5 Ways to Motivate Yourself Every Single Day

The dictionary describes motivation as “reasons for acting in a particular way”. Basically, motivation boils down to wanting something. And the more you want it, the stronger your motivation. Unfortunately, many of us get stuck in a daily rut. We do what we have to do, but we lose sight of the reasons for doing so.

Studies have shown that there is a relationship between self-motivation for achievement and job satisfaction and job performance. Those that have a greater need for achievement are more satisfied with their job. It makes sense as they are motivated to accomplish more. Whether you are the self-motivated type or not, there will come a time in everyone’s career when there appears to be no cause.

Why is it so hard to motivate yourself?

For many, it’s the monotony of the day. You get up, grab your coffee, sit in traffic, or join the thousands of others on public transport. Your working day follows the same pattern, the same colleagues, and the same clients. The end of the day requires another stint in traffic.

A common complaint is the workload we face and the lack of time to complete it. This heavy schedule means many to have to bring work home—which then impacts family life. Sadly, there is rarely compensation for working extra hours at home.

The office culture can also make or break your motivation. Getting on well with one another, levels of respect, and office values are all required for a harmonious and positive working environment. Needless to say, those who fear for their safety will find it impossible to be motivated about work.

Two of the leading requirements for candidates looking for new employment say that along with a good salary, career opportunity is crucial. Learning new skills to develop one’s career is often more motivating than money. Jobs that have low wages and no opportunity offer no stimulation.

Effective Ways to Motivate Yourself Daily

You are not going to wake up and be motivated. It requires some effort on your behalf. Here are five things you can do to help you find your motivation for today and every day.

1. Plan for a positive day      

Everybody should make time in the mornings for 5 minutes of peace and time to plan the day. While planning, you need to consider what your goals are and what you need to do that day. Don’t confuse goals and the to-do list. Your goal might be to lose weight, and your to-do list includes emails, reports, and meetings.

Make sure you are doing something towards your goal (walking in your lunch break) and not just trying to get everything done. When possible, cut down your to-do list. It is better to have a shorter list and to achieve everything that to have too much to do and feeling like you have failed.

2. Talk to yourself

Getting that happy buzz is not easy. There comes the point when you have to ban yourself from the negativity and start giving yourself a stern talking to. Remove vocabulary like “I think I can” and replace it with “I will”. Mentally imagine the prize for achieving your goal or your to-do list.

3. Understand what motivates you

For some people, it’s a cold beer at the end of the day that motivates them; for others, it’s the rush from going to the gym. Just because these things inspire them, it doesn’t mean it will inspire you. Whether it’s dancing in your garden, a bubble bath with candles, a 12-oz. steak, discover your passion, and what fulfils you.

4. Find your motivational mate

Call it your partner in crime, you work wife or work husband—whoever that person is—you need someone who you can bounce off ideas in the office. It’s not someone who is going to sit in the office and complain with you, but someone that motivates you.

5. Appreciate breaks

Taking short 5-minute breaks away from your desk is a change of scenery. This short break gives your mind the chance to disconnect. We have now become a workforce that feels guilty for taking a lunch break, when in fact, we should be using this time to give our brains a rest, change the subject, catch up with co-workers. Oh, and don’t forget to plan your holidays.

Ineffective Self-Motivation Methods

If you notice the following traits in yourself, it’s time to make a change. If you see them in others, try to steer clear of them.

• The Procrastinator—The person who spends too much time complaining rather than getting on and doing it.
• The Army Major—Telling themselves what they must do, throwing in the odd insult as a way to motivate themselves.
• The Overload—Taking on more than what is ever possible.
• Eeyore—Everyone loves this sad little donkey, but there is no room for his gloom in the office.