eNEWSLETTER
February 2009
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Staying Motivated
Last month we looked at how to set goals in the New Year by using the SMART system. This month we will be looking at how you can go about achieving the goals you’ve set and methods of staying motivated to achieve them.
As many of you will know setting the goals is the easiest part, achieving them takes hard work and dedication. When making your goals one of the main determinants was why you were making them.
The Rewards System
For example if your goal was to lose 10kg before your 40th Birthday Party and as per the SMART System you gave yourself 6 months. Then one way of motivating yourself is at each milestone you get yourself a treat, for example an item of clothing. This is just one way of staying on track and looking at the bigger picture, because goals don’t always happen overnight and sometimes you have to reassess after some time to ensure that your goals are still in reach and perhaps if necessary tweak them so that you may have a little more time to achieve them.
The “Motivation” Poster
Another way of staying motivated is through the use of a poster size “Motivation” board, on the board you may have an ideal image of yourself that you were 1o years ago, put this picture on a poster, you may also want to buy a house then you would put a picture of your dream house. Another goal may be the job of a lifetime and find a picture that represents your goals. Other useful items on the board may be a picture of your family; inspirational quotes that you feel motivate you or pictures of something that you love i.e. butterflies.
The most important thing about you motivation board is that it is put in a place that you will see it every day, take pictures if necessary and have it as your wallpaper on the computer at home or on your mobile phone. If necessary carry a pocket size picture in your wallet so that you never forget the reason behind your goal.
The purpose of the board is to enable you to see all the people and places and things that will help you in your goal to success. It will help you stay motivated and this visualisation technique is a well documented self – help technique that works.
The Diary
It sounds so simple keep a diary, you hear so many people saying that diaries are the best way to release all your fears, worries and stressors. But hearing what is said and implementing the idea are two different scenarios. The use of a diary is a way of documenting your good days as well as those days where you need a boost. Seeing a time when you felt happy can help re motivate you when you need a boost. It is also a reminder for when you reach a goal that it isn’t impossible and that you did it.
Imaginative thinking or variety
Sometimes our goals require us to do something repetitive, often when we are saving for a house deposit we go without take away, we cut back all item to bare necessities for instance, snacks are always the first to go, then you may cut back in other areas such as gym memberships and leisurely activities.
Sometime when we cut back we begin to resent the goals we make. One way of challenging that is if you spice up the routine. Yes, your cutting back on some activities, but that shouldn’t mean you should cut back on life, a night at home watching a movie with some fresh popcorn can be just as good as one in a cinemas, a picnic in the park can be just as romantic as a candlelit dinner in an expensive restaurant.
If your goal is to lose weight spice up your routine, don’t just rely on the gym; go for walks around the block with family members or pets. The park is another alternative: throw the ball around with the children or have a game of cricket, just because you’re not over exerting yourself it out at the gym doesn’t mean you aren’t exercising. It adds variety to your routine and allows you to spend time with people you care about and stay motivated.
References
- Crawford, D (2008) Staying Motivated
http://www.smart-marketing-works.com/staying-motivated.html - Think Exist (2006) http://thinkexist.com/quotation/desire_is_the_key_to_motivation-but_it-s/216164.html
Until next time then...
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal- a commitment to excellence- that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” - Mario Andretti