How do I get motivated
How can I get motivated?
I often hear people say, ‘I don’t know what I want’ or ‘I just can’t get the enthusiasm together to do it’ ‘I can start stuff, but don’t have the energy to finish’. And so, it often is in midlife.
Becoming motivated can be a personal journey, as what motivates one person may differ from what motivates another.
Behaviour needs to be backed by a person’s true values in order for motivation to complete the behaviour to be sustained. Our values, needs and goals change during the course of our lives. Values refer to what we find meaningful and important in life, guiding our sense of right and wrong and acting as the compass of life guiding our behaviour. Once you have recognised your current values (try this exercise) here are some strategies that may help you cultivate motivation and support you on your onward journey:
Set clear goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). When you have a clear vision of what you’re working towards, it can provide direction and motivation.
If goals are not your thing, then set a ‘theme’ for your life. The theme can be ‘I want to be really me’ and then try to ensure everything you do, agree to or say resonates with your authentic self.
Find your “why”: Self-reflection and self-awareness is essential in midlife to set goals which truly resonate with you. Understand the reasons behind your goals and why achieving them is important to you, is essential to know. Identifying your underlying motivations and connecting emotionally to your goals can fuel your drive and determination.
Break it down: Large goals can sometimes feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones. This allows you to focus on incremental progress, which can be motivating as you make tangible results along the way.
Create a plan: Develop a roadmap or action plan to guide your efforts. Outline the steps you need to take and establish a timeline. Breaking down your goals into actionable tasks can provide a sense of structure and make them feel more attainable.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognising and rewarding yourself along the way can boost your motivation and provide positive reinforcement, even if it’s something small like a book, item of clothing or a day off.
Surround yourself with support: Seek support from like-minded individuals who share your goals or can provide encouragement. Surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive network can inspire and motivate you during challenging times.
Visualise success, and make sure it is your vision of success and not what somebody else wants for you! Many people believe if you can’t visualise it you can’t achieve it. Visualization techniques can help to create a vivid mental image of your success. This can help build motivation and reinforce your belief in your ability to achieve your goals.
Stay positive and resilient: Maintain a positive mindset and focus on the progress you’re making rather than dwelling on setbacks. Cultivate resilience by viewing obstacles as learning opportunities and adapting your approach as needed.
Find inspiration: Look for sources of inspiration that resonate with you. This could be reading books, listening to podcasts, watching motivational videos, or following people who have achieved similar goals. Draw inspiration from their journeys and experiences.
Take care of yourself: Ensure you have a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in regular physical activity. Taking care of your well-being can enhance your energy levels, mood, and overall motivation, especially in midlife.
Perhaps most importantly is self-compassion because motivation can fluctuate, and it’s normal to have ups and downs because other areas of your life might need your attention and your goals might have to be paused temporarily. Be kind and patient with yourself and be open to adjusting your strategies if needed.
