Motivation? I Don’t Think So

Personally, it’s hard for me to stay motivated. Especially if it’s something that won’t be over quickly, like school for example. I may have bouts of motivation, but each time I run out of it, I find it hard to care about school.

So I realize I just admitted that I stink at staying motivated… and yet, here I am trying to advise someone on motivation. I think I’m trying to help us both stay motivated, or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Making It Pretty

The first thing that helps me with staying motivated is making it pretty. That sounds strange, but I think aesthetics have a lot to do with the world around us. If something is aesthetically pleasing, it makes me want to do it more. For example, I made a vision board for this year. I filled it with pretty pictures and words to keep me motivated to accomplish my 2019 goals. Is it working so far? For sure and I have proof. I made it in the beginning of January, and one of the things I put on the vision board was getting a puppy. Now, mid-February, I have a puppy!!! It’s like magic. Except not.

Even though we’re two months in, I would suggest making a vision board. It’s fun to plan out, and to look at everyday. Have I mentioned that mine is really pretty? Because it really is.

I didn’t put unreasonable things in it, because that’s not the point. It’s not some magical board that makes everything unreasonably impossible, reasonably possible. Although, I’ll admit the puppy thing was kind of a stretch on the whole reasonable thing. I put goals like: working on self care, sticking to a skin routine, playing the piano again, and finishing a book I’ve been writing. All reasonable and within my own power.

It’s a reminder of what I want to push myself to do.

Make A Plan

I love calendars. Well, maybe not the calendars themself, but the act of planning stuff out and having all of your events and responsibilities written out. Ooh, I have two main calendars right now, a desk one that has all of my main responsibilities except for homework or tests, and a school agenda that has all of my homework, tests, and quizzes along with sports practices and games.

I love being able to look and know what’s going on. I also have a terrible memory of what I’m supposed to do so it’s very helpful. I know that I have a personality type that enjoys everything being as planned out as possible, but even if you just put some of your stuff on a little wall calendar, it might help. It certainly makes me feel a lot more in control of what I do.

Being in control of your time and your life will help tremendously.

Encourage Yourself

Little post it notes are the bomb. Maybe they have reminders of responsibilities or something you need to memorize or just little cute reminders. I think they’re so great and personally have some encouragement ones and some ones for Spanish class. Switching them out when you get used to them is also a good idea.

Being lazy in the long run, does nothing for you (I’m calling myself out too). Somehow convincing yourself to do something productive is great. Don’t take that to mean that you can’t ever have a break, because breaks are important too. Being productive even feels good, because you’re not watching Netflix with guilt over your shoulder reminding you of all the homework you need to do.

There’s some kind of satisfaction from doing well or being productive that is so energizing. I know it’s not something you feel when you haven’t showered in 4 days and are 3 days behind in homework or work. It’s just stressful then, and I don’t quite know how to motivate yourself out of that place. Try not to let it get that far, and when you are there, muster some kind of will up and go shower and start your work. Once it’s done, you’ll feel better.

Encourage yourself to keep going especially when you don’t want to.