Reward yourself
Everyone works to receive rewards, whether they know it or not. The rewards can be money, free time, or a special treat. Why work hard and not get a reward? Entrepreneurs work tirelessly for years because they know that they’ll be rewarded with riches and freedom to do what they want, when they want. Athletes practice and practice because they’ll be rewarded with awards, recognition, and pride.
Rewards motivate people to achieve more to receive more. So why not reward yourself for big and small accomplishments? When you create a goal for yourself, create a reward to compliment it. If you finished a marathon, reward yourself with a nice meal (unless you’re trying to lose weight). If you closed a big business deal, reward yourself with a drink or go on a weekend vacation.
Remember to keep the reward proportionate to your accomplishment. Obviously, if you lost one pound you’re not going to reward yourself with a brand new car.
To easily keep yourself motivated, reward yourself at least once a week or even once a day.
The greater danger…
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it.”
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Ability is of…
“Ability is of little account without opportunity.”
Napoleon Bonaparte
Failure is not…
“Failure is not reaching your goal, but in having no goal to reach.”
Benjamin Mays
List it up!
All of us get frustrated and feel as if we’re not accomplishing anything at some time or another. So how can you accomplish a lot and feel as if you did so? Create to-do lists. Write a list with everything you want to accomplish, whether large or small. You can write a list every day, every week, monthly, or once a year. Daily lists will most likely have the smallest goals while a year long list will have the most important goals.
Creating a to-do list will keep you focused and as you see what you’re accomplishing, you’ll be motivated to continue. If you’re not a fan of to-do lists, then create a done list. Construct a list and write down everything you’ve already accomplished. Whether it be for a certain day or for a certain amount of years. This will minimize the stress you would put on yourself, but at the same time motivate you.
Another great way to motivate yourself with a list is to create a life long to-do list or a bucket list. If you do so, place it somewhere that is clearly visible. Place it next to your bed, in your bathroom next to your mirror, or as your computer desktop background. Where ever you can see it in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to sleep. Keep reminding yourself.
