Staying Driven for Success

Let's talk about something we all struggle with—staying motivated. We've all been there, saying things like, "I don't feel like doing this," or "I'll do it later." It's like our motivation just vanishes into thin air, right? But here's the thing: motivation isn't a constant state; it's more like a rollercoaster ride. It comes and goes, and that's just how it is.

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Motivation is the key driving force behind achieving our goals, dreams, and tasks. It's that internal fire that propels us forward, even when faced with obstacles and challenges. However, motivation isn't a constant state; it's a rollercoaster ride. To decode these ebbs and flows, my favorite Abraham Maslow developed something called “The Motivational Cycle.”

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The Motivational Cycle

The motivational cycle consists of four distinct stages:

1. Apathy: This is where you're just not feeling it; you lack that fire to go after your goals. Like when you wake up feeling sluggish and can't even think about hitting the gym or working on that side project.
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2. Inspiration: Bam! Something sparks that motivation within you. It could be a quote, a role model, or even a life-changing event. Suddenly, you're pumped and ready to take on the world.
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3. Action: Fuelled by that inspiration, you actually start working towards your goals. You're putting in the effort, making progress, and seeing results. You're killing it at the gym, meal prepping like a pro, and smashing through that side project.
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4. Burnout: But then, as time goes on, that initial burst of motivation starts to fade, and you hit a wall. You feel drained, overwhelmed, and just can't seem to keep up the same level of motivation as before.
   
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Foolproof Ways to Stay Motivated

Now, this is where most of us tend to fall short and give up. But here's the thing: the key is to look within and figure out what really pushed you in the first place and why it was so important to you. Once you've got that figured out, you can use these foolproof steps to stay motivated.

1. Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Having clear goals like losing 10 kgs or launching your side project by a certain date will keep you focused.
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2. Break it Down: Don't try to tackle everything at once. Break your bigger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of thinking about losing 10 kgs, focus on losing 1-2 kgs per month.
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3. Find Your "Why": Connect with your deeper reasons for pursuing your goals. Why is it so important to you? That "why" will keep you going when things get tough.
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4. Routine, Routine, Routine: Create a routine that incorporates your goal-related activities into your daily life. Schedule your workouts or dedicated work time for your side project at the same time each day.
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5. Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of friends, family, or a community that can encourage and hold you accountable for your goals.
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6. Self-Care is Key: Take breaks, do things you enjoy, and prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Burnout often happens when we neglect self-care, and that can drain your motivation real quick.
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7. Celebrate Progress: No matter how small, acknowledge and celebrate your progress. Treat yourself to a healthy snack after a successful workout or take a break after reaching a milestone in your side project.
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8. Seek Inspiration Regularly: Keep seeking out sources of inspiration, like motivational books, podcasts, or mentors. Replenish that motivation tank regularly to avoid prolonged periods of apathy.
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The Motivational Cycle: A Natural Journey

The motivational cycle is a natural part of the journey towards achieving your goals. By understanding this cycle and implementing strategies to stay motivated, you can maintain a consistent drive and increase your chances of success. Remember, the key to staying motivated is inside YOU, not outside.

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