Staying motivated: 5 things to take note of

It’s probably very easy to start stuff. Unless it involves factors that you are not in much control over, beginning it isn’t usually much of an issue. It could be a workout routine, a diet plan, a hobby you have been interested in for a while, a skill, a job, it could be anything.  A really powerful saying goes,

 

The beginning of a thing is only surpassed by the end.

 

Getting from the start to the end of whatever you embark on, is no easy feat in itself. Enthusiasm over something can readily dissipate once you’re already into it. Motivation is highly essential to seeing things through but it is really hard to maintain. Distractions are at an all time high – social media and the internet easily being the biggest ones. These can actually lead to disinterest over time.

 

Here a few key areas to note and work on, if you want to stay motivated and get anything done.

 

 

Planning and tracking

 Nothing is as mentally frustrating as not knowing what next to do or what to start with. Having a plan gives your mind something to look forward to. Leaving whatever you are interested in to whenever you feel like it or whenever you are free, is one of the most unprofitable ways to go about it. Scheduling it for a particular time helps you get other things done so that you can get into it when it’s due. Setting your workouts for 9AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays is just an example. You’ll find that with time and conscious effort, the rest of what you have to do, adapts to let you stick to your plan.

 

Following your daily plan requires discipline, it doesn’t happen once you make the to-do list. Measuring how well you have been keeping to it is tracking your progress.

 

Having your interests scheduled is very rewarding as you look forward to the next when you’re done – motivation.

 

 

Consistency has always been key

 

It’s one thing to be interested in working out-for example, another to fix days and time for your sessions, then a whole different thing to keep to it. Nothing really pays without consistency and why it can be very difficult is that repetition is boring.

Honestly, there is nothing fun about doing something over and over again. It simply makes all the present distractions ever so appealing. Consistency is the only way to make a habit out of things that are uncomfortable or no longer interesting to you. It’s all the better when it is something that will definitely be productive to you.

 

Follow a pattern till it’s a part of you

 

 

Reasons and reminders

 

Why you choose to study, write, workout, learn a skill or any other thing you will want to do, is really going to be an important determinant of how willing you will eventually be to keep at it.

 

If you are exercising because it helps with your health conditions, chances are you’ll stick to it because your life ‘kinda’ depends on it. If it’s for other reasons, you’ll most likely not be as motivated because you can actually do without it.

The importance of reminding oneself of the reasons one undertook anything is because as humans, we forget a lot. Remembering what your original reasons were can also bring back  some of the enthusiasm you started with. Plus, you’re very likely to recall the value you saw in it before you got into it – a healthier life, a healthier mind, a healthier pocket et cetera.

It could be anything.

 

 

Focus and company

If you are not focused on what you are looking to get out of what you are doing, motivation to keep doing it will remain a big problem. Lack of focus will directly tell on your drive.

 

The people you surround yourself affect your focus and motivation at the same time. If your friends have zero interest in what you are doing or even discourage you from doing it, your verve and energy will automatically be affected. Your company can either boost or drain your motivation. People of like minds and interests stimulate each other.

 

Birds of a feather 'fly' together.

 

 

The power of positivity

 

Thinking positively changes the state of your mind which in turn affects your willingness and zeal.

Personally, deciding to figure out a blog post itself is a task separate from actually doing it. Staying motivated to doing this, I’ve found can be really hard. Sometimes all I need is a positive review or compliment to push me to work on what will also keep it coming.

 

Knowing how far you’ve come with whatever you are doing and appreciating it, can help you with how far you still have to go.

 

Progress no matter how little, is still progress.

 

 

 

Do you disagree with any? Do you have other ways you stay motivated?

Comment and share.