Frazzled, crazy, busy? 5+1 tools to stay on the motivation track

??? Back to school and the never-ending to-do list piling up?

?? Wish you spent more time on your resume and networking?

… but this summer went so fast, family and friends to entertain, last-minute emergencies at work and…where did my motivation go???

?? ?? ?? ?? ??

Motivation, unless actively entertained, will not last long – because, as you know, life will happen. One moment you’re fired up about your career aspirations, and the next, you’re bogged down by everyday distractions.?

To keep your motivation alive and kicking, you need a robust strategy: here's how you can stay on track and ensure your career goals don't just remain a distant dream.

Write down your goals and revisit them regularly

Wanna keep your motivation alive? One of the most efficient ways is writing down your goals. This isn’t just a one-time activity but a regular practice that needs updating with new information and insights. Here’s why this is crucial:

• Written goals = reminder of what you want to achieve + helps you stay focused even when distractions are calling your name (what does your voice of instant gratification sound like?).
• Adaptability: Life will not wait for you to get your stuff together, and because circumstances and your environment are constantly changing, so should your goals. Regularly updating them with new insights keeps them relevant and achievable.
• Strong “Why”: Every goal should have a clear reason behind it. Without a compelling “why,” it’s easy to fall into the “why bother” trap. Focus on Your “why I want what I want” to push through challenges.

Track your progress and celebrate small victories

Going back to the “why bother”.? Observe your brain: it loves looking for what’s missing and has an unrivaled ability to overlook the good and positive - no matter what’s going on, your overachiever’s brain will automatically reset to the “not enough, now what?”.

Tracking your progress is essential for maintaining motivation. This doesn’t mean just keeping an eye on major milestones but also acknowledging the small victories along the way - i.e. pause for a few and give yourself a high five.

• Progress Tracking: Regularly record your achievements, new learnings, and even the setbacks. This practice helps you see how far you’ve come and what adjustments are needed.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait until you’ve reached the finish line to celebrate. Recognizing and celebrating small victories boosts your morale and builds momentum.

Build momentum with an ongoing strategy

Momentum is a powerful force in achieving goals. To build and maintain it, you need a continuous strategy.

• Consistent Action: Small, consistent actions can lead to significant results over time. Develop a habit of working towards your goals daily, no matter how small the steps and how appealing those distractions are (remember the voice of Instant Gratification..).
• Reevaluate and Adjust: Regularly reevaluate your strategy and make necessary adjustments. So you’re always moving in the right direction and not getting stuck in ”noise”.

Manage distractions and self-doubts

Distractions and self-doubts are inevitable, but how you handle them can make all the difference.

• Identify Energizers and Depleters: Know what activities energize you and which ones deplete your energy. Strategically slot energizers between depleters to maintain a balanced and positive mindset.
• Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling to help manage stress and stay focused. These practices can also help you identify and address negative thought patterns.

Stay anchored in reality with achievable steps

Motivation cannot stay in the realm of wishful thinking. To achieve your goals, whether it’s landing a new job or getting a promotion, you need to stay anchored in the current reality with achievable steps.

• Realistic Planning: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the process less overwhelming and more attainable.
• Take Uncomfortable Action: You will expand when you overcome your fears and when you allow those "outside your comfort zone" actions to show you your resilience and resourcefulness.? Make it a daily thing to do one mini uncomfortable thing today and record how you feel after you did it.? Rinse and repeat!?

Keep the Fire Alive - find your own strategies and adapt as life happens.?

Keep your eyes on the prize and never forget why you started in the first place.?

Your future self will thank you!

? 2024 Mayda Poc Coaching. All Rights Reserved. This document is provided for informational purposes only