Everyone has those days where motivation is hard to come by: you drag your feet getting out of the house, you’re haphazard in the work you do for the day, and you cut out a little early in hopes to avoid the boss before he cuts out for the day. Working out? Forget about it. Eating healthy? Not a chance. On those days, you’ll do well to take some of our advice on how to get yourself motivated for a little something more.
It Starts the Night Before
Self-motivation requires energy. Energy comes mostly from one thing: a good night’s rest. Do yourself a favor: if you want to empower yourself with the ability to self-motivate, you need to put yourself to bed at a decent hour and get at least 7 hours of sleep (8 is ideal).
Work Out
Nothing is quite as motivating as an early morning workout. It’s a great way to get those endorphins going, but also to set the tone for the day. When you face that mountain in the middle of the day, think about how much more confident you’ll feel as you approach it having already accomplished so much that morning. On the flip side, making excuses and skipping out on that workout routine will definitely set the tone for the same behavior later.
Fuel Appropriately
We just talked about how important energy is for self-motivation. The other great source of energy lies in the foods you consume. If you’re snacking on sugar packed candy bars instead of protein and fiber heavy snacks, you’ll feel physically tired and without energy completely. Not great for motivating self.
Envision Success
Sometimes you just need to close your eyes and remind yourself what success looks like. When your body’s feeling the wear and tear of long days at work, when you’re drained of all energy as a mom or a dad, close your eyes and remember why it is you do what you do. Think about your little one’s sweet hugs, about your long term goals as a business owner. Envision success and pick yourself up.
Jam Out
Emotional pick-me-ups can be quite a boost in terms of motivation! That’s why we suggest blaring your favorite upbeat track whenever you need a little boost. Get that blood flowing, get excited about what you’re hearing, and when the song ends you’ll notice that feeling of excitement still sticking around.
Tune Out Comparison and Meditate / Pray
Comparison (think: social media stalking) robs us of so much self-motivation. We allow ourselves to feel less than more often than we care to admit, and rarely do we intentionally call out that behavior in favor of a little self-praise, prayer or meditation. Start a social media fast if you lack motivation, and every time you feel the urge to scroll a newsfeed, close your eyes and meditate in gratitude for who you are and what you can do.
Talk it Out
At the end of the day, sometimes despite our best efforts, we need an external pick-me-up. Never be above seeking that out. There will be days where there’s just nothing you can do to motivate yourself. in those times, seek the encouragement of your good friends and family who know you well.
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