How To Gain And Maintain Motivation During Difficult Times

In the face of adversity, finding the drive to pursue our goals can seem like an uphill battle. Whether it’s overcoming personal challenges or navigating a turbulent world, maintain motivation is crucial. In this article, we will delve into twelve valuable tips to not only gain motivation but also sustain it. We’ll explore various types of motivation and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. Let’s unlock the secrets to enduring inspiration and conquer the toughest of times.

Types of motivation

The most important motivations are intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is that which comes from an individual’s belief, interest, joy or satisfaction in performing a certain activity. That is why inner satisfaction plays the main role here.

External motivation comes from external factors, such as monetary rewards, praise, and expectations of parents, teachers, and friends. The main goal is, therefore, to achieve a reward or avoid a “punishment”. Each goal can be named by its type of motivation, such as material motivation, social, aesthetic, status, adventurous, altruistic, and protective.

Some research has shown that internally motivated individuals are more creative and innovative than those who are externally motivated. So, engaging in a certain activity for self-interest, longing for learning, and passion, usually shows greater creativity and problem-solving ability.

Motivation is the key to opening doors and the path to success

We have all found ourselves at a crossroads at some point when motivation has freed us from the dark garments of laziness and led us toward bright goals.

With the help of motivation:

• We solve problems more easily
• Helps us change old habits,
• Weakness in facing challenges,
• Increases productivity,
• Increases satisfaction,
• Encourages learning and growth,
• Improves self-esteem.

But when is that point where your motivation wanes? When we start a new activity, we are strongly motivated and persistent. It declines the most if there are still a few steps to the goal, but we don’t see progress. Humans are wired to like to see rapid progress. But not all goals are like that, if we want to hone the painterly streak very well, it will take a lot of persistence and practice. In addition, it is easier to raise motivation if we do things we like. Those activities that we have an aversion to will cause problems.

How to boost motivation at every step?

Understanding why you feel unmotivated

There are several reasons why motivation declines. It can be due to lack of interest in the task, lack of clear goals, monotonous work, job dissatisfaction, excessive goals and pressures, fear of failure, physical or emotional exhaustion, or lack of motivation. Therefore, the best step is to look back at the moment when your motivation slowly disappeared from the horizon. Once you know the cause, it will be easier to find a solution.

Set clear goals and write them down

The set goals will always direct us to the right path. Therefore, always turn to your goals: What is it that you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve? Why did you start in the first place? It will be even more useful if you write them down. Also, think about all the obstacles and small steps you have already taken toward this goal. Although sometimes our goals contain uninteresting pieces try to find the main point that interests you within this process.

Create an action plan and record the progress

A very useful point to keep motivated. Without a plan, you will quickly turn to old ways. First of all, don’t have too many expectations, use a planner and write down what you will achieve in a week, have achievable expectations. Don’t forget to record everything. Sticking to a plan helps us develop discipline.

I can tell you an example from my life: I wanted to include daily movement in my lifestyle, but until I started planning, I was always inconsistent and disappointed with myself. But I did it! Now I’m planning for the week ahead and guess what? I stick to my goal and keep my motivation.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney

Reward yourself

The prize gives us that sweet taste of victory. The feeling of having achieved something and being rewarded for it is amazing. At the same time, it encourages us to persevere and reach even higher goals. After a long hard week of exercise, don’t limit yourself too much and treat yourself to a piece of new dessert in a restaurant. Let the taste buds dance. Or after a busy work week, visit the salon for a relaxing massage.

Visualization

Let’s go together. First, read this paragraph, then close your eyes and visualize, okay? Imagine that you are at the goal of your achievement, something that you really wanted to achieve. Whether it’s finishing a marathon, finishing a project, reaching a goal in school, or getting a promotion at work. Now imagine yourself raising your hands in the air in praise, laughing with joy, and your heart also jumping with joy as if it is about to explode.

When you look around you, you see your nearest and dearest looking at you with admiration and pride, how you managed to achieve what you set out to do. They see how you overcame obstacles, learned from your mistakes, and persevered to the end. Imagine what positive this accomplished goal has brought to your life and how your life might change as a result.

Visualization is a good way to boost motivation. Always come back to it when you don’t see the point or you have no more motivation, remember how amazing you will feel when you reach your goal.

Create a healthy routine

Lack of motivation is related to our well-being. If we are not happy with ourselves, we do not feel energetic enough, we are irritable most of the time, and we are more likely to end up in front of the TV. Therefore, well-being and inner balance are very important. Include activities in your lifestyle that will fill you up. It can be healthy meals, 5 minutes of meditation, or 20 minutes of Pilates. With negative factors such as stress, pressure, and loneliness, adopt effective strategies and strengthen your psychological resistance.

Follow the Goldilocks rule

The rule of thumb is that we are most motivated when we are performing tasks that are exactly at the limit of our current abilities. Not too hard and not too easy. Imagine that you are quite good at tennis. And if you play the game with a 5-year-old, you will quickly start to get bored. But if you were to play the game against the famous and professional Roger Federer, you would be unmotivated for a different reason.

The match would be too demanding. Therefore, it is best to compete with someone equal in this case. Humans love challenges that are within our current capabilities.

The Ulysses Pact

It’s a sophisticated trick for maintaining motivation and self-discipline. It is a conscious decision that a person makes at a moment when they are full of drive to commit to a goal. This commitment is designed to prevent all temptations, laziness, and external factors on the way to this goal.

Like Ulysses in Homer’s Odyssey, he made a commitment and prevented the temptation of the sirens, which would have diverted him from the correct path. The Ulysses pact is the inner bond that reminds us of our determination and keeps us on the right path, even when the path is difficult or the external temptations are very strong. Will you try and make a contract with yourself?

Get motivation based on others

Find inspiration by reading books, and find similar stories based on a similar goal as yours. Listen to motivational speeches, and write down a motivational quote. Create a circle of people around you who will support and encourage you along the way. Be aware that your goal is also achievable!

Stop multitasking

Do not divide your focus and concentration on several tasks at the same time, rather dedicate it to one and perform it with maximum quality. If we act as a multitasking, we will soon be exhausted and without energy. Even if you never manage to do everything at the desired moment, do not criticize yourself, be as realistic as possible with your goals.

Don’t procrastinate

Procrastination and motivation are closely related but in opposite ways. It often happens that a paradox appears between the desire to achieve goals (motivation) and actual behavior (Procrastination). Therefore, it is crucial not to postpone your task for later and instead attract back your motivation. You can find more about procrastination here.

Don’t be afraid of failures

Failures are inevitable in our lives, so don’t be too hard on yourself. When we come out of the safe zone, we are on a move where there is usually risk and also a higher probability of failure. Take this as an opportunity to grow. You can find more about the fear of failure and how to overcome it here.

“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.”

―Lewis Carroll

Motivation is the key to success and happiness in life. With persistence and the right tools, you can achieve anything.

What is it that inspires you the most and keeps you motivated in your journey? And don’t forget – share this article with others to build a strong network of motivated individuals together.