I was recently with a group of friends who asked if every now and then I could do a blog offering a few tips to get them motivated during these continuously challenging times. Sure, but I reminded them that there is no silver bullet to motivation. People keep wishing and hoping that there is a simple solution to becoming motivated. Wishing and Hoping is a song not a way to live your life. What would be new, is if everyone chose to try something new. The key is to take action, not simply think or talk about something, but actually incorporate an activity into your life with a goal in mind.
Write down what’s on your mind: Get a piece of paper and let it rip. Use a stream of consciousness when you start putting pen to paper. Or fingers to keyboard. Think ..what are my goals? What have I loved/hated/ tolerated this past year in myself that I won't anymore. What obstacles will I encounter? What dreams do I have? What drams dd I have that Im ready to discard? It sounds so basic and so boring, but it is a crucial element of change.
Go for a walk: A friend who is in transition and trying to figure out her next act has been sitting in her apartment, day after day, trying to figure out her future. Looking at those same old walls is not going to get her where she wants to go. In fact, it might be very depressing. Same is true for someone who has a job and is working from home. Take a break and a walk! Outside stimulus can generate new ideas.
Speak with an OBJECTIVE friend: If you are fortunate enough to have a non-judgmental friend with whom you can bounce ideas off of, engage them. Tell that person your ideas, concerns, etc. Get feedback on what you are thinking.
Exercise: Increasing your heart rate ups your energy level to tackle goals. When people say, "I'm too tired to exercise," that's when you need to get off the couch or your office chair at home. Be wise and don’t overdo it. The last thing you need is to hurt yourself in the process of making your life better.
Focus on the Finish: When undertaking a difficult project , especially something you don’t want to do, imagine what you would like to be doing when you finish it. This applies at work, at play, and now working from home. Focus on the finale!
Keep your “WHY” in front of you: Know WHY you are doing something...or not doing something. It might sound silly, but put a picture of your goal as your screen saver or a picture on your desk, or if you're a magnet person on your refrigerator. Seeing it often on a daily basis helps solidify the idea in your mind.
Wear pants with zippers!
