Motivation is important when setting and completing goals. We create it by combining our desires, values, and beliefs. Since we have influence over each of those things, we can control our level of motivation. When you value something and choose to set realistic goals for attaining it, there will likely be a good outcome.

6 Steps to Get Motivated

The following steps will help you take action:

  1. Identify your values, beliefs, and desires.
  2. Write down how your work, health, and relationships relate to those values, beliefs, and desires.
  3. Prioritize your goals. Are some long-term or short-term? Do you see any themes emerging?
  4. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses to assess which goals are realistic.
  5. Adjust your goals accordingly as not every circumstance is under your control.
  6. Understand that success is the result of your motivation, goals, circumstances, and hard work. 

Tips to Stay on Track

When it comes to goals, it can be easy to stall out or get sidetracked. Consider these tips to gain and maintain your motivation:

  • Accountability. Surround yourself with supportive people who are working toward the same types of goals. Encouragement from others, especially those who have previously completed a similar goal, is important. If you’re constantly competing with others, you’ll feel alone and lose momentum.
  • Inspiration. Look for daily ways to uplift your mind and motivation. This might mean posting an inspiring quote or picture to your mirror or reading about influential people you admire.
  • Consider the alternative. If you don’t meet your goal, what will your life be like? Your reaction to this question is a clue to how much you value the goal.
  • Practice self-care. When you take care of yourself, you’re more likely to reach your goals. This could be as simple as drinking more water, getting good sleep, or exercising a few times a week. Small changes can make a big difference in your energy level and mood.
  • Forgive yourself. It’s all too easy to be your own worst enemy. Understand that some days you’ll fail, make mistakes, and get rejected. However, if you stay positive and refuse to beat yourself up, you’ve already won the battle. Learn to forgive yourself and move forward. 

Goal-Setting

When it comes to setting goals, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some guidelines that can help:

  • Plan. Set aside some time to think about your goals. You might have a few false starts. Don’t be discouraged. That’s a normal part of the goal-setting process.
  • Think big. Put logic aside for a moment, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Don’t let negative thinking take over. Just because you can’t reach a goal today doesn’t mean you won’t reach it later.
  • Stay positive. Use uplifting language when you’re constructing your goal. Focus on what you want for yourself rather than what you don’t want. For example, say something like, “I want to lose 20 pounds so I can play in the backyard with my kids.” This is more positive than, “I want to lose 20 pounds so I don’t have a heart attack.”
  • Break it down. Goals should be broken up into attainable and measurable tasks. Setting a daily or weekly goal will continue to keep you motivated. This also allows you to monitor your progress.
  • Imagine your future. Who and where are you in five or ten years? What are you doing? Who’s with you? What’s making you happy? Picturing your future can be highly motivating.
  • Write a vision statement. When you feel overwhelmed with daily tasks, having a clear and concise vision statement, or purpose for your goal, can help you stay on track. This is sometimes known as a “why” statement. The more passionate you feel about your purpose, the more determined you’ll be to stay the course.
  • Be flexible. There’s no rule that says you can’t revise your goals or daily tasks. As you move through life, your circumstances and passions will change. Sometimes you’ll need to alter the steps toward your goal as you learn along the way. It’s important to be flexible and open to change.
Setting and meeting goals is a life-long process. When you achieve one goal, be sure to set time aside to celebrate the victory. Then set your sights on a new objective, and include others in your process. Helping someone get started on their journey is a great way to stay motivated and keep moving in the direction of your dreams.  
 
Sources:

Eastern Washington University. Goal-Setting. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://inside.ewu.edu/calelearning/psychological-skills/goal-setting/
Positive Psychology.com. What is goal setting and how to do it well. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/
Ohio State University. Goals and motivation. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://u.osu.edu/cai.593/goals-and-motivation/
Oregon State University. Set goals and motivate. Accessed February 3, 2023. https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/goals