11 Ways To Motivate Yourself

Happiness and motivation are intrinsically connected. There is something about being excited that changes a person’s frame of mind.

Over 30 years ago, I embarked on a life transformation without realizing it. I didn’t grow up in the best of places. There wasn’t always food on the table and went to a school where if you were studious, you’d actually get beat up.

I saved enough money to go to college and was fortunate enough to get a company to hire me.

However, because of my “self-imposed limitations” based on my beliefs, I was failing at work. I carried more than a “chip on my shoulder:” I had an unworkable belief that “only a few special people could be successful,” and they came from the “right family.”

But I kept on trying. The problem was I had old scripts playing in my head.

Then 2 miracles occurred:

1. I found a book at a bookstore that changed my thinking
2. I found a video at the library that showed me how to be successful

These two events changed my life drastically.

Thirty years later, I still practice what I learned from the book and the video.

Here are some of the things I have learned

1. Create a Goal—An overarching purpose is best, but just start setting goals and working towards them.

2. Take Steps Toward the Goal – Break the goal into smaller goals. Each day (or hour), do something that moves you closer to the goal.

3. Learn New Skills – Doing 1 & 2 will “force” you to learn new skills.

4. Find a Mentor—The mentor can be a speaker or author who understands success. It doesn’t have to be a person you meet with.

5. Practice Gratitude—Be grateful for what you have. Start with your eyesight, hands, and fingers—the small things. Create a list. There’s a lot to be grateful for.

6. Write—Take notes and create written affirmations.

7. Check In with Your Manager—Ask about priorities, what else you can do, and where he/she needs help.

8. Reward Yourself—When you achieve a small goal, pat yourself on the back with a small reward.

9. Surround Yourself with Positive People—This is critical. Get away from negative people.

10. Stay Positive—Look for the good in everything and everyone and be a beacon of positivity to others.

11. Get Feedback—But only from people who support you and know what they are talking about—an expert in their field.

12. BONUS—Read for at least an hour in your field every morning. Go to bed before 10 PM and be up before 6 AM. Study and take notes.