4 Tips to Motivation
“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” ~Norman R. Augustine
We all have talents, which create meaning in our lives. I love to write, and to inspire people. Besides my family, writing provides the motivation, which gets me up in the morning. Creating words on paper, and discovering different ways to express the daily miracles and lessons in my life inspires me to continue my work.
Sometimes, however, I need a little more than “writing” to get me motivated. Occasionally I get stuck, or at least I don’t feel as productive as I can. When I’m stuck, I have to get creatively motivated.
1. Deadlines
Whether self-imposed, or created by an outside force such as a business, a client, or a friend, a deadline gives us that little kick when we otherwise may find excuses to keep us from our work.
2. Drop the Excuses
They always seem legitimate. After all, we make dinner, clean the house, organize cupboards, paint the bedroom, or fix a shelf… or do we have to do these activities right in the middle of a project? Isn’t it possible to schedule most of this around the work we are paid to do, or at least is our main focus of the day?
3. Rewards
A silky latte to go is a great start to the day, but what if it becomes the reward? Perhaps I can have that latte once I’ve written 1000 words, or after I submitted my current project. Maybe you reward yourself with a nice dinner for you and your spouse, or with a tour of the new museum exhibit you’ve been eyeing. Maybe your reward is a pair of rollerblades or a new summer hat.
4. Kindness
Know where your strengths and weaknesses are, and work around that. 2pm may be the worst time to do work which requires intense thought, but it may be a great time to book appointments or finish an email notice.
So, with deadlines looming, and a latte waiting for me at the coffee shop, I am back to work!
What helps you stay motivated?
--Tina Su
Image by Paul Bica
“Motivation will almost always beat mere talent.” ~Norman R. AugustineWe all have talents, which create meaning in our lives. I love to write, and to inspire people. Besides my family, writing provides the motivation, which gets me up in the morning. Creating words on paper, and discovering different ways to express the daily miracles and lessons in my life inspires me to continue my work.
" />
Do you have a comment? We'd love to hear what you think!
Do you have a question that we haven’t answered yet in About SAM-e? If so, please Ask Us a Question.
Comment Policy
We value your comment. Please see our comment policy for more details on our guidelines for commenting.