How to stay motivated (Part 1)

With the new year around the corner, its only normal to have a list of crazy NYRs (New Year Resolutions). The christmas holiday is always a good time to meet up with friends and families, throw or attend several parties, and reflect upon the past year. There's something about the end of the year that prompts us like clockwork to question "What have I achieved this year?" Most times the answer is 'nothing' and other times it's 'barely anything'. For those lucky few who can say 'everything', I salute you and I aspire to be you when I grow up. I find that the reason that most of us barely get anything done is due to lack of a certain ingredient motivation.

The key to getting from 'nothing' to 'everything' with NYRs is to keep yourself motivated. Being motivated is easy. However staying motivated is another case all together. So with a little research and study on motivation 'the how to get it and how to keep it', I’ve learned that there is no guarantee that one tip works for everyone. Be that as it may, I have compiled a little list to help us out this coming year, so do yourself a favour and jot this down.

Step #1: Make a list

A list = focus. Now I'm no scientist, but it's as simple as that. Lists allow you to focus and reduce distractions in order for you to organise the tasks ahead of you. They allow you to visualise the bigger picture, the details and the priority. A good list can keep you going when you lack motivation. Striving to cross off a list can certainly keep you motivated through the year. I find that the best lists are not those that are written and shoved in a deep dark corner of your desk, but those that are in full display, hung or pinned up on the wall as a constant reminder of what your are working towards. You need to see your goals each morning for fresh motivation.

Step #2: Eat the biggest frog

Now before you gag, hear me out. This is one of the best pieces of advice you will ever have if you are a procrastinator like myself. Its from the author of 'Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time' by Brian Tracy. Below is an excerpt. 

An old saying is that "If the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long!" Your "FROG" is the one you are most likely to procrastinate on if you don't do something about it now! It is also the one task that can have the greatest positive impact on your life and results at the moment.

Step #3: Step and Track

Once you have your list written and prioritised according to the biggest and most difficult task, to the smaller and easiest task, it is time to take action. Though most Goals may not be achieved in one foul swoop or even in a day, it is important that each day begins with a step toward the right direction. Think about your tasks/goals and review them daily. Everyday take a step towards your goal. I guarantee that your steps will lead to your accomplishing of those goals in a shorter amount of time than if you left them for later. If you're waiting for the 'perfect time', that time may never come. The time is now and today. Once you start moving and keeping track each day, it would be difficult to lose motivation.

Once you start moving, keep moving! Don't stop. This decision, this discipline alone, can make you one of the most productive and successful people of your generation! - Brian Tracy

There's so much about keeping yourself motivated through the year. Keep an eye out for 'How to stay motivated' parts 2 and 3. Remember, the first step is usually the hardest, however, go on, go out there and do it anyway! Happy New Year!

Christina