How to be Your Own Biggest Motivator

Motivation is not something that can be constant, it will drop, but who says you cannot get it back? One way is to depend on people for it. I mean, a few words of wisdom and motivation to the ears can make you do wonders.

But let’s just drop the bomb you’re hiding away from – people are not always going to be around to motivate you – even if you are popular. I mean, imagine losing motivation to write an extra assignment at 3 a.m., you wouldn’t call up a friend for some words of motivation.

You have to be independent, you have to be your own motivator, not just for a moment but for every moment you feel that you don’t have the motivation or the strength to keep doing what you should. Your reason for doing what you are doing has to be bigger than the obstacle ahead. 

Having said that, here are some tips you can use to become your biggest motivator

How to be your own biggest motivator

1. Create your vision board or a motivation folder

When it comes to refueling motivation, a vision board and motivation folder can be a god-sent. Consider a

vision board as a board that reminds you of your goals and motivates you into doing something you planned. It can contain pictures, texts, and some words of motivation to yourself. You might have it as your wallpaper, or at your workstation. (Work station is the best if you ask me)

While at the same time, a motivation folder, as the name suggests, contains everything that can motivate you. It can be pictures, posters, words of motivation, and even your achievements (certificates, letter of recommendation, etc.)

2. Practice affirmations

Don’t consider affirmations as just phrases you say for the sake of saying. Consider them a powerful tool to

remind yourself of your goals and what you are capable of.

Thus, every time you feel your motivation fuel dropping, remind yourself of your targets, the life you want to live, the growth you want for yourself by reciting affirmations.

Here are some motivational affirmations that can help.

•   I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents. The choice I make today matters.
•   My ambition allows me to achieve my goals. I have a fire inside that’s pushing me forward. I’ve got what it takes.
•   If there’s no reason why I can’t do it, I must do it right now.

I always write affirmations on sticky notes and mirrors to remind myself in places and times where I may not otherwise think to have positive thoughts. I do bathroom mirrors, office mirrors, sticky notes on my closet and computer and in my wallet.

3. Read and watch motivational books and movies

There’s no better motivator than books and movies. If you are into reading, take any autobiography of the

personality who inspires you. If you are into movies and are looking for recommendations – Remember the Titans, The Pursuit of Happiness, and It’s a Wonderful Life

4. Don’t overthink, just do it

Perhaps the only reason why you are feeling unmotivated is that you’re thinking too much. Trust me when it comes to it, our mind can be our foe sometimes. It only makes you think about things you shouldn’t do. So, if you happen to get such thoughts a lot,

“What if I fail”

“Perhaps I’m not cut out for it”

“I cannot do it”

It’s only your mind fooling you. You are better than, and you have to take matters in your command. You can do that by focusing on actions. If you find yourself thinking too much, just stop, AND GET TO ACTION. Sometimes, you just have to take the first step, following which things get easier.

5. Reflect on your past achievements

There will be moments when you’ll doubt yourself a lot. We all go through it – especially in the face of failures

or when we’re starting a fresh chapter. This is when you have to remind yourself that you are capable. For that, recollecting your past achievements can work wonders.

Whether it is a trophy, medal, or even a compliment, use it as a reminder that you can do it.

6. Give yourself a break if necessary

It’s not impossible that the only reason you are lacking motivation is that you are pushing yourself too hard. For instance, if you exercise 7 days a week, you will get tired, and eventually, lose all the motivation of working out. So, give yourself a break.

Ask yourself, if you are working more than needed? If that’s a yes, then all you need to do to get that motivation back is a break. Take your time, go out for a walk, hang out with friends, or do something you like. Your mind needs rest to gain the stamina (in this case, motivation), give it that.

7. Write letters to yourself

You might have seen people writing letters, or shooting videos for their future selves. You can do something

similar – write a letter to motivate yourself. Now, this might not be a letter for your future self, but that unmotivated, tired, version of you.  Reading this letter can fill you up with motivation like nothing else.

So, to write one such letter, imagine, what would you like to tell a friend when they are feeling down and unmotivated? You have to tell the same thing to yourself. 

 

Hopefully, you can bring your own sparkle and motivation, but if that doesn’t work, writing letters and sticky notes, saying affirmations, giving yourself a break, finding inspiration from books, movies and previous achievements can help you get where you need to be. If all else fails, I’m here to help as well, just reach out and we as a community can help support you!