I frequently answer this question while interacting with my audiences. As a motivational speaker and corporate trainer, I try as much to ensure that my audience goes back motivated and sustains that state of mind for long. That’s the yardstick to measure my work with.
Unfortunately, not everyone wants to change. Getting up and setting things right can be too much work, at times. But, I also know that a lot of people do try and I confess, it is not easy to stay motivated when the odds seem stacked up against you. After all, you cannot really stay clean if you don’t shower daily!
And that’s precisely how motivation works. You need a daily jolt or gentle nudge to keep you going, but may not have anyone to give you that nudge. It is time that you took matters into your own hands.
Motivation Tips: How do you keep your morals high?
- View Your Goals, Literally!
“The knowledge that your actions are being scrutinized as you work towards your goals helps you stay focused and motivated”
This idea is to put your goals down on paper. Pin up your goals on a stick note to your wall, television, refrigerator or laptop screen – the place you stare at most! I think most people should just pin it to their cell phone screens. This puts your goals out in the open, allowing your close friends and family to be a privy to them. The knowledge that your actions are being scrutinized as you work towards your goals helps you stay focused and motivated.
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Break It Down
“Take baby steps, keep smaller targets – they will look more achievable”
If looking at the bigger picture becomes too much, break it down so that it doesn’t overwhelm you. Instead of worrying about getting your dream job for example, try to figure out each of the requirements to achieve that goal. Each of the skills or qualifications needed for the job can be classified as a smaller goal. These individual goals will appear much more achievable and you can focus on them one at a time. Every step counts here. You will stay motivated, as you will know you are taking the necessary steps. Small episodes leading up to that grand finale.
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One Day at a Time
“One of the biggest secrets of motivation is its contagious inertia and doing a little or a lot everyday will help you maintain that inertia of motivation”
Goals can be overwhelming. Dreams can be pressurizing. Doesn’t mean you settle for less. Simply – do more. Plan your efforts towards each goal in a phased manner, allocating a specific amount of time that you will spend each day working towards it. It doesn’t matter if it is one hour or ten – the point is to stick to it. Take life one day at a time. Try to remain motivated today and work towards your goals today. That’s all anyone can do anyway. Live your everyday well!
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Body Posture
“Appearances may not be everything, but putting on the demeanour of confidence actually helps boosts self-esteem and keeps you motivated”
Research shows that how we conduct ourselves has a huge impact on how we see ourselves. Slouching and low-power postures make you feel weak and are often signs of low confidence. And when you feel weak, you act weak too. Funny how the mind works!
Train yourself to maintain better body posture and avoid slouching. Fake it if you have to at first and it will soon come to you naturally. Straighten your shoulders, hold your head high and start believing in yourself. Appearances may not be everything, but putting on the demeanour of confidence actually helps boosts self-esteem and keeps you motivated.
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Physical Exercise
“When you start to feel positive, your mind is able to focus and you feel increasingly motivated”
Normally, the loss of motivation leads to increased frustration and depression that only makes it harder to achieve goals. This build-up of negative energy can be directed and converted into positive energy through exercise and workouts. Studies have shown that even brief periods of physical activity trigger the release of what are known as happiness hormones, like endorphins and serotonin. When you start to feel positive, your mind is able to focus and you feel increasingly motivated.
To be honest, even after 17 years of public speaking, I still lose my focus occasionally and struggle to stay motivated. Life is never easy, but the worst thing that you can do when you are upset is curl up in bed and mope about it. Instead, pull up your socks and stand tall. The best thing that you can do is to get up and set things right.
This was originally published at ‘The Health Orange’
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