Life is about ups and downs, thrills and busts. It is challenging to be motivated when you’re under pressure. But inspiration can drive you over a hump and out the other end. This is how you keep yourself motivated in the face of life.
1. Accept and Embrace Your Emotions
The trick to staying optimistic when things get rough is to trust your feelings. Nothing is wrong with being overwhelmed, depressed or frustrated. Repressing such emotions will only compound the issue. Instead, acknowledge them as an inevitable response to pain. Emotional acceptance is the road to recovery.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Big dreams are impossible when life gets overwhelming. Reduce them to smaller, more practical tasks. You can feel good for finishing even the smallest of things because it makes you feel like you’re succeeding, which helps build confidence and drive. If you’re stressed at work, for example, try focusing on doing one task at a time instead of worrying about the whole job.
3. Revisit Your Purpose
These goals can only get you up in the morning, so focus on smaller, more specific tasks. Limit your big ideas to small tasks. You can be grateful for anything you’ve accomplished because this allows you to feel confident and driven. This makes you feel confident and motivated.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Don’t judge yourself when things go awry. Critique can sap your motivation and keep you depleted. Instead of dwelling on your shortcomings, remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. Praise small victories and learn that failures come along. Give yourself as much respect as you would give a friend.
5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Your environment can profoundly affect your motivation. You should find people who inspire and support you: Friends, family or a mentor. The good things in life can make you see the light and give you a reason to stay. Instead, try to stay away from people that make you feel bad or people that make you feel bad.
6. Pay Attention to What You Can Manage.
When things go wrong, you may feel powerless. So pay attention to what you can handle and not what you cannot. For example, if you are having financial problems, consider budgeting and earning money, instead of stressing over things you cannot control.
7. Maintain a Routine
Routines provide stability and predictability in a crisis. Even the most mundane activities – waking up in the morning, exercising, or cooking – could help you gain some stability. Habit helps keep you on track and it will save you from becoming distracted.
8. Stay Physically Active
Exercise doesn’t just benefit your body, but also your brain. Exercise increases endorphins – those “feel good” chemicals that improve mood and motivation. From taking a cold walk to yoga and dancing to your music, you’ll be able to beat stress and remain optimistic when you work out.
9. Practice Gratitude
Thankfulness can shift your focus from the negative to the positive. Take a few minutes every day to reflect on the things that you are grateful for, no matter how small. This habit can boost your mood and keep you upbeat even when things are rough.
10. Learn from Challenges
Every problem is a challenge. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, consider them as opportunities. So ask yourself what you can learn from the experience, how you can improve on it. It is this reorientation that can transform tragedy into inspiration.
11. Seek Professional Help if Needed
Sometimes life feels overwhelming to a single person alone. Not because you feel shame for reaching out to a therapist, counsellor or life coach. These professionals can be your support system and provide tools to move forward and re-establish your passion.
12. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism is a motivational nemesis. Instead of being flawless, make progress. Celebrate each small step taken. Making changes will help motivate you to move on.
13. Visualize Your Success
Visualization is a powerful motivator. Take a few minutes a day to imagine yourself accomplishing your goals and overcoming obstacles. This mental practice can keep you alert and optimistic.
14. Take Breaks and Rest
Sometimes the only way forward is to step back and recharge your batteries. If you overwork yourself, you will burn out. Don’t drag yourself away from your problems to deal with it in a new way.
15. Keep a Journal
When you write about what you’re thinking and feeling, you’re meditating. Write about your journey, what you are doing, and your expectations in a journal. Journaling will provide clarity and inspiration by helping you to see where you’ve been.
Conclusion
Life isn’t easy, but don’t let that discourage you. Let yourself be sensitive, be practical with your intentions, and treat yourself with compassion to keep you focused and stoic. Just remember bad things won’t last forever, but your memories and your strength will. …be patient, and don’t give up — things will improve.
