Motivation can be a funny thing. Some days you wake up fully motivated and ready to go while, at other times, it seems as though all the life has been sucked out of you!
But despite the fact that motivation feels like it comes and goes at random, it doesn't. Feeling motivated isn’t something that just happens. It comes when your day has a purpose – when there’s something that you’re excited about and ready to rally behind.
If you’re finding it difficult to get up and go to work, you’re not alone. In fact, a study shows that fifty-two percent of Americans are not happy with the jobs they currently have. Motivation takes work. It is something that you need to refresh and renew every day.
To help you start your day off with a healthy dose of motivation, here are seven things to consider doing:
1. Outline Your Goals
Having a clear focus on your goals is the best way to keep motivated, even when things are tough. Take the time to outline your objectives for the year, and then break them up into doable steps. Keeping your overarching goals in mind will help you to see how even small, everyday actions contribute to the bigger picture.
2. Map Out the Day
Before you go to bed, write down a list of things that you want to accomplish the following day. List projects that you’d like to complete. Check your schedule, taking note of any upcoming appointments. The next morning when you wake up, instead of wondering what the day will hold, you’ll be in control of your day. This will help keep you motivated and on track, and prevent other things from hijacking your time.
Making breakfast plans with a friend, committing to a morning workout, or carpooling with a friend or coworker are just a few ways to start your morning off right as you’ll have something to look forward to. This will also help you to accomplish the rest of the day’s items on your task list.
3. Clean the House the Night Before
It’s difficult to feel motivated when you have to face a messy house. When you set your eyes on that sink full of dirty dishes or the overflowing garbage, your motivation will instantly disappear. You’ll forget about your goals, instead feeling overwhelmed by clutter. To start your day off right, make sure your house is nice and tidy the night before so you will feel fresh and motivated when you wake up.
4. Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Keep something inspirational like a favorite piece of art or some framed photos in your room where you can see them from bed. You could also make an inspiration board – a compilation of pictures, quotes, or other things that make you happy – and keep it in your room. This way, the first thing you see when you wake up and the last thing you’ll see before bed will fill you with happy, positive thoughts – helping to stoke your motivation.
5. Get up Immediately
Few things will zap your motivation faster than lying in your warm comfortable bed. Staying in bed “just a little bit longer” can quickly turn into ten or twenty minutes – even more if you're looking at your phone! Before you know it, you’re late and rushing out the door. Get enough sleep at night and get up when the alarm goes off.
6. Stretch, Drink Water, and Eat
Of course, stretching feels good but did you know that stretching also helps you wake up, improves circulation, and relieves tension? This can boost your energy and motivation. A short five-minute stretch in the morning will get you off to a great start.
Similarly, water is important too. During the night, we dehydrate which can leave us feeling groggy in the morning. So drink up, first thing!
You’ll also want to make sure your first meal of the day is healthy and balanced – so you'll feel your best as you tackle your projects and tasks.
7. Listen to Music
Finally, consider making a playlist full of inspiring songs. Motivational songs can get you up and moving faster in the morning and inspire a good pace all day.
8. Exercise
Like stretching, exercising helps to improve mood and long-term memory, among other things. Therefore, planning a morning workout will improve your mood and energy levels throughout the day – setting you up to accomplish your goals and helping you stay motivated.
While motivation seems to come and go, you can improve how motivated you feel in the morning. Set your goals and make a plan the night before so you won’t be distracted by issues like clutter or lack of sleep. Surround yourself with things that inspire you and remind you of your goals. Getting into the right mindset and focusing on your goals are key to feeling motivated and will help you to get your day off to a great start!
Do you struggle to wake up motivated? Let us know in the comments which tips you’ll act on first.