I am a naturally motivated person. I love the idea of being able to wake up and do great things. I also have anxiety and depression- a combination that hurts my motivational side. To get things done, I still have to work for my motivation. I know what I want to accomplish, but I have to work on the how. Here’s some of my advice:
-
Write it down! I have a list of all of my goals. Writing down your dreams/aspirations helps you keep track of what you want to do, and when. I have a “Game Plan” listed in my journal.
-
Share it with others. I wrote another article about my dreams and aspirations. I want to be an editor, I want to move to Australia, I want to graduate. Tell people your goals- big and small. It helps you be more apt to complete them. Tell trustworthy people that will help you stick with your goals.
-
Keep a planner. This can be used to schedule homework, work, working out, or any extracurriculars you have going on. I write all of the above in mine. I like to know what I’m doing each day, and especially when it comes to homework I like to have my work planned out for the week. I am not a procrastinator.
-
Be conscious of doing things that will stand in the way. Drinking, smoking, and partying are all habits that will ruin your motivational streak. Skipping class or work will also damage the success that you have made for yourself.
-
Treat yourself! If you finished all of your homework, if you worked out every day this week, if you didn’t skip class at all this semester- treat yourself. Giving yourself rewards for things that you’ve done will make it easier to do them again in the future.