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 guide you on how to wake up with energy and motivation each day, below are 12 essential steps to consider.
Steps to Get Motivated in the Morning
1. Outline Your Goals
Even when things are challenging, remember to outline your objectives for the year and break them into achievable steps. By keeping these overarching goals at the forefront, you'll recognize how even minor, daily actions contribute to your grand vision.
2. Ask yourself some uplifting questions
Start your day with a self-reflection to help spark your motivation to get up in the morning. Instead of diving right into your tasks, take a moment to ask yourself some empowering questions. This simple act can reframe your mindset and infuse your day with positivity. Some questions to consider:
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What's making me grateful today?
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Which part of my day am I most looking forward to?
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What am I most proud of currently?
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What is making me excited about life right now?
Really sink into these questions. Let them be more than just words – allow them to ignite genuine feelings. This small ritual can change the trajectory of your entire day, setting it off on a positive, motivated note.
3. Ensure you get adequate rest
Remember, motivation is fueled by energy, and a rested mind is a powerful one. Not getting enough sleep? That might be the sneaky culprit behind your morning sluggishness.
Most individuals need between 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep. If you’re constantly feeling drained, consider:
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Setting consistent waking and sleeping schedules – even on weekends.
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Inviting sunlight into your room first thing in the morning.
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Ensuring a quiet, dark, and cool bedroom environment for optimal sleep.
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Unplugging from screens at least an hour before bedtime to avoid blue light's wakeful effects.
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If sleep eludes you, explore natural aids, but always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
4. Avoid using the snooze button
It's tempting, isn't it? That alluring snooze button promising just a 'few more minutes' of rest. But in reality, repeatedly hitting snooze can disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling groggier- hindering your motivation to wake up.
Instead of jolting awake to the blare of an aggressive alarm, why not try a more calming sound? Maybe the gentle melody of a favorite tune or the soft chirping of birds. The right alarm tone can make waking up a more pleasant experience, motivating you to rise and shine.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Hold yourself responsible
One fantastic way to cement your morning motivation is by weaving in some accountability. When someone else is counting on you, or you're part of a shared morning goal, there's an extra nudge to get up and get going.
Perhaps it's a synchronized morning workout with a friend, even if it's virtual. Or maybe it's a commitment to help out a colleague early in the day. These shared goals not only increase your motivation but also add a layer of connection to your morning routine.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.