It is important to understand that there are two categories of motivation: positive and negative. Negative motivation occurs when we are driven by losing something including our jobs, money, friends, etc, and a sense of fear is triggered in our brain. Positive motivation comes from our curiosity and desire to serve. If you are not curious about something, you are less likely to do it. It is important to keep yourself in a positive mindset to continue to be motivated. Having a negative mindset could lead to a self-destructive pattern.
Katie's Methods for Becoming and Staying Motivated:
1. Clean up
Your house. Your e-mail inbox. Your work space. Get rid of the unimportant things.
2. Exercise
For most people, getting started is the hardest part. This really is the easiest way to get motivated. You don't need to do an hour of cardio, just get up and go for a brisk walk. Bonus points if you spend time outside! De-clutter your physical being and get those endorphins moving. Endorphins = happy = positive motivation.
3. Affirmations
Write clear goals and talk about them with friends and family. Say them out loud. Talking about your projects with other people will give you accountability to have things done when you said you'd have things done.
4. Keep yourself inspired
Put on some good music and surround yourself with positive people. Make your workspace yours by arranging it the way you want to, incorporating things that represent you, and customizing it to look the way that helps you be more productive. Switch tasks if you find yourself losing interest or becoming frustrated. Keep track of success and breakthroughs and read other success stories. For the love of god, get away from whiny people who like to complain.
5. Learn how to say "No."
To anything that will disrupt your focus. Limit your promises and don't make daily life a chore.
6. Accept failure
If you aim too high, you're setting yourself up for failure. Similarly, if you take on too much at once it can become overwhelming. It is important to balance your workload, and when you have done that and still fail, learn. Failure is just one of two possible outcomes. Pick up, learn, and move on.
7. Most importantly... LAUGH
Watch funny movies, read jokes, or keep a stash of funny pictures at your work station. Try not to keep a serious look on your face. Play some games. Relax your mind. JUST LAUGH!
The harsh truths:
1. You have the ability to fail.
Unless you're in a superhero movie, you won't succeed at everything you do. Things won't always o your way. However, if you never try, how can you succeed? Being afraid of failure is one reason negative motivation exists. Don't let it eat you alive.
2. Only you can transform your life.
If you want to make big changes, you can't let anyone hold you back. There is only so much you can do if you rely on others.
Thanks for reading! I hope you're all tremendously motivated!
Katie
