Motivation

Most likely, when you set a goal you will have an inner fire because you want to reach it. What happens after? Do you start to lose that fire and come up with reasons why you are not moving forward?

This guide helps you keep that fire alive. Remember: it does not have to be perfect. You just have to keep moving.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the ones you did do.”— Mark Twain

Finding the Fire

What is your focus, your core inspiration right now, and how can you keep that fire alive?

Re-finding your focus every day or every month lets you re-align yourself with your purpose. When you concentrate on the goal, the outcomes, the lessons, and the journey to get there, you keep the fire burning.

Your core is the main reason you are taking these steps. It is not just the outcome of your goal. It is the deep, personal reason why you want to make it happen.

Root of Inspiration

What are your reasons for living?

You want to reach a milestone because you want to succeed, but motivation runs deeper than that. There are two main sources.

People. Even though your goal should ultimately be for you, there is nothing wrong with knowing that people count on you and want to see you win. Think of your immediate family, children, parents, a spouse, friends, or mentors who love you and want to see you succeed.

Activities. What environments and surroundings make you feel alive and motivated? A song, a movie, a lecture, a sport, a concert, the beach, the mountains. Think about the activities that bring you to life.

Aligning Inspiration with Your Goal

You have found your inspiration. Now connect it to your goal.

Your focus points are the things that bring you back to your purpose. They can be anything from wanting to feel healthy, to wanting more financial security, to wanting to show your kids what is possible.

List the points that bring you back to your goal whenever you feel yourself drifting. You are connecting the people, the feelings, and the moments that matter most to you with the actual work of reaching your goal. That is the link that keeps motivation alive long after the initial excitement fades.

Taking Action

Inspiration without action is just a dream. Here is how to make it real.

List three to five people you look up to and can lean on when you need support. They can be relatives, significant others, mentors, business partners, or friends. Tell each of them about your goal, your timeline, and how you plan to stay motivated. When people you respect are checking in on you, you show up differently.

List the activities that move you forward. These are the experiences that paint a picture in your mind and create positive emotions in your body. The goal is attained through the emotions you carry. Motivation and aliveness are what keep your eye on the prize.

Believing in Yourself

This is the part most people skip.

You deserve to reach your goals. There is nobody on this earth who can stop you from getting what you want. You are worth more than you think. Your mind will play games with you, but you will be stronger and keep moving forward.

In order to stay motivated, do these three things. Read and believe in your inspiration, your core, your reasons for living. Know that you can make change because of the people and activities that inspire you. And keep adding a motivating factor to your life at least once a week.