Self Motivation Even During the Difficult Times

Many of us find ourselves in motivational slumps that we have to work to get out of. Sometimes it's like a continuous cycle where we are motivated for a period of time, fall out and then have to build things back up again. There is nothing more powerful for self-motivation than the right attitude. You can't choose or control your circumstance, but you can choose your attitude towards your circumstances. How I see this working is while you're developing these mental steps, and utilizing them regularly, self-motivation will come naturally when you need it. The key, for me, is hitting the final step to Share With Others. It can be somewhat addictive and self-motivating when you help others who are having trouble. A good way to have self motivation continuously is to implement something like these 8 steps from Ian McKenzie.[1] I enjoyed Ian's article but thought it could use some definition when it comes to trying to build a continuous drive of motivation. Here is a new list on how to self motivate: 

1. Start Simple
Keep motivators around your work area – things that give you that initial spark to get going. These motivators will be the Triggers that remind you to get going.

2. Keep Good Company
Make more regular encounters with positive and motivated people. This could be as simple as IM chats with peers or a quick discussion with a friend who likes sharing ideas. Positive and motivated people are very different from the negative ones. They will help you grow and see opportunities during tough times. Here're more reasons why you should avoid negative people: 10 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Negative People

3. Keep Learning
Read and try to take in everything you can. The more you learn, the more confident you become in starting projects. You can train your brain to crave lifelong learning with these tips: 15 Ways to Cultivate Lifelong Learning for a Sharper Brain 

4. See the Good in Bad
When encountering obstacles or challenging goals, you want to be in the habit of finding what works to get over them. Here are 10 tips to make positive thinking easy. 

5. Stop Thinking
Just do. If you find motivation for a particular project lacking, try getting started on something else. Something trivial even, then you'll develop the momentum to begin the more important stuff. When you're thinking and worrying about it too much, you're just wasting time. These tried worry busting techniques can help you. 

6. Know Yourself
Keep notes on when your motivation sucks and when you feel like a superstar. There will be a pattern that, once you are aware of, you can work around and develop. Read for yourself how the magic of marking down your mood works. 

7. Track Your Progress
Keep a tally or a progress bar for ongoing projects. When you see something growing, you will always want to nurture it. Take a look at these 4 simple ways to track your progress so you have motivation to achieve your goals. 

8. Help Others
Share your ideas and help friends get motivated. Seeing others do well will motivate you to do the same. Write about your success and get feedback from readers. Helping others actually helps yourself, here's why. What I would hope happens here is you will gradually develop certain skills that become motivational habits. Once you get to the stage where you are regularly helping others keep motivated – be it with a blog or talking with peers – you'll find the cycle continuing where each facet of staying motivated is refined and developed.