#4: Get Real With Your Goals
Further research from the APA shows that you have a higher chance of getting work done (by up to 90 percent, in fact) by breaking down your big goals into smaller, specific tasks.
By quantifying your goals with a specific metric (e.g., do 30 pushups and 10 burpees in 30 minutes), it feels more concrete and doable. Once you have these mini-goals in place, you can start tackling them one by one.
Write your big goals, then make a list of related tasks under each one. Do this a day in advance (like the night before) so you can hit the ground running first thing in the morning.
Then as you chip away significant chunks from your overall goal, the more motivated you’ll feel.
Every time you accomplish one of these smaller, specific goals, you’ll be rewarded with a small dose of dopamine. This will give you the push you need to keep going until you’ve cleared all of your tasks.
#5: Visualize Your Future
While it's crucial to get motivation from accomplishing your goals, it's also helpful to give yourself a dopamine boost before getting started.
As such, you'll find that it's hugely beneficial to develop the habit of creating a vivid picture of your desired outcome. Spend about 5-10 minutes every day visualizing yourself enjoying your dream life as if it’s happening now.
Like we discussed earlier, rats are more motivated to overcome those obstacles just by anticipating the reward for doing it. In the same way, thinking about the results of your hard work will release neurochemicals that will get you pumped for the task ahead.
Think about what it would FEEL like to finally get your big goals done. Imagine the people in your life congratulating you and complimenting you on your efforts.
When you know exactly what’s waiting for you on the other side, you’ll suddenly lose all the excuses that were holding you back.
#6: Positivity In, Negativity Out
Your beliefs also have a great deal to do with being motivated. Perception is a dominant force, and it can dictate the very course of your life.
Aside from visualizing the outcome, giving yourself the right beliefs is also an effective way to design your reality.
Affirmations are an excellent way to do this. These are statements you can repeat to yourself so you can rewire your belief system.
A lot of people operate on destructive beliefs because of bad experiences from the past. As a result, they go around carrying labels like “loser,” “hopeless case” and “damaged.”
Going through life with this kind of baggage won’t just destroy your motivation…
… but undermine everything you do every step of the way.
That’s why you need to rewrite that story in your head by using powerful statements.
Here’s how to get started:
Think about the qualities you have that will help you accomplish your goals. Also, think about the things you’re grateful for.
Use these thoughts as the basis of your affirmations. These will remind you that you have what it takes to break past your limitations.
As with visualizing, pretend that it’s happening at the PRESENT moment – and not at some point in the future.
That way, you’ll feel empowered from knowing that you’re living that great truth here and NOW.
Here are some examples of affirmations you can use:
– Every day, I am getting stronger, smarter and healthier.
– I am a strong person who can deal with every obstacle and challenge that I encounter.
– My life is filled with infinite opportunities to succeed, and I make the most of them every day.
– I am surrounded by people who love and support me, and they want me to succeed.
Feel free to use affirmations or create your own. The more detailed, the better.
It’s more effective when you say these affirmations (either out loud or in your mind) right after doing your visualization exercises. You can do them right before going to bed or make it part of your morning ritual.
All of these habits have helped me plug the leaks in my “motivation tank.” If I’m feeling a bit jaded, fatigued or burnt out, I make sure I’m doing each of these steps enough so I don’t run on empty.
On top of staying motivated, however, there's one more habit that got me out of my own funk.
You see, like Michael, there was a time where I couldn’t overcome that inertia I felt. I was successful and fulfilled on the outside, but people around me didn’t know I felt burned out and desperate.
I started to feel like an impostor… until I accidentally came across a life-changing secret.
By making a small but powerful change in my mindset, I suddenly found the power to become the most authentic version of myself.
And more importantly, I could attract every opportunity without working 80 hours a week. Just like that, all sorts of blessings flowed into my life effortlessly.
Check out this video to learn more: