Here we are; it is Monday again. I know we all want to be that person who bounds out of bed and attacks the day with gusto. There are multitudes of articles, Facebook posts and even books that will tell you to just take the world by storm. But what about those days when just thinking about everything you have to do makes you want to put your head under the covers and wish it all away?
First of all, I can tell you with absolute certainty that it happens to everyone. Even that motivational speaker who seems to be constantly bouncing off the walls (coffee I tell you, lots of coffee). So don’t get down on yourself because you’re having a bit of an off day.
Let’s go on a mission to find your motivation shall we?
Do you have a list? If you don’t have what you need to do written down you are using energy to keep track of it. And since energy is not something we have to spare, making a list helps with motivation.
Is your list too daunting? Trust me I know the feeling. The one sitting next to my computer as I type this has 26 things on it. Break it down into smaller groups. Rather than looking at the whole list pick the three things you want to do first and highlight them. Now you only have three things on your “right now” list.
Is the first thing on the list overwhelming? Break it down. Laundry is a good example. Why? Well because we all have to do it at some point. If you just write “laundry” you have a whole bunch of things that have to get done before you can mark it off – not very motivating. What if the list had items like this: separate laundry, wash dark load, dry darks, fold darks, wash light load, etc … put laundry away. Then each step comes with something being marked off on the list.
Do you have everything you need? There is little that is more deflating than getting all prepped to dive into a list item and then realizing you don’t have what you need to be successful. If you don’t have laundry detergent, don’t try to do laundry. Move “run errands” to the top of the list and do that instead.
What things can be done together or in sequence? It is frustrating and a waste of time to have to backtrack. If there are things on your list that require similar thought process or tools do them in sequence. As an example, I typically run the dishwasher and do laundry in sequence because the hot water is already up and it just makes since to me to do it. Those types of connections will ‘trick’ your brain into moving seamlessly from one thing to the next without prodding.
Okay, now you are ready to attack your list like it is your favorite dessert. What you say? You’re still not feeling it? No problem. There are a couple more important things you can do.
What is your self talk? Ask yourself, why are those things on your list. If you are like me when I’m feeling unmotivated the answer is “because they need to be done”. That isn’t very motivating. In fact, it feels a bit like drudgery. Something like, “because I am the type of person who likes to have a neat appearance” is much better. Attach a why that is about who you are as a person not about the items on the list.
Did you remember a pat on the back? Don’t forget to reward yourself when you complete things. It is so easy to just move on to the next thing without taking a moment to acknowledge your progress. When you mark something off your list do a happy dance, or at least think really loudly that you are fabulous.
Would you like to know why the 26 things on my list are there? Because I believe that I have an obligation to share what I know about getting from where you are to where you want to be with everyone who is interested. It would be selfish for me to keep it to myself.
I don’t know about you, but I find that is pretty motivating.
What tricks do you use to keep yourself moving in the right direction?
This week’s topic is thanks to Elizabeth on Facebook. If you have a topic you would like to see, post it in the comments or on our Facebook page and look for it in a future addition of the Champion Performance Topic of the Week.
