Everyone has dreams and ambitions. However, the path to fulfill those ambitions isn’t always straightforward. There are distractions, setbacks, and times when our motivation simply fades away. The fact is that success is about more than just talent — it’s also involves commitment, focus, and the willingness to persevere.
If you’ve ever had a difficult time staying motivated, or you lost a sense of focus halfway to your goal, don’t be too hard on yourself — you’re not the only one! Here are some pretty incredible tips to stay on goal and keep your motivation alive as much as possible until you reach your destination.
- Have Realistic Goals
Having motivation is clear when you are clear about the goal. When the goal is vague it is very easy to lose focus.
Don’t have one larger goal, and instead break it down to smaller and realizable goals. For example, instead of saying “I want to get healthy” try saying “I am going to exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week.”
Each smaller win will inspire to keep number moving and get you to your goal.
- Find Your “Why”
Try to figure out why this is your goal. The “why” is what gives meaning to your effort.
Maybe it’s to be a better, healthier, financially supported, giving time back to your family, etc. Whatever it is, if you find meaning and reason in your “why” your drive for motivation will go through the roof.
- Build a Daily Schedule
Success is built on habits, so make a daily schedule that enables you to pursue the things you are working towards- even tiny actions, if you remain consistent, will have a significant impact over time.
Prioritize the things you should on your schedule and eliminate distractions that may consume your attention- and please remember that discipline often creates motivation, not the other way around.
- Keep it Clean: Stay Organized and Eliminate Your Distractions
Mess, whether physical mess or mental mess, will drain your focus. Maintain a clean and organized workspace, and turn off notifications while you are working.
Consider using techniques for productivity, such as,the Pomodoro method- where you complete a task in 25 minutes and then take a break for 5-minutes- to help you stay on task and not feel burned out.
- Stay Positive and Associate with Positive People
Who and what you associated with will have a big impact on your mindset. Surround yourself with positive people who support you in whatever you are working toward.
Avoid people who bring negativity or who want to dim your shine. Positive people and positive surroundings will help you to remain focused on your goal- despite the challenges that may occur.
- Celebrate Your Small Victories or Wins
Do not wait until you reach the end to celebrate. Celebrate on the way, and with any progress- no matter how insignificant it may feel. Small wins, are still wins- every small step is still a step.
Little rewards can help build self-confidence, reinforce good habits, as well as keep you mindful that your effort is starting to come together.
- Allow Yourself to Fail
The first principle is to “grow from failure.” You become conditioned to learning from mistakes, viewing mistakes as a hurdle without feeling a sense of culpability.
Failures are not failures, rather they are an important learning moment.
When things don’t go your way, don’t throw in the towel — analyze what went wrong, adjust, and keep going.
Resilience is a by-product of overcoming obstacles — learning before and moving forward with energy after every obstacle gets you closer (roots you into your goal).
More challenges combined with learning give you evolution in your goal process, that means you get closer and closer with new opportunities moving forward and back in your growth process.
- Find Inspiration
You can read motivational books, check out podcast episodes and/or video episodes which will ignite passion and inspiration in you (check, re-check, and re-imagine).
Sometimes all you need is just a little inspiration to reset your energy.
You can write down quotes or affirmations that frame reminders of why you started, keep them close to you and read them whenever you mess with your motivation. (Don’t underestimate the importance of having an inspiring quote.)
- Practice Self-Care
Your biggest tools are your mind and your body. Sleep well, eat healthy, and you can also take some trips when necessary.
Burn-out will destroy your motivation – this is why continuity is so critically important in the long run. Sustained growth needs attention restoring your mind and body.
When your body and mind feel well, it is much easier and enjoyable to feel productive and stay focused.
- Envision Your Success
Visualize and experience achieving your goal. It’s a reinforcement of belief going forward (what you believe is what you become), and keeps the inspiration alive.
Think and feel the excitement, pride, and satisfaction you will have when you succeed, clawed-out, or grab the opportunity you are re-imagining – and start using those positive emotions to keep pushing when going gets tough!
Final Thoughts
It can be hard to stay focused and motivated, but that is what makes the difference between those who wish things were different and those who do something about it. The key is small, consistent steps, belief in oneself, and don’t forget your “why?”
Just remember that it is about making progress towards your goal, not perfection. Stay patient, stay positive, and continue to move forward. One step at a time.
You are closer to your goals than you think … just stay focused, stay motivated, and never quit.
