense of accomplishment.
17. Boundaries
Setting personal and professional boundaries is essential. Especially when working from home those working hours can drift into longer days. Set your finishing time and stick to the boundaries.
18. Make time for hobbies
Make time for hobbies and what brings you joy. Make sure you add fun into your day.
19. Focus on your WHY
Focus on your WHY. The biggest motivator is not to focus on what you need to do but why. What’s your why?
20. Pause and reflect
Use this time to pause and reflect. What do you want to rush back to? Use this time to cultivate the life you wish to lead. Join me in the Intentional Happiness Circle to create the life you truly want.
21. Practice self care
Practice self care. Here are 10 ways to build self care into your daily life.
22. Embrace JOMO
Embrace JOMO. Right now we can feel low in mood as we focus on the things we are missing out on. Instead embrace the Joy Of Missing Out.
23. It’s ok not to be ok
It’s ok not to be ok. It’s absolutely fine to have days where you lack motivation or don’t feel ok. Accept those days, take care of yourself and tomorrow is another day.
24. No zero days
No zero days. Do just a small step towards your goals every day. Read one page, do one sit up, write one line. It will gather momentum and motivate you.
25. Learn something new
Learn something new. Find a new hobby, course or experience.
26. Set yourself challenges
Set yourself challenges. Often we lose motivation when we get bored. Set yourself a new challenge to motivate and inspire you.
27. Do something for someone else
Do something for someone else. Many members of the Happiness Club find purpose and motivation by volunteering and raising money for charity.
28. Disconnect from Tech
Disconnect from Tech. make sure you take regular breaks from tech. We are online all the time for work, leisure and socialising. It drains us of energy so make sure you disconnect regularly.
Disconnecting from social media stops us from comparing ourselves to others. Comparing ourselves to others can be a negative and demoralising experience. Focus on what you are achieving and accomplishing on your own journey.
30. The pomodoro technique
Use the pomodoro technique. I love the pomodoro technique. Set an alarm for 25 minutes and work focused for the whole time. Take a 5-minute break and set your clock for another 25 minutes. When you focus on these short bursts, you can achieve a lot and feel that you are making progress. And that’s motivating!
31. Write a Done it list
Write a Done it list. That never ending to do list can be a demotivator. Instead, at the end of the day, write a Did-It list that lists all that you achieved today.
32. Reward yourself
Reward yourself. Incentives can be motivating. Give yourself little rewards for your hard work.
If you are finding it really hard to find motivation, please reach out to me. Together we can find clarity and motivation and get you unstuck.
Happiness Evangelist, Life Coach, Best-Selling Author and Speaker with over 30 years of experience, helping you to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Discover and live to your true potential. Live the life you desire!
