How to Stay Motivated : The Step by Step Guide

Well, the topic of today’s discussion is something which has been raised by us quite a lot of times earlier too. But what really matters is the relevancy of the message in accordance with the times. How to stay motivated? Strange question isn’t it? To find a concrete answer to this question let’s ask why we need motivation. Consider this, we all are human beings. We have consciousness. We possess the ability to judge right from wrong depending on our previous experiences. But what happens to all of us as we grow up? Let’s do some analysis from the baseline. And I bring to you the Inspire2rise How to Stay Motivated guide.

What is Motivation tho?

Motivation can be a complex and multifaceted concept, but there are various strategies to help you sustain your drive. Recognize that everyone has their own unique path, and it’s crucial to discover what truly works for you.

How to stay motivated: Analyzing motivation and when does need for motivation arises.

When we are kids we follow what our parents and teachers say. We follow them for several reasons. Reasons like respect, love, fear, obedience, and much more. But as we grow up, we have to stick out for ourselves.

We learn that there are things that we ought to do and then there are things that we love to do. Things like lazing around, sleeping, surfing the internet, mindless gossip, and the list is endless. These are the things which we may like to do. But they don’t ensure that we may get anywhere in life.

We need motivation to do the things that are important for self-growth. Things which would lead to a higher level of understanding and a better life. But above all, we need motivation to get through the day. Every day. We need motivation because it connects us to our true selves. The self that wants to help others. Which wants to make the world a better place.

But even motivation works well for those who understand how to take it.

There’s a famous quote that

If you have a fool and you motivate him, then now you have a motivated fool!

We lose hope through the trivia of life. You know as I too go on, the feeling comes that every day is a new struggle. This is exactly why we need motivation. Even while writing this article I took so many breaks.

It was just not possible to write it in one go. Every time I wrote down something I erased almost 4-5 lines. This is the analysis of our mind. We are always afraid of venturing out. But exploring new avenues and always moving forward is the way to go.

We need motivation because we are not connected to our inner child. A child always does things in his/her own innocent way. This is what we lack. When we do anything we don’t do it with love. If you put love, passion, and everything even in the smallest of your acts then you will realize motivation is a behavioral pattern.

Motivation can’t be forced. It always comes from the inside. This was something a good friend of mine always told me. If something motivates you then you are not there yet. Someday you will not be affected by the external forces in life when the winds and rains can do nothing to you. Then you would have achieved the state where you won’t need any motivation. Though it all sounds good and thing. But let’s leave this for the adepts and saints.

Coming back to ground zero.

Let’s sum up motivation points for the newbies and for those who get down too easily.

How to stay motivated? Feeling down, aren’t you? Do this immediately :

1.) Start walking. Go for a long walk. If possible don’t plug in your headphones and focus on the scenery, people, and nature around you. It always inspires me to do something better.

2.) Listen to your favorite music. Better would be to create your own music. Nothing beats stress and inspires me more than playing my guitar.

3.) Scare some people. Oops, who wrote this? OK, OK what I wanted to say is that help those in need. Doing a very small act of kindness is enough to motivate you beyond your own petty sorrows.

4.) Hug your loved ones. Watch your photos in happy moments. It is surely a booster.

5.) And when everything else fails. Then ask yourself: “What are you going to do? What is your purpose? Why you are here?”
If you find the answers to the above questions then it will not only solve your motivation problem, it will solve all of your problems.

Well, that was something serious. I wrote this post because I felt heavy inside regarding some issues that had been plaguing my life for a few days. In the process of writing this post, I regained my Mojo, my motivation. This was my way, you have to find yours.

Go out to claim your life, your purpose is waiting for you. Stay motivated, learn by yourself how to stay motivated. Life is too short to waste it by feeling down. Stay inspired to rise.

Well if all of the above steps didn’t work out for you, then let us lay it down thick, especially for the people at the back!

Let’s delve into several methods that can aid you in maintaining your Motivation Levels:

• Set Clear Objectives: Create concrete, quantifiable, reachable, pertinent, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. Establish distinct goals and fragment them into minor, manageable strides. This will grant you a definite sense of orientation and progression.
• Determine Significance and Intent: Link your aspirations to your individual values and passions. Comprehending the intrinsic significance behind your endeavors can stimulate your motivation and offer a feeling of intent.
• Foster a Supportive Environment: Encompass yourself with individuals who motivate and support you. Share your ambitions with accountable allies, relatives, or advisors who can offer assistance and supervise your advancement.
• Dissect Difficult Tasks: Formidable projects can occasionally seem staggering, leading to demotivation. Fragment them into tinier, more feasible undertakings. Celebrate every finished assignment as a step ahead, which can boost your motivation.
• Reward Your Efforts: Develop a mechanism of rewards for reaching milestones en route. Treat yourself to a gratifying reward following the completion of a difficult task or an extensive objective. This favorable reinforcement can assist in sustaining motivation.
• Envision Triumph: Allocate a few minutes daily to envisage yourself accomplishing your goals successfully. Picture the optimistic feelings and sensation of triumph you’ll encounter. This method can foster a constructive attitude and elevate motivation.
• Practice Wellness: Attend to your bodily and cerebral well-being. Partake in adequate rest, devour a healthy diet, exercise habitually, and participate in recreational activities that revitalize and placate you. Maintaining a sound Physical and mental well-being can greatly influence motivation.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: understand that setbacks and failures are integral components of the journey toward success. Instead of becoming disheartened, perceive them as chances for growth and education. Meditate on areas of improvement and adapt your strategy accordingly.
• Find inspiration: Seek out motivational sources such as literature, podcasts, TED presentations, or other forms of impactful material. Being exposed to accounts of resilience and victory can serve as a driving force for motivation, particularly during times of uncertainty or dwindling drive.
• Monitor Development: Maintain a log of accomplishments and progress. Observing one’s development can serve as a potent motivating factor, especially amidst periods of self-doubt or decreased motivation.

What are some common reasons why people struggle with motivation?

There are several common reasons why people may struggle with motivation.

Here are a few:

• Lack of Clarity: Without clear goals or a sense of direction, it’s easy to feel unmotivated. When individuals are unsure about what they want to achieve or how to get there, they may struggle to find the drive to take action.
• Fear of Failure: The fear of failing or making mistakes can be a significant barrier to motivation. Concerns about not meeting expectations, being judged, or facing setbacks can lead to a fear of taking risks and trying new things.
• Overwhelm and Perfectionism: Feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of a task or setting excessively high standards of perfection can hinder motivation. When individuals feel like they can’t meet their own expectations, they may become discouraged and struggle to take action.
• Lack of Confidence: Low self-confidence or self-doubt can undermine motivation. When individuals don’t believe in their abilities or question their competence, they may hesitate to pursue their goals, fearing they won’t succeed.
• Lack of Relevance or Meaning: If goals or tasks feel disconnected from personal values, interests, or passions, motivation can suffer. When individuals don’t see the purpose or relevance of what they’re doing, it can be challenging to find the drive to stay motivated.
• Monotony and Boredom: Engaging in repetitive or monotonous tasks for an extended period can lead to boredom and a decline in motivation. Without variety or stimulation, individuals may struggle to maintain enthusiasm and interest.
• External Factors: External circumstances, such as a lack of resources, unsupportive environments, or challenging life events, can impact motivation. When individuals face significant obstacles or lack the necessary support, it can be difficult to sustain motivation.
• Burnout and Exhaustion: Chronic stress, excessive workload, or a lack of work-life balance can contribute to burnout. When individuals feel physically and emotionally drained, their motivation levels can plummet.

It’s important to note that these reasons can often intertwine and vary from person to person. Understanding the underlying causes of your motivation struggles can help you address them more effectively and develop strategies to overcome them.

Motivation and it’s Links with Biology

As medical sciences have evolved we also now have deeper understanding on how Biology is linked with motivation.

Hormones, brain chemicals, and biology play significant roles in regulating motivation levels. Here’s a brief overview of how they can influence motivation:

• Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. It plays a crucial role in motivation by creating a sense of anticipation and drive. When dopamine levels are balanced, it can enhance motivation and reinforce behaviors associated with rewards. However, imbalances in dopamine can contribute to motivational deficits, such as decreased motivation in depression or disorders like ADHD.
• Serotonin: Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that affects mood, happiness, and motivation. Adequate serotonin levels are associated with positive emotions and motivation. Low serotonin levels have been linked to decreased motivation, apathy, and feelings of low energy.
• Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine): Noradrenaline is a hormone and neurotransmitter involved in the body’s stress response and arousal. It helps regulate attention, focus, and motivation. Optimal levels of noradrenaline can promote alertness and motivation, while imbalances may contribute to decreased motivation or difficulty concentrating.
• Testosterone: Testosterone is a hormone present in both males and females, but it is typically higher in males. It plays a role in motivation, confidence, and competitiveness. Adequate testosterone levels can positively influence motivation, while low levels may lead to decreased drive and energy.
• Cortisol: Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released in response to perceived threats. While acute increases in cortisol can enhance motivation in stressful situations, chronic or excessive stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can eventually deplete motivation and contribute to burnout.
• Brain Circuitry: The brain’s reward circuitry, including regions like the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system, plays a vital role in motivation. These areas interact with neurotransmitters and hormones to regulate motivation, goal-directed behavior, and the experience of pleasure or reward.
• Genetic Factors: Individual genetic variations can influence the production, metabolism, and receptor sensitivity of hormones and neurotransmitters. These genetic factors can contribute to differences in motivation levels among individuals.

It’s important to note that hormones, brain chemicals, and biology are just some of the factors that influence motivation. Psychological, environmental, and situational factors also play significant roles.

Understanding the interplay between these biological and non-biological factors can provide a more comprehensive understanding of motivation and guide interventions to enhance motivation when needed.

Remember that motivation can waver and encounter obstacles; the key lies in cultivating patience and implementing these strategies to regain motivation whenever necessary.

Should you face persistent difficulties with motivation, it may prove beneficial to consult with a trained therapist or counselor who can guide you toward overcoming hurdles tailored specifically to your needs.

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 Tags : Motivation, Inspiration.

Aditya Nath Jha

Aditya Nath Jha is an Engineer from New Delhi, India. His areas of interest include Gadgets, WordPress, speed optimization & latest technology. When he is not busy blogging he loves to write poetry, compose his own songs and has a taste for music! Find him on Facebook, Twitter, Linked in, Instagram. And watch his videos on YouTube.