How to Motivate Yourself.docx (1)

1. How to Motivate Yourself: 5 Tips for Self-Improvement! Self-motivation tips Let’s take a closer look at each of the above tips. Here we’ll break down these self-motivation techniques, detailing what they are and the science behind them. 1. Put your goal on the calendar. One way to give a boost to your internal motivation is to create some external motivation: a target date. Whatever it is you’re aiming to accomplish, put it on the calendar. You may be working toward a goal with a set finish date built in. Examples include preparing for a test or taking a course with a fixed end date. If your goal lacks this structure, you can add it by deciding on a date by which you could realistically achieve your goal. 2. Make working toward your goal a habit. When you make working towards your goal a habit automatic conditioned response you no longer have to rely on so much on feeling motivated. How do you turn a behavior into a habit? Identify a trigger. Choose something you do every day, like brushing your teeth or eating lunch, to be a trigger for the action you want to make a habit. Write out an “if then” plan (also known as an implementation intention). 3. Plan for imperfection. It’s great to feel excited and confident about achieving your goal, but it’s also possible to be too optimistic (6). Not every day will go exactly as planned and that’s okay. Life happens. One way to boost motivation on difficult days is simply to plan for them. As you think about your goal, jot down a list of the things that could get in the way. If you’re taking an online course, this could include: Losing internet access. Getting a phone call in the middle of a study session. Having a child at home sick. Feeling stuck on a difficult concept or assignment.

2. 4. Set small goals to build momentum. “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed, If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage to do another task, and another and another,” Naval Admiral William H. McRaven gave this advice during his commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. The former Navy Seal was on to something. Research shows that frequent small successes can build a sense of momentum that can in turn drive long-term term success, especially early in the process (7,8), Whatever your big goal me be, start by breaking it down into smaller chucks. Getting a new job might be a big goal. Smaller goals could be updating your resume, making a portfolio website, earning a certification, or attending a networking event. 5. Track the process. Seeing progress can be highly motivating (10). You’ll find many tools out there to help you track your goals. This could be as simple as to-do list or calendar where you can cross off tasks or days as you complete them. Or you might opt for a free tool like Trello, which allows you to create a personalized digital task board to categorize your big goal into daily, weekly, or even yearly sub-goals. Another option is to draw a progress bar on a sheet or poster board or paper. Put it where you can see it regularly, and fill it in as you get closer to your goal. Watch These Motivational Videos. https://uii.io/HzQt https://uii.io/BAbQ9 https://uii.io/B5Wfc24