Is Your Motivation Lacking? 5 Steps to Get You Back on Track

Is your motivation lacking?

I say this with certainty, motivation comes from inside of you, not from the outside. No one can motivate you more than you can motivate you!

Others can motivate you for the short term, but long term motivation is an inside job!

Understand that practically everyone has to confront this issue at some point throughout their professional lives. I don’t think anyone is immune (I know I’m not).

So, you may ask the question, “As an entrepreneur and business person how do I motivate myself when I’m feeling down?”

Here are 5 steps to get you back on track when your motivation is lacking:

Eliminate negative thoughts and people

This isn’t always totally possible but do it the best you can. When negative thoughts creep into your mind, immediately push them out with positive thoughts. Think about something that makes you feel good. It will take practice, but it must be done.

Minimize your contact with negative people. Complaining is contagious. Don’t fall into the trap. Try to see the positive in all situations.

Spend time with people that energize you

You will pick up the habits of the 5 or 6 people you spend most of your time around, so hang out with people that make you want to do and be the best you can be. Attend business events, meetups, and hangouts to stay energized. Go where the successful highly motivated folks in your industry hang out.

Read / Listen / Watch positive things

If you are feeling low, read a book with a positive message. If reading isn’t your thing, listen to an audiobook or podcast with an uplifting message. Watch something that makes you smile. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good.

Set Priorities

Prioritize the things that need immediate attention. Make a list. Minimize multi-tasking (it can create a sense of overwhelm). As you accomplish an item on the list, cross it off. This simple exercise will help you see that you can get a handle on things and it makes tasks easier to tackle.

Eat the elephant one small bite at a time

Use the list you created and complete something on it EVERYDAY. This will help you to see that you are moving forward. You will be amazed at how much you get done. The more you do, the better you feel, and your motivation will surge!

There are tons of ways for you to get motivated, but the 5 steps to get you back on track listed above is a good start.

Sometimes it helps to focus on the reasons why you are doing what you are doing. Allow your goals to drive you and the bigger vision to motivate you.

Ask yourself, “What would you like to accomplish in the next week or — at the most – in the next month, that inspires you to take action today? A small “victory” can be very inspiring when your motivation is lacking.

Related: Inspiring TED Talks Every Entrepreneur Should Watch