Each and every one of us has those days when we’re just not feeling it. We’re mentally and physically drained and the last thing we want to do is crawl out of bed and tackle the day.
Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury to stay in bed all day. When this happens, it’s time to use these seven simple techniques to help you overcome that emotional hurdle.
1. Review your goals first thing in the morning and pick one thing
Sometimes life just gets in the way and distracts us from accomplishing goals or tasks. To stay on track, review your goals when you first wake up in the morning; start working on one of your most important goals and put a plan in place to achieve that one goal.
SUCCESS has some excellent tips on setting powerful goals, such as;
- Evaluating and reflecting on what’s going on in your life right now.
- Defining your dream and goals.
- Making your goals S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-sensitive).
- Holding yourself accountable.
2. Come on, get happy
Think about all of the times that you procrastinated. I bet a majority of those times were when you weren’t in the best of moods. In Temptation: Finding Self-Control in an Age of Excess, author Daniel Akst writes;
“So procrastination is a mood-management technique, albeit (like eating or taking drugs) a shortsighted one. But we’re most prone to it when we think it will actually help… Well, far and away the most procrastination occurred among the bad-mood students who believed their mood couldn’t be changed and who had access to fun distractions.”
To combat procrastination so that you can stay productive and keep moving forward, make yourself happy by showing gratitude, surrounding yourself with positive people, celebrating small wins, being charitable, doing things that you enjoy, and even just forcing yourself to smile.
Put on some loud music and clean your house for a few minutes, or clean out your desk and surroundings. This technique can usually get you motivated to get onto your important work and to stop procrastinating.
3. Get motivated by others
When you really need an extra motivational push, you can always turn to words or art from others.
With music, you can start by creating a playlist of songs that can you excited and inspired. After all, music can change your mood and lift your spirits. For example, I dare you not to want to hit the gym or get physically active when listening to “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky.
Besides music, there are books, movies, and videos that can assist you in moving forward through inspiration and guidance.
And don’t forget the thousands of motivational quotes from successful or respected individuals that can immediately change your mindset by making you more optimistic.
4. Have fun
We all have those everyday tasks or chores that are boring, mundane, and dull. I mean, who really wants to clean the dishes or write blog post after blog post? The thing is, you can have some fun with these otherwise uneventful tasks.
We’ve mentioned music, but it’s easier to keep yourself happy than to have to bring yourself up when you are down real low. For example, sing and dance when you’re cleaning your office or just hanging out at home. Skip down the grocery store aisle. Challenge yourself to write a 500-word blog post in under 30 minutes. Download an app that can help you make these tasks into a game, such as Epic Win.
5. Cut your to-do list in half
Lengthy lists are roadblocks that prevent us from achieving success. Instead of going forward, these lists hold us back. Cut your to-do lists at least in half, so you can focus on the most important items first. Some studies show that if you have more than seven tasks on a list you will do none of them, but if you only have three items listed, the likelihood you’ll finish all three is high.
6. Find a partner in crime
I remember the reason why I stopped going to the gym: My gym partner had to move several hundred miles away for work. I tried to keep going on my own, but I lost interest very quickly. Since I no longer had someone else to push me, it was acceptable to miss one day, then another, until I finally stopped going altogether.
Having someone else by your side can be a big motivator: This person can be your biggest cheerleader and motivate you whenever you feel like throwing in the towel. Here are a few good tips to finding the best business partner.
7. Take a break
I understand that your life is chaotic. Between work and your family, you’re constantly on the go. This becomes a problem after a while because you can start feeling exhausted and burnt out.
Even if you don’t have the time to take a vacation, the least you can do is take a day or two to decompress. It recharges your batteries and gives you a new outlook on everything that’s going on in your life.
Mikita Mikado from sales enablement platform PandaDoc recommends: “Go for walking breaks. There are days when I can’t get away from the office, but I feel burned out. I go for a quick walk around the block, suit and all, and come back ready to work.” So, whether you are taking a couple days off, or just 15 minutes, take some time to relax. When you return to your work, you’ll be surprised at how refreshed and enthusiastic you are.
Now that you’re feeling motivated, learn how to prioritize tasks like a high achiever >>
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