Get motivated now, stay motivated later
Whether a project is too big or you are just being lazy sometimes there are just certain things that you just don't want to do so you try to find ways to motivate yourself to get the project or chore done. It always seems that some people have an easier time than others when it comes to getting motivated. Many of you have probably been called procrastinators or maybe just plain lazy, if you have been called those names or even worse there is some good news. Or maybe you are the type of person who has no problem starting a project but you never seem to get around to finishing it because you have a hard time staying motivated later on, like right towards the end. If either of those scenarios are familiar there is hope for you.
Here are some tips to get you motivated now and to stay motivated later.
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Tip one:
One way to get yourself motivated is to use what Edward W. Smith calls the "Act as if" method. This method requires you to start the project and once you start the project you begin to act like it is really something that you want to do, even though you do not want to do it. By going through the motions and acting happy and excited about doing the project you are exaggerating your positive feelings and pretty soon your body tricks your mind into thinking that you want to do the task and your mind now has a positive outlook on doing the task. Another bonus about this method is it can work to change your moods as well.
Tip two:
Another way to get yourself motivated is to make a list of all the pleasure you will get from completing your goal. It can be as long or as short as you like. Even if you think the pleasure you will get from the task is silly it helps to write it down because then you can see in black and white just what you will gain from getting the project done.
Tip three:
Another way to get motivated is to write a list of all the negative things that will happen if you do not get the project done and once again you need to be honest. For example if the boat needs a new floor one thing you will miss out on is enjoying the opening day of boating season. Be sure to include the little things that you will miss out on as well as the more obvious ones.
Tip four:
A way to help keep you motivated later on is to review the two lists that you have written in an effort to remind yourself what you will be missing out on if you don't finish the project.
Tip five:
If your project is a long term project and you are going to need to stay motivated for a long period of time you should being to keep a log book or a diary about the things that you have already accomplished and how it has made you feel. That way when you feel like you haven't gotten anything accomplished or you are not reaching your goals fast enough you can look back at what you have written down to show yourself that you are making progress and that can help you feel better about yourself.
Tip six:
Another way to keep motivated is if you have a big goal you can break it down into smaller sections. This will help keep you motivated because you will be accomplishing a lot of smaller goals on your way to the bigger goal. By accomplishing the smaller goals you will feel like you have made progress which is enough to keep anybody going.
Remember the key to getting motivated and staying motivated is to have a positive outlook and take it one step at a time.
