How do you keep yourself motivated every day? It’s a common question in personal development, and honestly, I’m not always motivated. Motivation can come and go, but what really matters is recognizing that it’s okay to feel this way. Like Zig Ziglar said, motivation is like bathing; it’s needed regularly, but it doesn’t always come naturally.
What I find most important is being aware of my motivation levels. Even on days when I’m not feeling motivated, I focus on what needs to be done. This isn’t about forcing myself through sheer will, but rather understanding that actions can lead to motivation. It’s not just about waiting to feel inspired; it’s about taking the first steps.
For me, starting is often the hardest part. Once I begin a task, however, momentum builds, and motivation often follows. The key is to engage in some activity, no matter how small it may seem. Action sparks further action, and this can lead to motivation.
If you’re struggling with motivation, remember that action can kickstart your drive. Start with something manageable and let your actions lead the way to feeling motivated. It’s all about keeping the momentum going, even when the initial spark isn’t there.
Find your why.
You’ve probably heard this advice many times. Your “why” is your purpose, the deep reason behind what you do. It’s like the motor in a machine—it propels you forward. Having a clear purpose gives your actions direction and strength, especially on challenging days.
Motivation and motive share a common root, highlighting the connection between your purpose and your drive to act. When you know why you’re doing something, it’s easier to stay focused and avoid procrastination.
Even on days when you don’t feel energized or motivated, a strong sense of purpose keeps you grounded. It serves as a reminder of why you started, helping to spark your drive even when times are tough.
It’s perfectly normal not to feel motivated all the time. But this doesn’t mean you stop moving forward. Think of your purpose as your engine, pushing you onward, even when you feel like taking a break.
So, if you need to pause and recharge, that’s okay. As long as you have a clear purpose, you’ll always find the energy to keep going. This internal drive ensures that you’ll continue on your path, motivated by the reasons that set you on this journey in the first place.
Establish a routine.
As a professional speaker, I’ve learned that staying fully booked means consistently connecting with clients. It’s easy to focus solely on the client in front of you and forget to reach out to potential new ones. This is a mistake because failing to connect with prospects today means potentially having no clients next month.
So, I have a set time every morning—nine o’clock—when I open my CRM to see who I need to talk to and call. This scheduled check-in ensures I don’t overlook anyone and keeps my pipeline full.
Relying solely on motivation to manage these tasks isn’t enough; I need a routine to keep me on track. My CRM helps by reminding me of my daily tasks, acting as a prompt to get moving.
Once I start my routine, it’s easier to build momentum. Just like I mentioned earlier, getting started is often the most challenging part, but once I begin, everything else flows more smoothly. Establishing this kind of routine helps me maintain consistency in my connections, ensuring a steady flow of work.
Write your to-dos in the morning.
Start with the easy ones. This strategy allows you to rack up small wins early in the day, which can boost your motivation and keep you moving forward. Celebrating these small victories is important—it reinforces your progress and keeps your spirits high.
When faced with larger tasks, I break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This division makes the task less daunting and more approachable. It’s a practical way to maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
If I’m unsure how long a task will take, I start with what I estimate to be about 10% of the work. Tackling this initial segment does wonders for overcoming inertia. The idea is simple: just get started. This small commitment can be significantly easier to manage than facing the entire task at once.
Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed, but by focusing on smaller, achievable tasks, you reduce the risk of becoming paralyzed by larger projects. This approach keeps things manageable and progress steady, helping you stay productive and on track.
Keep your discipline.
This should be my number one piece of advice because, in truth, it underlies everything I’ve shared. When motivation fails, discipline prevails. It’s the enduring force that keeps you moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
Discipline triumphs over motivation every time. It doesn’t matter if you wake up feeling off or if the day starts on the wrong foot—discipline ensures you keep pushing through. It’s about committing to your tasks and responsibilities regardless of how you feel.
Having this strong sense of discipline means I always tackle the most important tasks first each day. It’s a commitment to doing what needs to be done, in the order it should be done, without letting emotions or moods dictate my actions.
By prioritizing discipline, I ensure that even on days when motivation is hard to find, my most critical tasks are completed. This approach keeps my work on track and my goals within reach, proving that disciplined habits are key to maintaining productivity and success.
