We must continue to clearly define our goals to have a clear understanding of what we are working towards. If not, it will become easy to give up and in.
As you examine your “to-do” list, are you looking forward to potential accomplishments or dread the daunting tasks to complete? Merriam-Webster defines tasks as “a usually assigned piece of work often to be finished within a certain time. It is something hard or unpleasant that has to be done.” The definition itself speaks of such pleasantries. It speaks to your obligations, not things you want or desire to do in your life. For some, the list of obligations is a reminder of your time spent on everyone and everything, except you! Where is the joy in that? No wonder, you are having a difficult time getting started. No wonder you are not motivated. If only you had items on your list that you saw as steps to help you reach your goals… I wonder what that would look or feel like?
When you have goals you want to accomplish, you connect to taking action steps to help you reach your goals. When you have goals, the dynamic shifts as you begin to focus on what you want to DO or ACHIEVE. You begin to see the bigger picture. Your motivation and drive change as you meet your list with the expectation of receiving joy and fulfillment. Yes, even action steps can throw us off at times. Sometimes, we would rather do ANYTHING else except what’s needed for our win. We become professionals at finding distractions and excuses. We even try to blame others and hold them accountable for us not accomplishing our goals.
You need to stay motivated so that accomplishing your goals does not feel like an obligation. If you are overwhelmed by all the things you MUST accomplish each and every day, take a step back and follow these steps to refocus to feel motivated:
1. Work on your time management and prioritize your action items. Try breaking down larger action steps into smaller ones to make them more manageable.
2. Continue to clearly define your goals
3. Look for inspiration and ways to stay encouraged
4. Celebrate your wins along the way accomplishing your main goal
5. Avoid perfectionism and learn to say, “no”
Remember to stay positive, but realistic. Do not expect everything to work out perfectly all the time. Learn to acknowledge there will be difficult days and situations. When they arise, repeat steps 2 – 5.
You need motivation and not obligation. Motivation will drive you toward your goals. Obligation will drive you away from your goals. Clearly define your goals and stay focused for the win!
