Motivating Yourself

There are things we want to do and things we know we need to do. The only difference is that one may be more fun, but really they both are on our minds and need to be completed. What can you do to create motivation for yourself so you can be more efficient at tending to all the tasks and ideas that need to be accomplished?

I started a list and thought I would share that list with you. These are ideas to help you create your own motivation to get something done.. something that is really important to you.

• Set up a challenge with someone else who has a similar task or goal. Whoever gets it done first is the winner and receives a set ‘prize’ that both agreed upon up front.
• Send an email out to your list (or family and friends / coworkers) that you will be doing ‘set task’ and wanted to share that it would be done and complete by ‘set day’.
• Share your project on your social media sites and declare your accountability. Ask people to check in with you and ask about your progress.
• Set up an ‘escrow account’ with an amount of money you just could not bear to lose and the person who you gave access to that account would get to keep the money if you did not do what you committed to do. (to add to the pain, the money could go to someone you are not too crazy about)
• Make a promise that if you do not accomplish a set task or project that you will have to do something that is far worse then the project you want to complete. Like post a video on youtube about why you didn’t do what you said you would do or wear a sign all day at the mall that says “I don’t keep my promises” (crazy stuff, I know.. but you get the idea I hope)
• If there is something you have been wanting.. like a new CD, book or a laptop computer, make it a reward for yourself. Don’t allow yourself to go get it until you have crossed that goal or task off your master list.

On a personal note, I was very determined to lose some weight and get in shape. I lost 20 pounds in July and was really proud of myself and more so for sticking with the commitment. August is here and almost gone and I have kept up a healthy eating routine but I have completely dropped the exercise ball (no pun intended). I have not worked out nearly as much as I had decided I would.

Motivation is needed! Before, I was motivated just by the fact that I didn’t fit in my clothes anymore and I was always tired. Now, I am back at the task of working and sitting at my desk all day and not making the time I need to go work out. So here is what I am doing to motivate myself. I told my husband that I will work out for a minimum of 30 minutes every single day for the next 14 days (that is when I leave for a business trip to Atlanta). and that if I miss even one day then I can’t go.. that I will cancel my trip. I want to go more then anything in the world and have already paid for the non-refundable tickets. Am I motivated? You bet!!

What do you need or want to do? What can you do to increase your motivation? (Leaving a comment on a blog post about what you will do counts as accountability… just saying!)

test Filed under Action Habits | Tags: Helen Rappy, Helen Raptoplous, Motivating yourself, moving forward, taking action | Comments (3)