Do you struggle with getting up and getting going? You simply need to learn how to motivate yourself with these useful tips!
Whether you’re hurt, depressed, or just plain lazy, it can be challenging to find your get-up-and-go. Learning how to motivate yourself is really easier said than done. But, it’s not impossible either!
Don’t ever believe the idea that motivation just happens naturally. Instead, it’s something you choose. You don’t just wake up and feel the motivation to get up and exercise or go to work. Motivation is more of a mindset and discipline than anything else.
When you know how to motivate yourself, you can do anything, even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing at that moment. [Read: 19 life quotes to motivate you to live a better life]
Why is it so hard to feel motivated?
It’s not the easiest thing to feel motivated, but it’s essential if you want to achieve many things in life. Motivation is the thing that makes you get up in the morning and start your day, even if you’re going to just sleep in and watch Netflix. It doesn’t come naturally to any of us, which is what makes motivation hard.
Motivation requires discipline. You will never lead a productive day or life if you’re constantly waiting around for motivation to come to you automatically.
Remember, motivation is a traitor. You can’t rely on it to come because most often, it never will. Instead, it’s your discipline and mindset that bring it out. [Read: Feeling defeated? 15 ways to overcome feeling stuck and lost in life]
How to motivate yourself when you’re feeling down
Depression strikes, and suddenly everything in your life tends to take a backseat. Whether you’ve been cheated on, dumped, or just aren’t happy with where your life is, depression can put a significant damper on your work, friendships, and romantic relationships.
So how can you pull yourself out of your slump? Here are three ways to snap out of it. It’s not easy, but it can be done!
1. Set a goal
When all you want to do is crawl into bed and never come out, setting a goal seems nearly impossible. However, just because you’re down and out doesn’t mean the world stops for you. There are still relationships to maintain and bills to pay.
When you have a goal, it keeps you accountable to stay motivated, even if the last thing you want to do is get out of bed that day. It doesn’t have to be a massive goal, but you can start with simple goals. Start with a plan to get out of bed and eat breakfast, even if you end up returning to bed later. [Read: How to succeed in life – All you ever need to know!]
2. Don’t stop eating
Some are strongly inclined to binge on naughty foods while they feel down. This is called “emotional eating,” but many others stop eating altogether. When deeply depressed, the brain stops sending hungry signals to the rest of your body, resulting in fatigue and nutritional deficiency.
You’ll stop feeling motivated when you deprive your body of food, so eat up! Nutrition is highly connected to your mood and energy levels. You’ll always feel too exhausted to do things if you don’t let yourself eat.
Try to remember that while you may not get enjoyment out of eating anymore, it’s still important to take care of your body. [Read: Emotional stability and 11 factors that control life’s highs & lows]
3. Get plenty of sleep
Getting a proper night’s sleep not only makes you feel well-rested, but rejuvenates the mind, improves memory, guards against poor health problems such as obesity and heart disease, improves your sex life, and overall puts you in a better mood.
So many people underestimate the power of sleep for learning how to motivate yourself when it’s a pretty significant factor. If you’re constantly sleep-deprived, how do you expect to have the energy required to lead a productive day?
It’s essential at least to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Trust us when we say sleep is vital for your motivation levels. [Read: How to make the absolute most out of your alone time]
4. Stick to a routine
Put up a list of your daily routines and post it somewhere where you will see it on a regular basis. As you complete items on your list, check them off. It is a good feeling to know that you have finished your daily tasks, and this will drive you to seek even more significant achievements daily going forward.
If keeping a journal is something you do regularly, make it a part of your everyday routine. The act of writing down negative thoughts in a notebook may be beneficial in getting rid of them, and so it will help you learn thoroughly how to motivate yourself.
5. Socialize
If you want to build solid relationships with people, you should encourage them to interact with you when they are in a good mood and to participate in volunteer activities when they have time.
All of these considerations are important. As a result of helping someone in need, your perspective will improve, and so will your drive to get out of bed the following day. [Read: How to be more social – 19 ways to genuinely connect with others]
6. Avoid negativity
Even simple activities such as reading the news or surfing the internet can pull your mood down. Chatting with people who suck your energy can make you feel depressed, or revisiting traumatic memories.
Focus your thoughts instead on gratitude and words of appreciation. Reading uplifting content and surrounding yourself with positive people can help you to stay on track. [Read: How to be positive: Stop the downturn and find the silver lining!]
7. Get out of bed and out of pajamas
The simple act of getting out of bed is a significant first victory of the day. It is suggested that positive affirmations such as “Yes, you can do it,” “Every long journey starts with one step,” and “Never give up!” be written on sticky notes and displayed in a prominent spot in the workplace.
Make sure that the thoughts you develop are excellent ones since your brain will swallow everything you give it. [Read: All the quotes you need while going through a breakup]
8. Go for a walk or exercise regularly
Increased synthesis of endorphins, sometimes known as the “feel-good hormones,” in the body results from physical activity. Research suggests that working out may help to relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
This approach may also be beneficial in the treatment of more severe kinds of depression. If you’re eager to learn how to motivate yourself, exercise regularly. [Read: 30 inspirational tips on how to get motivated to exercise]
How to motivate yourself to study
Studying is a double-edged sword. You can’t learn unless you study, and you can’t study because it’s just so boring! Here are the essential tips to motivate yourself to get that learnin’ done.
1. Avoid using technology
If possible, stick to pen and paper when engaging in your study process. This will motivate you to focus on what you’re learning instead of getting sidetracked by apps and social media. We live in the age of social media and while that can be a good thing, it can also work against you.
When you spend a lot of time scrolling through social media, you’re wasting a lot of precious time you could’ve spent doing more productive things.
We’re not saying you should cut it off entirely, but just watch how much time you spend on your phone and gadgets.
2. Take breaks
Motivate yourself to study with the assurance that there will be breaks in sight! Some hardcore study-buddies suggest that studying for 30-50 minutes with intervals of 10-minute breaks is the best way to retain information and get the most out of your study sesh.
This is because your brain believes that your reward for being productive is your break, and it gives you the motivation to complete your task faster or be productive. [Read: What am I doing with my life? How to break through the rut]
3. Don’t listen to anything
Unless you know with 100% certainty that music will make you work faster, avoid it at all costs! In fact, avoid playing any form of media while you study *unless it relates to your study* to prevent unnecessary distractions. Not to mention how easy it is to get caught in the YouTube vortex.
One minute, you’re watching an educational video about modern theory, and the next thing you know, you’ve been watching Mesmerizing Sheep Herding for more than 10 minutes. How did you get there?
4. Understand your studying style better
Was there anything you could have done to make getting ready for work in the morning a bit less stressful? The pursuit of pleasure is a natural attraction for most individuals, and it is only natural for us to avoid unpleasant and tiresome tasks and responsibilities when we can.
Make an effort to make your learning experience as exciting as possible in order to learn how to motivate yourself to study. [Read: 15 college life hacks you won’t learn in school to survive and thrive]
5. Keep in mind that studying might be challenging and take you out of your comfort zone
Take, for example, the experience of hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro; it is not easy and can even be uncomfortable at times, but the pleasure comes when you begin to see the view from a higher elevation and breathe in the fresh air.
And when you reach your destination, you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Concentrate on the ultimate goal rather than on the battle to get there!
6. Communicate to others any difficulties and/or what you intend to do
It is likely that if you actively engage in the process, you will be able to retain your concentration on the most important actions. Understanding and gaining knowledge from other people’s points of view and experiences may help you stay on track with your short-term goals.
This will also provide you with the chance to benefit from their previous experiences and their unique ideas. [Read: How to communicate in a relationship – 16 steps to a better love]
How to motivate yourself to work out
Let’s be honest, people: working out sucks.
It’s boring, it’s hard, it’s tiring, and it’s a giant fashion hassle! But exercise is a good and healthy habit to incorporate into your life. It might seem tedious, but wait until you find a constant motivation to make exercise a routine!
Not only does exercise help fight against obesity, heart disease, depression, and menstrual cramps, it also gives you a rockin’ body!
1. Find a workout that you actually like
Before you start stomping your feet and shouting, “But I hate them all!” Take a chill pill. Open your mind and think. There’s got to be something you’re into. The best way to know how to motivate yourself is to find an exercise you can have fun in.
Whether it’s dancing, running, cycling, or even swimming, there’s a vast diversity of exercises out there. When you find something you like, you’ll naturally have the motivation to keep doing it.
Some alternatives to lifting and working that treadmill include bike riding, hiking, jogging, yoga, rowing, and our personal favorite, sexercise.[Read: 12 benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]
Online forums, local exercise groups, health blogs, and positive daily Instagram affirmations can make all the difference in getting the motivation you need to keep going. Joining a fitness community will hold you accountable in your workouts and also helps you feel that you aren’t alone in your struggle.
So if you’re serious about learning how to motivate yourself, join a community and socialize with people! [Wanting a laugh? Try: The first day and kinds of people you’ll see at a gym]
3. Find something else to do while you exercise
Download audiobooks, make high-energy playlists of your favorite songs, listen to podcasts, or watch your favorite YouTube videos while you get into it. When it comes to podcasts, videos, and audiobooks, make sure you only listen to them while you are exercising.
This will make you more excited to work out in the future since you’ll view these audio activities as a reward of sorts. [Read: 30 inspirational tips on how to get motivated to exercise]
4. Lighten up your goals
Your fitness goal may be overly ambitious for you at this time, particularly if you’re new to exercise and haven’t done much before. According to Gerald Endress, an exercise physiologist at Duke Center for Living in North Carolina, beginners “want to push for maximum objectives, but they tend to become overwhelmed.”
As a result, don’t set a goal of working out for an hour every day. Instead, create more sensible and attainable objectives, such as exercising for 20 to 30 minutes twice or three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Track your progress
Workout journaling is one of the most efficient strategies on how to motivate yourself to work out, whether it is done online or in a conventional fitness diary.
Seeing improvement, whether it’s in terms of running faster, completing more repetitions, or working out more often, inspires you to keep going and achieve your goals.[Read: 8 small ways to deal with big changes in your life]
6. Focus only on yourself
Anyone who is more fit, faster, or more flexible than you will always be able to outperform you. It’s an inevitability. Don’t compare yourself to others’ achievements.
Allowing them to stand in the way of attaining your objectives is not an option. Your workout time is entirely devoted to you and is wholly focused on you. [Read: How to focus on yourself – 27 ways to create your own sunshine]
How to motivate yourself to work
Working is a necessary evil in this world. It can be especially difficult to stay motivated if you A) hate your job or B) work from home. Working for yourself is quickly rewarding and hey, who doesn’t love crushing it in their pajamas?
That being said, it can be incredibly difficult to stay motivated when you are your own boss. After all, you are your favorite employee, and you may get special “slack off” treatment. Here are 4 tips to stay motivated to work.
1. Stick to a schedule
If you work from home, make sure you maintain a traditional work schedule. Wake up, shower, eat breakfast, and settle into a full workday. Your friends and family are more likely to invite you out during work hours, thinking you don’t technically have a “real job.”
So, let your close companions know that even though you are at home, you are “on the clock” during regular work hours. Distractions are your primary culprit when it comes to learning how to motivate yourself. [Read: 8 ways to get your “me time” in amidst a hectic schedule]
2. No distractions
Speaking of distractions, you need to keep away if you want to stay motivated to work. Keep free of any media that will distract you from focusing on your work. This is especially true for your phone and other things that could potentially distract you.
Distractions are the most common enemy of motivation, so you must have the discipline to stay focused. [Check out: How to balance your career, social life, and dating life]
3. Have a proper workspace
If you work from home, having a proper office space is essential. This is the place you go when you know it’s time to get busy working. Transform your spare room or appropriately-sized nook into a small office space.
Have a desk, lamp, laptop, and adequate writing materials readily available, and make sure your atmosphere is somewhere you would want to work. If you work in an office, having a proper work setup is still super important. Physical clutter clutters the mind, so make sure your workspace is clean and organized. [Read: What does your office table tell about you?]
4. Inspiring quotes
This might sound extremely cheesy but hey, it works! A lot of people respond positively after pinning inspiring photo quotes around their office space. Scour Pinterest and print out your faves to inspire a better work ethic – just don’t do it while you’re at work!
By having motivational and inspiring quotes around your workspace, you’ll feel encouraged to be productive [Next, read: 13 inspiring ways to bring out the best in yourself]
5. Plan out your entire day
When responsibilities are staring you in the face without any kind of order to them, it may seem daunting and simply serve to worsen your dilemma. In these scenarios, effective time management is essential if you want to learn how to motivate yourself to work.
Creating a schedule for your day makes the duties seem more achievable and less overwhelming. You may plan everything out using the calendar on your phone, with alarms to tell you when you need to stop and move on to a new activity.
6. Break everything into small steps
When creating to-do lists, break each task down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Your dopamine levels will rise every time you cross something off the list. As a result, a series of small bursts of it will be sufficient to get you through several brief chores.
This impact will only last for a short period, but it will provide you just enough of a boost to get you through when you’re feeling uninspired. [Read: How to be successful in life]
7. Review your progress
You get a feeling of achievement and clarity about what you need to do by taking time to sit down, audit unfinished chores, and acknowledge completion of other things. When we feel anxious, this is a terrific approach to lessen stress levels. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come.
Taking a moment to review all the tasks you’ve completed in the last few days or weeks may be a great source of relief and even a little bit of inspiration.
8. Wear your favorite outfit
When you’re feeling worried or nervous or just not feeling like yourself, the proper attire and accessories may significantly impact your motivation.
Furthermore, putting out the effort to get dressed and do your hair or makeup in the morning may help you feel a little more organized, which can be beneficial when you feel like the rest of your life is a complete disaster. [Read: How to succeed in life – All you ever need to know!]
Motivational tips and tricks for introverts and shy people
People who struggle in social situations either accept that this is the way they are or hope that one day they will grow out of it. But all it takes is learning the right techniques and a bit of practice.
Just as those who struggle with math can learn and improve, you too can improve your motivation to become more sociable!
1. Don’t replay past failures
Most people who have social anxieties know exactly how they come across to people, where their conversational abilities fall short. They recognize when an interaction has failed and replay these failures in their minds several times after the event.
Replaying and analyzing failures is anything but helpful. Don’t imprint these moments in your mind because they will haunt every other interaction you have with that person. This can only doom you to further failure. [Read: 5 life altering lessons you can learn from regret]
Accept that you may have given that person the wrong impression of you, but forgive yourself. Use the chance to change their impression as motivation to keep going.
2. Present your best self
There are many ways in which we can use our appearances and our physical selves to send messages. We can use clothing, make-up, and hairstyles to make ourselves feel more confident, as well as to put across our interests and beliefs.
Body language and eye contact can be used to show our feelings and to aid in communication. But these are tools that introverts often forget to utilize. [Read: 10 tips to look really good while trying to get someone’s attention]
Present the best version of yourself by picking an outfit that makes you feel great about yourself, and remind yourself to check your body language regularly. You might feel safer with your eyes pinned to the ground, slouched shoulders and your arms crossed, but you are inadvertently closing yourself off from people.
If you are struggling with motivation, observe how confident people present themselves. Look at how they sit, their use of eye contact, and how they place their hands. [Read: 13 physical attraction tips to look way hotter and feel more confident instantly]
3. Choose to like people
When meeting new people, it is often natural to pick out traits about that person that intimidates you, especially when that person is more confident than yourself.
Choose to like every person you meet *unless they give you a real reason not to*, and immediately make them less intimidating to you by viewing them in a positive light.
Get into the habit of mentally listing three to five things you like about people you meet. If you associate that person with positivity, you are less likely to feel anxious when you interact with them.
The chance to get to know someone new and potentially exciting can be motivation to be more sociable. [Read: How to know if you like someone]
4. Preserve the feelings of others
One thing that shy people tend to forget is that whilst wrapping themselves up in their fears of embarrassment and rejection, they are inadvertently rejecting people who attempt to interact with them.
If you are failing to reciprocate their efforts to make conversation with you, you are damaging the other person’s feelings and self-esteem. Remember this and use it to motivate yourself to simply try and talk. It will seem awkward at first, but push past it.
5. Express kindness, gratitude, and politeness
This seems like an obvious tip for anyone, no matter what their level of confidence may be. But, expressing kindness, gratitude, and politeness wherever possible is a great way to develop your confidence and motivation, while showing others that you care.
It can be difficult for people with social anxieties, as with any display of feeling and emotion, especially when the person on the receiving end is new or unfamiliar to them.
You may feel vulnerable and scared at the time, but you will feel great afterward! [Read: Low self worth and 5 easy ways to start seeing yourself in better light]
6. Be a positive person
Introverted people often resort to negative statements and topics of conversation because they are often the easiest. For example, your standard answer to the question “how was your day?” might be “boring” or “it dragged” because it is an easy answer.
Try opting for positive replies as much as possible and attempt to elaborate. Try “my day was interesting because…” and return the question.
People are more likely to want to enter into a conversation with you if you give positive and lively answers. [Read: 34 tips to be positive, fall in love with yourself and be a much better YOU]
7. Be prepared with topics of conversation
In many situations, shyness can cause your brain to stall. As much as you may try to get your brain into gear, you just cannot think of anything to say. Sometimes, it can be the strangest feeling, but surely there’s something interesting that you can say?
Remember, you aren’t boring and there are plenty of things in your life that you can talk about! Try listing three to five things that you have done or have learned each day on your phone. If you’re stuck for something to say, give the list a quick read to jog your memory.
Another trick is to make simple observations. Take a look around, and take a look at the other person. Make positive comments about your surroundings, or pay the person a compliment. [Read: The art of keeping a conversation going with the opposite sex]
8. Plan, practice, and initiate
If you know you are going to be interacting with someone at a party or on a date, plan your conversational approach beforehand. Decide something you would like to find out about that person and plan questions you could ask to achieve the response you are looking for.
You could even plan an event or gathering yourself, which would allow you to initiate conversations in an environment that is comfortable for you. More often than not, if you have initiated the meeting in the first place, you will feel more confident, motivated, and more in control. [Read: Do guys likes shy girls and find them more attractive?]
Don’t force change, just feel it from within!
Slowly introducing these techniques into your life can make a whole world of difference to your relationships, your career and your overall well-being! It may take some hard work and determination, as you would expect when learning any new skill, but it is doable, and you will reap the benefits!
[Read: Dating advice for introverts – 19 tips and tricks that definitely work!]
There you have it: the dos and don’ts of how to motivate yourself in several important corners of life. With these pieces of advice, you’ll easily lead a more productive and sociable life.
