Are self-motivators created or are they born that way? If Terry Fox lived, we would probably ask him the same question.
What motivated young Terry to hop across Canada on one leg to raise millions for cancer? It wasn’t money or fame, as he was aware of his fate. So, the question is, what distinguishes motivated people from the rest of us?
There are many reasons why we lack self-motivation. Being overwhelmed with too many things to do is probably the number one reason we feel stuck and unmotivated.
Lack of skills, resistance to change or low self-esteem can also play a role in being unmotivated. If you’re feeling trapped, confused and unimaginative, you’re maybe looking for ways to raise your motivation. So how can we live every day with a clear purpose that will bring us positive results to living a happy, motivated life?
Many times, we are waiting to be inspired by something or somebody, and it seldom happens. Instead of waiting for things to happen, we have to make things happen. It doesn’t matter what you are striving for, your own business, more education, a better job or a nicer house, you need to start preparing for it. Maybe you need more training, a better connection to your community, or career counselling.
Plan your day
Take 15 minutes every day to plan your day and life. Choose one area to make simple improvements. It could be organizing your office, applying for online classes or calling somebody for the information you need. Stay focused on the things you love to do and have a skill for. Delegate tasks you don’t like to do. Only things you are passionate about will help you to stay motivated.
Repetition leads to success
Many of us think repetition is boring and hard to manage. When you start a new habit, whether it is going to the gym, writing a new resume or improving organizing skills, the key is consistency. Waking up 15 minutes earlier every day to do a five-minute exercise will be more beneficial than waiting for free time to do one hour.
Focus on achievement
Recognize the success you already achieved and focus energy on what else you have to do to reach your goals. Even the smallest success deserves recognition and celebration.
Energy is a motivator
If we are enthusiastic about past successes, we can repeat that as our brain remembers everything. If you’ve lost the weight you wanted to lose or did well in business, your energy will be sky-high and you will want to plunge back in to improve your previous performance and experience the thrill of success.
I will leave you with one of my quotes: “Use your failure as a lesson, not punishment.”
Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company based in Powell River and has written several books on reducing clutter and becoming more organized. For information, go to solutionsorganizing.com.
