Many people believe that motivation is something that can be gained from repeating affirmations daily or watching motivational videos by speakers such as Les Brown or Tony Robbins. This is true to some extent. But ultimately, motivation has to come from within you, because external stimuli can only take you so far. The problem here is that when the going gets tough (and it almost always will), you may be feeling down and pessimistic. There are certain habits to cultivate motivation.
Albert Einstein once said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
This is an important point to note. We’re often told that we need to dig deep and find motivation from within. Yet, how do you dig deep if the tank is empty? How do you motivate yourself when you’re on the verge of giving up?
Learn as if you will live forever, live like you will die tomorrow
Mahatma Gandhi
Your habits will motivate you
The key to motivating yourself is to build good habits that sustain you EVEN when you’re not in the mood. People often feel like they need to be enthusiastic and energetic to do what they need to. Success is a journey.
This is NOT true. Sometimes, you may not be in the mood… but going through the motions is all you have to do to stay on track.
Life has its ebbs and flows. Similarly, on some days, you may be raring to go, and on other days, you’re just tired of the grind.
On the days when you’re down, what matters is that you follow through with what you need to do. That’s what habits are all about.
We first make our habits, and then our habits make us
John Dryden
Important habits to cultivate
1. Have a routine to follow
One of the best habits to cultivate will be to follow a daily routine. It may seem boring, but what many people fail to realize is that their minds love structure and routine.
If you observed yourself, you’d realize that you are a creature of habit. The foods you eat aren’t really that varied. The TV shows you love are generally of a similar nature. The activities you enjoy have been the same for years.
So, having a daily routine to follow will help to keep you motivated and on track. Even on days when you’re not feeling it, going through the motions successfully will give you a sense of satisfaction. I have said many times that to improve your mindset for instance takes a daily habit.
2. Plan your tomorrow today
This is an excellent habit that prevents decision fatigue and also keeps you on track. If a workout session is in your routine at 9 AM the next day, planning it out the night before will mean knowing exactly what exercises you’re going to do at the gym.
You do not want to go to the gym and walk around aimlessly. You must have a plan, and ideally, it should have been planned the day before.
The same applies to your work and other activities. The more clarity you have, the easier the execution will be the next day. Even if you’re not motivated, having a clear set of tasks to complete will make the process more straightforward.
3. Spend some time gratitude journaling
An attitude of gratitude will elevate your thoughts and vibration. By starting each day with a grateful heart, not only will you feel like what you have is enough, but you’ll be happy with your life and seek to reach greater heights.
This is different from feeling dejected because of a sense of lack as you struggle to improve your lot in life.
It may look like the same thing, but the place you’re coming from and your approach will be totally different. Write down 10 things you’re grateful for each day.
This one habit alone will do wonders for your mental and spiritual well-being and will keep you motivated when you lose sight of the forest for the trees.
Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too
Mark Twain
Conclusion
These 3 habits when practiced daily will help to motivate you to keep going even when times get rough. These daily habits will build momentum and once you’re on a roll, you’ll be unstoppable.
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