1. Write down a list of goals.
2. Post that list of goals somewhere in your house.
3. Figure out what motivates you.
4. Change your mindset.
5. Give yourself a challenge.

Let's go through each of these one by one, so that you can better understand how you can take just a few simple steps to change your life and get motivated right now!

1. Write down a list of goals-realistic goals.

Write down a list of goals that you want to achieve. Divide these goals into short term, middle term, and long term goals.

Then go through your list and decide which ones are realistic goals that you can actually work towards at this time. This doesn't mean that you're giving up on the other goals that you have; it just means that you are deciding what you are capable of working towards right now. As you achieve more goals and integrate certain habits into your life, then you can add more goals from your list. Trying to change everything in your life at the same time is one of the main reasons that people lose motivation quickly.

Take your new list of goals-the realistic ones that you are going to work on at this time-and look over it carefully. A good idea might be to have one short term goal, one middle term goal (save enough money to open an IRA, for example), and one long term goal (save enough to put a new roof on the house, or get healthy).

Then sit down with your list, and come up with a realistic plan of attack for each one of these goals. If you want to save a certain amount of money, come up with a savings plan that you can stick to. If you want to get healthy and start exercising, start small, like walking 10 minutes a day.

2. Post that list of goals where you will see it.

Posting your goals will always keep these goals in your memory. A good place might be your bathroom mirror, or somewhere over your sink. Always having those goals in front of you-like next to your computer at work-constantly goads you into action, instead of allowing you to sink back into your old habits.

3. Figure out what motivates you.

Everyone is motivated by different things. The best way to get motivated right now is to figure out what it is that motivates you. Is it the idea of a vacation that you can take in the future? Is it buying something new? Is it spending more time with your kids?

Figuring out what motivates you can help you decide what kinds of awards you are going to give yourself for working towards your goals. Figuring out what motivates you-other people, internal satisfaction, or whatever-can also help you harness that motivation and use it to keep yourself motivated right now.

4. Change your mindset.

Many people start working on goals with the idea that they will eventually fail. The most important thing that you can do is think positively, and realistically. Think, "This morning I will go walking for ten minutes," instead of "There's no way that I'm getting out of bed to go run for an hour."

Believing that you will accomplish your realistic goals will help you actually feel motivated enough to do it.

5. Give yourself a challenge.

Many people find that a great way to get motivated right now is to give themselves a challenge. It can be the prospect of running a 5K in 6 months. Or maybe an overnight biking trip. Or maybe saving a certain amount of money. Once you meet your challenge, then you can set yourself another one. Then you are always working towards something.