How to Stay Motivated: Secrets for Your Success

Have you ever noticed that getting yourself motivated to do something or deciding to quit a bad habit is usually pretty easy? It could be getting in shape and losing weight, or maybe you want to give up cigarettes or even save money for a tropical vacation … the ideas all sound pretty good initially.

Staying motivated, though, can become an issue. If you constantly find yourself losing your steam after starting a new project, you’re not alone, especially if you run into some discouraging roadblocks along the way. I once read that 75% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions for a week but less than half are still on track six months later, and I believe it.

Easy Ways to Help Stay Motivated

We can all wind up in a slump at times, but learning how to stay motivated is possible. Here are a few of my tried and true suggestions. Remember them when you’re feeling blue.

• Break your goals up into manageable chunks. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and most likely you’re not going to accomplish whatever it is that you’re trying to do within a short amount of time. Most things that are worthwhile really do take time and effort. Let’s say you’ve decided to write a novel. It’s completely possible, but it’s a pretty big deal! So, aim to finish one chapter every week or two. You’ll be able to celebrate each time you meet one of your “chunks,” or mini-goals.

• Reward yourself along the way. Speaking of celebrations, reward yourself along the way. The rewards don’t have to be major—just something to remind you that you are doing a good job. Go out for dinner with a friend, buy yourself that new book you’ve been wanting to read, or catch a movie one night. Do something just for you.

• State your goal publicly. Whenever I recommend stating your goal publicly, it’s met with mixed reactions. Some people become so afraid of disappointing everyone that they told about their goal, they’re able to stay motivated and keep on trucking through thick and thin. Other people wind up slipping a bit, because friends and relatives tend to say, “Good job!” even though you’re not always doing your best. Stating your goal publicly is really up to you. Do you think it might help you stay motivated?

• Read about or communicate with other people that have met similar goals. There’s a reason that people trying to change their eating habits join weight loss groups. Dieters usually like being around others who are also trying to lose weight because they can empathize with one another and learn from one another. For that reason, I like reading books and blogs by other people who have “made it” online because it helps me keep on track—just proof that anything really is possible!

• Always remember that persistence pays off.  “Slow and steady wins the race.” It’s something that most of us have been told our entire lives, and it is completely true. Overnight success is rare. Most celebrities struggled until they made it to the top, but they were persistent. Remaining focused on your goal and staying motivated can help you achieve just about anything. Give it a shot!

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