While some of us can maintain a relatively high level of constant motivation, others find it more difficult. This is actually a normal fact of life. After all, beauty and the richness of life are in our attempt to reconcile and manage our different states.
Here are some simple things you can use to motivate yourself on a daily basis:
1. The habit of performing a single task once you get out of bed.
This may sound trivial but it can have a tremendous impact on your energy level. Just when you wake up, a simple task like making your bed, exercising or cooking breakfast can give you energy for the rest of the day.
Doing something early in the morning will give you a sense of accomplishment that, in turn, will affect the rest of your day. The little things do count. How will you find the motivation to do a great task when you can not even finish a small one? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step … in the right direction!
2. Connect your small tasks to your values.
In the first step, you can do something, but if you are not aligned with your values or beliefs, you are less likely to feel empowered. Whatever task you do, find it in relation to something that is important to you. You can apply this in your personal, professional or spiritual life. Performing a task that you know is related to something meaningful to you will give you the necessary energy to carry it to completion.
People who do routine work can find it very difficult to stay motivated. Frame your work in something bigger than yourself. For example, a bus driver can say: “I am happy to be able to contribute to the future of our society by taking children to school”. Framing routine work in that way will give you a sense of contribution. Knowing that you are making a difference will give you a sense of pride that in turn will motivate you.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
3. The habit of crossing out tasks on your to-do list.
You will feel more energized if you place your tasks on a piece of paper because nothing is more motivating than crossing out the tasks on your to-do lists. This is a clear signal to your brain that you have been able to perform a particular task. This will generate a snowball effect since a single task carried out and crossed out can have a generalized effect on other tasks. Because of this, take the habit of crossing out tasks on your to-do list.
4. The habit of being self-pitying.
We tend to be kind to other people. It is amazing to see how someone can be so empathetic and motivate another person even when they feel bad. Paradoxically, instead of giving a positive talk, they will go on a journey of guilt. We are not trying to achieve perfection here, we are simply trying to do what we were born to grow!
It’s okay if you did not finish a specific task today. Instead of complaining or blaming, make the decision right now, that you will complete this task tomorrow. Talk to yourself as you would a good friend. Give yourself a second chance. Do not get involved in a self-critical talk. Remember, nobody or anything can motivate you if you are not willing to give yourself a chance.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
5. The habit of taking responsibility.
It’s amazing how much responsibility for our results can change our perspective. I have had the opportunity to work with small teams and, in my experience, I have learned that people feel more motivated when they know they are responsible for the results of their tasks. Do not wait for the situation to be pleasant to motivate yourself. Take responsibility for your task and see how much energy you will put into it. While hygiene factors can help motivate you, only when you know that you are really responsible for the results of a particular task will you generate lasting motivation.
As humans we have unlimited psychic power. Just as you would pay more for natural and organic foods and beverages, you should take advantage of your natural source of motivation instead of expecting external factors to motivate you. That the same level of motivation that attracted you to this article keeps you motivated in a more consistent way.