For example, you might say, “I am going for a run right now because I want to become fitter” or “I need to do this homework so that I can get an A. ” Remind yourself of the dangers of procrastination. Promise yourself something like “If I get this done now, I can leave work early today” or “If I can get this out of the way, I can work on something more fun. ” Build a vision board with images that represent what you want to accomplish in your life. It will help serve as a reminder of what you really care about.
Block off segments and tasks in a planner or calendar app. Use different colors to mark off different tasks and time blocks. This can break up your day and make it easier to face.
For example, if you want to become fitter but hate going to the gym, take an exercise class, such as kickboxing, Zumba, or barre. If you’re studying for an exam, compete with a friend. See who can answer the most questions correctly or solve the problem the fastest.
For example, you might take 5 minutes every hour to go to the bathroom or to stretch. Schedule these breaks so that you have something to look forward to. For example, you might tell yourself, “If I can get these reports done by 2 pm, I can go take a quick break. ” Avoid multitasking and getting distracted by checking emails and your phone. Your productivity will only suffer.
If you find yourself thinking negatively about a task, force yourself to restate it as a positive comment. For example, if you find yourself thinking, “I have too much work today. I’ll never get it done,” say instead, “If I start right now, it’ll all get done before the deadline. ”
Schedule meetings or phone calls in advance so that you have a definite date to complete a goal by. This can motivate you to complete something by that date. Send work to your accountability partner for feedback. Give them permission to be honest and thorough with this feedback. Your accountability partner can also send you occasional reminders, such as “Remember that you were going to submit the proposal by the end of the week” or “Have you applied for funding yet?”
There are several to-do list apps for your phone, such as Apple Reminders, Microsoft To-Do, and Google Tasks. You can even set up reminders to keep you on track. Use a daily task list to get everything done for the day. For bigger projects, use a separate list to mark off your short-term and long-term goals.
Whether you’re writing a novel or a thesis, check out local writing groups in your area. Look for them at universities, libraries, coffee shops, or bookstores. Running, hiking, or other exercise groups are a great way to meet people while staying on top of your fitness goals. Study groups help you learn class materials. Your classmates can help you understand difficult topics, and working together may make studying more fun. If you want to learn a new skill, join a class. The others in the class can help you stay motivated while you all learn together.
For example, if you want to build your own website, you might spend an hour every afternoon to work on the code. Find out what time of day you work best. For example, if you get the most done in the morning, schedule your more difficult tasks for the morning. Whatever you have in your routine should be done no matter how you are feeling. Even if you’re in a poor mood, you should try to stay on track with your schedule.
If you get negative feedback on a project, you might feel discouraged. Find an activity that calms you. For example, you might take a walk, doodle on some paper, or call a loved one. If your computer breaks often and you need to write a report, keep the phone number for IT or a computer store handy. Identify where you can borrow a laptop or use a public computer at a library. If the computer does break, you’ll be prepared.
For example, if you’re in school, your end goal might be to get into a certain college or to get a specific internship. If you want to own your own company, decide what type of company it will be. Do you want sell a product, consult other firms, or provide services to the community? Be specific with your goal. For example, if you want to travel the world, where do you want to go first? Do you prefer backpacking or would you like to take a cruise? Do you want to see the world all at once or do you want to break it up into several smaller trips? Don’t let goals distract you from other important aspects of your life. Make sure you make it clear to yourself how much effort should be going towards each goal you create.
For example, if your dream is to own a house, you might have smaller goals to save money, build good credit, apply for a mortgage, and find a home in a certain neighborhood. If you want to quit your job to sell handmade goods online, you might need to set up an online shop, create enough inventory to sell, and advertise your goods.
A role model can be someone you know in real life, such as a family member, boss, professor, or mentor. It can also be a famous person, such as a business leader or scientist. If you know them personally, ask them what they did to get there. If they’re a famous figure, try finding interviews or biographies that can show you the way.
Keep the quote somewhere relevant to your goals. If you’re looking to lose weight, for example, put it near your scale or bathroom mirror. If you’re finishing a big project at work, stick it in your drawer or on your computer. Look for quotes in books, websites, and motivational videos. You can buy posters online or make your own using paper and pen.
Work in the details to make it as clear as possible. Where are you? What are you doing? What are you wearing? How do you look? Who is with you? A vision board can help you strive towards your goals. Make a collage or picture of your goals or dreams. Put in a place you will have to see it every day, such as your office or refrigerator. This can motivate you a little bit each day.
