Are you lacking self-motivation despite having big dreams? Do you feel stuck in your daily routine and don’t know how to break out of it?
At the end of the day, you’re just so tired, you couldn’t even think of working on your goals.
How do others do it?! Everyone on social media just looks so motivated, ambitious, and successful.
If you’re wondering where they get their energy from, stick around.
Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.
1. Find Your Why
You need to have a strong mind to be able to motivate yourself, no doubt.
But how do you get there? How can you be disciplined enough to work on your goals consistently?
Find your ‘why’. Ask yourself:
- WHY do I want to achieve this certain goal that I can’t stop thinking about?
- How will my life change once I have achieved it?
If you’re working on someone else’s dream (let’s say your family’s), it’ll be hard to find motivation to work on it and see it through.
The goal has to be something that YOU truly want to achieve.
2. Start Small
Motivation often comes after you start, and it grows in the process.
Reaching a goal isn’t easy. You need to be consistent and put in a lot of effort, depending on how big your goal is.
The fact that you really really want something isn’t going to cut it.
You have to change your daily routine in a way so that you find time to work on your goal or life dream. The author James Clear talks about ‘atomic habits’ in his international bestseller.
It’s about starting small and building healthy habits that easily flow into your daily routine. You learn to do them again and again, day after day.
These new (sometimes just tiny) habits become part of your day, and after a while, you don’t even think about them anymore.
It started as an activity, but has turned into a habit now, just like brushing your teeth.
3. Create a Vision Board
I love vision boards! Have you used one before?
They are such powerful reminders of what is important to you, especially when you feel like you’re falling off track.
You can build a physical vision board or create a digital one by doing things like:
- Save motivating posts, reels, and carousels to your collection on Instagram
- Create a self motivation board on Pinterest
- Create a collage on Canva and use it as your desktop background
Self-Motivation Photos
If you need some photos for your vision or bulletin board to help you manifest your goal(s), save the pin below or check out the vision board photos here.
Self Motivation Quotes
Empowering quotes help to:
- Find strength when you’re going through rough times
- Boost your mood and confidence
- Process your thoughts and emotions
- Shift your mindset
Self-Motivation Prompts
I have gone through a bit of a transformation with journaling, and the right journal prompts have had a big effect on my personal growth.
So in my opinion, writing prompts are great to put on your vision board.
I have some PDF Printables you can download (like the one below), or you can read all journal prompts here.
Self-Motivation Affirmations
I could put affirmations up in every corner of each room if my partner let me!
They’re just so motivating.
Check out the following goal-achieving affirmations as well as self-discipline affirmations to serve as a powerful reminder on your journey.
4. Pair Habits with Rewards
After completing a task, no matter how big or small, reward yourself with something you enjoy.
It doesn’t have to be something fancy; it can be the smallest thing that makes you feel good, such as:
- Having a cup of coffee or tea
- Clearing out a draw
- Going for a walk around the block
- Watching an episode of your favorite show
- Putting a sticker in your planner or bullet journal
But sure, if you feel like getting yourself that dress you’ve been eyeing off for a while, go for it!
5. Action Instead of Perfection
There will never be the perfect time, nor will you ever feel 100% ready for something that you haven’t done before.
That’s the nature of trying something new. How could you possibly know what will expect you if you’re doing it for the first time?
Just start. Go a little step, and see where it takes you.
Do a tiny experiment, as Anne-Laure Le Cunff describes it in one of my favorite personal development books.
Action creates momentum, which in return brings motivation.
6. Remove Distractions
This is such an important one!
You can have all the motivation you want, but if there are distractions in your life that hold you back from working on your goals, you’ll find it very hard to reach any goal.
As I’m writing this, I:
- Only have the tabs open that I need
- Have my phone in the bedroom
- Am listening to Pomodoro music on YouTube
These are just examples.
Have a good think about what doesn’t serve you. What can you let go of to make space and time for what really matters to you?
Oh, and one last thing – whatever you do, don’t multitask.
Multi-tasking is actually the total opposite of being productive. The quality of your work declines, your anxiety increases, and you experience mental blocks.
Just to name a few.
7. Don’t Overdo It
When I first started my blog, I would work on it all the time.
Stayed up late, got up early, used every bit of time I had.
It was exhausting.
If you want to be consistent in what you do, my advice is to find a balance. Allow yourself to take breaks and also enjoy other things in your life.
TL;DR:
- Ask yourself why you want to achieve a certain goal
- Start small and create habits that bring you closer to reaching your goal
- Create a vision board with motivating photos, quotes, affirmations, and journal prompts
- After completing a task, reward yourself with something you enjoy
- Just start instead of trying to be perfect (action creates motivation)
- Make space and time by removing distractions
- Don’t over do it; take breaks and find a balance
About The Author
Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.
Find out more about her or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.
