8 Ways to Stay Motivated

Staying motivated is sometimes the hardest challenge we can face as business owners, entrepreneurs, moms, and really any other profession. It's so easy to be distracted, discouraged, and left with empty tanks. I know that feeling all too well. Quite honestly, I'm still working through finding exactly what works, the best methods and practices to stay motivated and on top of my to-do list. 

In effort to maybe shed some light on this challenge that we're all plagued with that not many people talk about, I'm going to share a few ways that help me stay motivated that might be great things to add to your life to keep yourself going as well! 

Let's dive right on in!

01. DEVO TIME

For me, I personally love to wake up and add a time of bible reading, devotional, or just a silent time with God. I love being able to just focus on what God has been doing in my life, and just really connecting with him before the day gets hustlin' and bustlin'. 

Maybe that's not your thing, that's ok! I recommend any sort of silent time. If you're a reader, spend some time in a good book with your coffee before you get going. 

I realize this step seems like more of a "luxury" but if it means waking up earlier, do it. It honestly changes how you feel, and how your day goes. Plus, being up early honestly feels good after the grogginess wears off!

02. WORKOUT/EXERCISE

This one is new to my motivation list. I HATE to exercise. I always have. I'm just a miserable little human when it comes to this part of life. BUT, I'm typing this as a completely different person. I started going to a crossfit gym, and this has really changed my outlook on my diet, my body, and my overall sense of health. I've loved waking up every morning, getting to the gym and working my butt off because even before I've accomplished anything for work- I accomplished a workout. I did something so important for my body and my health and it get's my fire going for the day. 

Maybe crossfit isn't your thing, that's ok! Maybe just taking the dogs for a walk, going on a jog, or taking a short bike ride. 

I think this step is so beneficial to your day because your health is the most valuable thing we own. And it's up to us to take care of it. If our workload doesn't allow for any sort of self-care, you need to re-evaluate your schedule. Shift & prioritize! You won't regret this, guys!

03. HEALTHY BREAKFAST

I'm a pretty routine girl when it comes to my breakfast. I usually eat the same thing. It's quick and easy and pretty healthy. It provides me with just enough fuel to get through that first hunch of the day.

This step is so important just so we are giving our bodies the nutrients it needs to function at optimal potential. Working on an empty stomach for me just leads to frustration and a headache. I also don't get nearly as much done because my brain isn't going at 100%. 

EAT WELL, GUYS! I like to freeze strawberries and bananas too for a quick smoothie when I feel like I need a little energy boost! Something simple like that goes a long way!

04. CLEAR HEADSPACE

Starting your work for the day is 100 times simpler when you don't have your to-do list floating around in your head. I have found that sitting down at my desk for 10 minutes before I start work to really sift through the things I need to do- it's helped immensely. It's kind of like a warmup to your workday. 

I write down all the tasks that are most pressing for that day. I will sometimes alot a certain amount of time right next to it. So, say a task should only take me 30 minutes, I write that down, and I will time myself to do that very thing. It helps stay on track and focused. 

Having a clear mind also helps when you're working on a project because you've already planned your agenda, you don't need to have those anxious feelings of "shoot, I have this to do as well, OH and this." etc. 

05. ONE THING, ONE DAY

I have a job that allows some flexibility. So, I understand if this step isn't applicable to you- but if it is- I guarantee this will be your new favorite way to work. 

Take one task for one day. If you have the ability to work on just one project for the entire day, do it. Dedicate the necessary amount of time to complete a project and complete it well. 

So much of the time we are trying to multi-task and crank out work. But, in the end, it's just not conducive to great work.  

06. DON'T FORGET YOUR PURPOSE

Sometimes it feels like we are just running on a hamster wheel. We get discouraged, and just tend to dwindle down to nothing. It's so important to remember your purpose. Why are you working towards this (your goal)! 

I think writing down a little mission statement or purpose statement to tape on your computer is a great way to consistently be reminded. It's like that little push saying "you got this, girl."

It's easy to get lost in the tasks and to-dos. Remember what drives your passion, and why you're doing what you're doing. 

07.  PROTECT YOUR YES

THIS! You guys, I see this so much in my own life as well as the people I'm closest too. We say "Yes" to everything. We fear disappointing others, but really we end up letting ourselves and our businesses down when we do this. 

We need to protect our yes and remember that 'no' doesn't have to be harsh. No is simply prioritizing your life, your business, and what truly matters and what's going to be beneficial for those things. 

If saying "Yes" means bringing on stress, it needs to be a 'No." A nice no!

08. REST

Can I just say "OMG!" for a minute here, guys? This one is probably the most important one. I find myself the least motivated when I'm on empty, my house is neglected, the things I love have been put on the backburner, etc. It's not cool.

Resting is always the step people automatically rule out. "Oh, no way! I'm way too BUSY to rest." No, guys! Resting is so important to your success. And if you're too "busy" to rest- you need to shift + reprioritize!

* Remember: "Busy is not a badge of honor." Busy doesn't mean successful. 

I hope these little tips may be of great service to you and your productivity! Staying motivated isn't always easy, but it's nice knowing we all have those struggles! Don't forget, we're all in this together! Do you have other ways you stay motivated? Let me know in the comments!