I was talking to my friend yesterday about the new year, goals, the blog, and life in general. During our conversation he said to me ‘Sarah, you’re a real doer. I mean you said you’d start a blog then BAM you did it! Not only that, but you have something new most days!’
This was the ultimate compliment. To be seen as a doer. But I wasn’t always like this. I used to be a thinker, a wisher, a wanter, a sayer, but not a huge doer. I was partly gripped by a fear of failure and would make excuses. Like waiting for the right time to start something, thinking there would be some miraculous ‘sign’ to come along and tell me ‘okay you can start now!’. Yeah that doesn’t happen…
In my posts about goal setting and the science of your success, I mentioned change is hard. Sometimes getting started is actually the most difficult part. I encourage you to take a word out of Nike’s page and ‘Just Do It’ Once you take action, the good feelings will follow.
But then the question arises: So now I’m doing things, making changes, taking action, But how do I make sure the motivation doesn’t wear off? Well I’m glad you asked because today I thought I’d share with you a few of the techniques I use to keep myself motivated on a daily basis.
1. Create a vision board.
I got this one here from K-mart. It’s $19 dollars and I love it. Half of it’s a whiteboard, the other half a corkboard. Stick things on it that remind you of your goals: pictures, clip outs from magazines, motivational phrases, people who inspire you, places you want to go, etc. Make it beautiful and make it meaningful. Then hang it somewhere you will see it everyday!!!
2. Be your own cheerleader
This is what I use the whiteboard for. I write notes that will motivate me to keep going, but also notes that are caring, almost like an affirmation. Right now mine reads ‘Good morning sunshine!’. Try posting up some of your favourite quotes that make you smile.
3. Set an intention & review important tasks
I can’t really take credit for these next two tips. I read an amazing post by Malavika on ‘How to start Your Day like a Rockstar’ and have used a few of her tips myself. The first being to set an intention for the day. This is almost like a mantra for how you will approach your day. Such as ‘Today I will focus on remaining positive’ or ‘Today I will be productive’. You may want to write it down (whiteboard maybe?) or simply say it in your head.
Once you’ve set the tone for the day, it’s time to review your to-do list. What are 3 of the most important things that you need to get done??? Focus on completing those first before moving on to less important tasks.
So there you have it, a few simple tips to help you stay motivated and moving towards completing your goals. Making change is possible, but action speaks louder than words. Get out there and be a doer!
Question:
- What ‘intention’ have you set for today?
- What tips do you use to stay motivated?
Leave your comments below!
Starting a blog is one of the goals I set for myself this year, so it’s really cool that I ran across your post. Your vision board is a really good idea. (I don’t believe in coincidences.) I read Malavika’s post about starting your day like a rock star, too. Good stuff from both of you!
Thanks!!! yeah my vision board is something i hope to update throughout the year as I achieve goals and start striving for new ones. Good on you for starting up a blog as well
Thanks for the great post. Often we do sit around waiting for a “sign” that it is right for us to go ahead and do something – and you are right it doesn’t come, and we have missed out on an opportunity to try something new.
Just what I needed – cheers!
hey ali! yeah i totally waited around on my bum for so long until i decided t get busy living. glad you enjoyed the post!
Goals for today? I hope this isn’t too corny…I found your web site last week and was going to use it for my motivation to stop ‘talking about’ and ‘start doing’ losing the weight from the holidays and get back in beach shape. I want to use your journey to energize my journey. So I am eating a salad as we speak.
I make lists to keep moving me along my list of goals. Few things are as fulfilling to a ‘list maker’ as crossing off a goal or a task. Keep up the great work Sarah!
Good for you! I’m happy that you feel inspired, and give a big thumbs up for eating salad. I had a nice big one for lunch today too