• Stay positive. The power of positive thinking is huge. At the same time, negative thoughts and self-doubt also has a powerful effect on your ability to be a better you and reach your goals. Constantly telling yourself that you'll never lose weight, never stop smoking, or don't have what it takes to get a promotion is not motivating. Stay positive and know that you will reach your goals, it just takes hard work and a plan. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.
•  Set goals. Setting mini-goals along the way to reach your overall objective or goal is a great way to increase your self-motivation. It makes the task at hand seem more manageable.
•  Reward yourself. Keep motivation in yourself high by rewarding yourself when you reach a mini-goal, or when you make progress. This will not only show you that you can achieve things, but that there is something motivating you to help you get there. For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, say you'll reward yourself with a new pair of shoes after you lose 10. Then set another reward for reaching your final goal.
•  Have direction. Knowing exactly how you are going to be a better you is important. It's difficult to stay motivated if you are aimlessly trying to reach a goal. Map out exactly how you are going to reach your goal. For example, if you want to learn how to speak French, write down the steps you will take to reach that-including taking lessons, practicing for a certain amount of time a day, and so forth.
•  Know the consequences. While it is important to stay positive, sometimes, knowing the consequences of not reaching a goal can be very motivating as well. For example, if you want to quit smoking, list out and then take a look at the consequences, such as paying for an expensive habit or the possibility of getting cancer. Or, if you want to lose weight, look at the consequences of staying overweight, which can include not being able to wear the swimsuit you wanted, or staying at a higher risk of a heart attack.
•  Have deadlines. Giving yourself deadlines creates a sense of urgency and can also increase your self-motivation. Set deadlines for when you want to accomplish certain things. This could be in time for a special event ("I want to lose 20 pounds before my high school reunion next summer" or "I want to learn a new computer program before my next performance review.") Looming deadlines will help you to stay motivated.
•  Report to someone. Being held accountable for what you accomplish can be very motivating, so enlist someone to help you reach your goals. For example, if you want to exercise 4 times a week, find a friend who will encourage you or go with you. Or, if you want to stop smoking, join a support group. Surrounding yourself with positive people who are holding you accountable can be a very good way to increase your self-motivation.

These are just a few ways to increase your self-motivation.