7 proven motivation strategies to achieve your dream life
Motivation is a powerful force that drives us to achieve our goals and reach our full potential. It is what propels us to take action and overcome obstacles, and it is essential for success in every aspect of life. However, motivation can be a tricky thing to come by. Sometimes we are filled with energy and drive, while other times we find ourselves feeling unmotivated and stuck. So, what motivation strategies can we use to tap into this powerful force and harness it to achieve our goals?
1. Remember your why
Remember your why. Why are these goals important to you? In your dream building process you hopefully determined the deep driving forces that produced the dreams and goals you chose. Revisiting those deep driving forces will help you to get back up when you’ve had a mental stumble.
2. Set clear and specific goals
Research has shown that people who set specific and measurable goals are more likely to achieve them than those who do not. When setting your goals, be sure to make them realistic, challenging, and time bound. This will give you a clear target to work towards, and it will help you stay focused and motivated.
Write you goals down every day. The act of writing them down entrenches your goals into your mind stronger than just reading them silently or aloud. It need only take 20-30 seconds on a scrap piece of paper but write them down.
3. Take action
It is easy to get caught up in the planning and dreaming stage, but real progress is made when you take action. Even small steps can make a big difference, so start by taking one small step towards your goal, and then build on it. The key is to keep moving forward, even when you encounter setbacks or obstacles.
Sometimes our dreams seem so big and difficult to achieve they may seem unattainable. If you’re feeling stuck, forget taking giant leaps toward your dreams and goals. What’s the easiest thing you can do today to keeping progressing? Do that. Action builds momentum and momentum carries you to successfully achieving all you want in life.
4. Positive mental attitude
When we have a positive attitude, we are more likely to see the opportunities and possibilities around us, rather than the obstacles. We are also more resilient and better able to bounce back from setbacks. So, make sure to surround yourself with positive people and activities, and try to focus on the good in every situation.
What can you learn from a set back? The causes, potential solutions, things you need to do or become to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Everyone has moments, days or weeks where you just can’t see how it’s going to work out. You need to choose how long you allow yourself to wallow in self-pity. You can change your thoughts instantly – if you want to. To achieve your goals, you must have faith that you will eventually achieve them.
5. Self-discipline
Setting a schedule and sticking to it can be a great way to stay focused and on track. When you make a plan, be sure to set specific deadlines, and then do your best to stick to them. This will help you stay motivated and keep you moving forward.
Self-discipline is really the essence of achieving success. The ability to make yourself do the things that you need to do daily. Build the right habits in your day to make self-discipline easier.
6. Your mastermind group
Surround yourself with people who are also working towards similar goals. This can be a great way to stay accountable and motivated, and it can also provide you with valuable feedback and support. Whether it is a friend, family member or a mentor, having someone to share your journey with can make the process a lot more enjoyable and rewarding.
There is a saying: You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
Look at your inner circle. I’m not saying you need to cut friends, but you may need to find new friends that help and push each other to achieve. Until you find these new friends, listen to motivational podcasts to help kickstart your day.
7. Reward yourself
Reward yourself for the progress you make. When you achieve a goal, take a moment to celebrate your success. Whether it’s treating yourself to a nice meal or buying yourself a new book, rewarding yourself will help you stay motivated and feel good about what you have accomplished.
The Wrap
Motivation is a powerful force that can help us achieve our goals and reach our full potential. By remembering your why, setting clear and specific goals, taking action, having a positive attitude, developing self-discipline, surrounding yourself with supportive people and rewarding yourself for progress, you can tap into your motivation and harness it to achieve your goals.
You do not need to do all 7 elements every day. Have them in your arsenal for when you need them and use as many as you need to get you back on your desired path.
“Motivation is like taking a shower, it needs to be done daily”
Zig Ziglar