Do you ever feel like you have all these things you want to do, but you just can’t get motivated? Somehow one day turns into one week and one week turns into one month, and you realize that you still haven’t touched the project or you are moving through it slower than a snail.
What motivates you? This is a really important question because if you can get that figured out, you can harness it and use the information to help you stop putting things off.
Not Necessarily What Motivates Your Neighbor
Doing a little bit of digging and analyzing like this can help you figure out what works for you. What works for you may not be the same thing that works for your best friend. We are all motivated by different things. Some of us are motivated by the praise of others, some by promotions, some by rewards like vacation or a new dress, and others...by chocolate.
When I break down what motivates me, there are a few things that are a surefire way to get me moving: deadlines, a vision for my future, and my commitments to others. Sometimes I get lucky and have all three working together for me in a project, and sometimes only one, but without at least one of these, I will tend to find myself surfing the internet, watching TV, cleaning, or anything else that is not the project I intended to complete.
Three Projects You Completed
Think about the last three projects you completed that took effort, but also brought satisfaction. Are there any common themes? What kept you motivated? What kept you working hard?How can you use these insights and apply them to your current project or future projects that you may not be so driven to follow through with?
When I can't seem to gain the momentum on a project that for some reason seems daunting, I will apply one of my surefire tactics. I will create a deadline for myself and/or I will commit to someone else that I will do it in a certain time frame and report to them when it's done. If it's writing, feedback often motivates me, so along with my commitment, I may ask someone to give me feedback as a reward for completing it by the deadline.
When Positive Reinforcement Doesn't Work
There's one other thing that also helps to motivate me when positive reinforcement isn't working. I will take something away from myself until the project is done, and I will tell someone I feel accountable to so that I don't sneak it back into my life. For instance, I may say that I cannot check my e-mail, or my Facebook account, or read my favorite book, etc., until pre-defined segments of the project are completed.For you, possible motivators could be feedback from others, social interaction, solitude, a peaceful or creative work environment, inspirational quotes, or silly praise stickers that can be placed on a calendar, mirror, or on your completed work.
Still No Inspiration…
Sometimes we have to realize and accept that a project just wasn’t meant for us. It sounded good, but either our heart just isn’t in it, or we already have too many things on our plate. Delegating a project to someone else or simply letting it go and taking it off of your to do list can bring a new sense of refreshment and give you the energy you need to do the things that you really care about.
Melissa King is a life and wellness coach in New York City. Visit her website at www.myheartdances.com If you benefit from these articles, let her know at melissa@myheartdances.com
