The Struggle To Stay Motivated

3 minute read

Everyone has had a day in their life when they just wanted to do nothing.  Sometimes, this day turns  into a phase of unproductivity and lackluster progress. Terms such as “rut” or “slump have been coined to explain this crazy (not really) phenomenon.  I believe that as long as you stay focused on your goals, and beliefs your progress will give you the motivation you need to continue.  Furthermore, if you challenge yourself with these goals then you will be more focused and critically involved.  Everyone should try to be as motivated as they can all the time, we are all going to die eventually so we might as well make the best of it.

Focus on Your Goals

Keeping a productive mindset requires a clear vision of what you want to get done and what you care about.  If you go into a task without knowing what you want to get done, you are more likely to get distracted with something else.  It is always useful to go into something with a plan or a checklist that you will get done.

When working on your goals you need to track your progress and ensure that you are progressing with results.  For example, if you plan to work on your own blog, then you need to make sure you are actually getting things done instead of the “busy-work”.  If no progress is actually being made, then your motivation will decrease because you wont see results.  Furthermore, It can be highly motivating to see checkmarks next to your to-do list, and this increase in mood will further develop your motivation.

Staying Happy

Staying in a euphoric mood will increase your motivation to get things done.  It will end up leaving you inspired, so as you check things off on your to-do list, that satisfaction should help you be more productive.

For some people, they struggle to get started, and get into that state of flow.  I would advise to go do something you enjoy, and get back to it when you can.  Although this sounds a lot like procrastination, sometimes it is necessary if it will leave you with a better mindset.  If you want to go out with your friends, then go do it.  If you have to go out and try new things, then do it.  There is no point in completing work if your not in the right headspace.  I try to keep a mindset that encourages being spontaneous, If I have something to work on I will do it to the best of my ability, and I need to be in a good mood to make this possible. Everyone needs to live their lives to the fullest.

According to Gretchen Rubin, from The Happiness Project

You Will Die

Understanding the concept of death is difficult to grasp entirely.  However, it is easy to understand that your time to do what you want to do is limited.  The more quality work you complete throughout your lifetime will eventually lead to feelings of accomplishment and achievement.  Acknowledging and accepting this fact will increase your motivation significantly.  Everyone lives by their own unique mindset, and incorporating the concept that your time is limited will help you challenge yourself.

Challenge Yourself

The difficulty behind motivation is the lack of challenge associated with the task.  If something comes easy and naturally, then first of all, you will never improve; secondly, you will become bored easily.  The human mind tends to gravitate towards convenience, but mentally changing your state of mind is the key to success.  It is important to note not to challenge yourself too much where the task is too difficult; you will lose motivation on both ends of the spectrum.

For example, when you workout you will improve using weight you can easily life.  Your muscles will never break down enough to regenerate stronger than ever.  Its the same concept with the mind, if you never challenge your own critical thinking, you will never be able to move on with bigger and better things.

According to Eric Barker from Barking up the Wrong Tree

This slight challenge on yourself will make you more emotionally and mentally invested into the task.  Although difficult, you will have a stronger desire to get it done to feel accomplished afterwards.  My advice is to find something you want to improve in, and slowly challenge yourself to get maximum progress.

Conclusion

It is hard to stay motivated in our world full of distractions.  I advise that you should focus on your goals, challenge yourself, stay happy, and try acknowledge that your time is limited.