It should be no surprise that the habits we form will determine our success or failure. After all, practices already dictate a lot about our lives. If we, for example, eat large amounts of food regularly and don’t exercise, we can expect to have physical consequences for our actions. That’s why it’s so important to form good habits so that we can reach our fullest potential.
What’s even more interesting is that these same good habits can help us stay motivated when it comes to realizing our goals.
Let’s look at some examples:
1. Take care of yourself. If you’ve ever been sick, you know it’s impossible to be productive or have a positive attitude when you’re not feeling good. That’s why it’s so important to take charge of your health. Carrying extra weight drags you down and affects energy levels, which in turn affects productivity. Setting up some healthy habits such as going to the gym more often or making changes in your meal plan will help you stay motivated longer just because you’re feeling better when your body is in sync. Your improved health makes this a win-win all the way around.
2. Revisit the reason you’re doing what you do. When you make goals, you tend to feel that initial surge of enthusiasm for the project. Sadly, this motivation tends to wane over time. Build a habit that forces you to revisit the goal to back up that motivation level. For example, if you’re doing something that will benefit a specific group of people somehow, plan to spend time each month with that group to remind yourself why you’re doing this.
3. Be proactive. Getting the jump on things is a habit that not only keeps your boss happy but also gives you a rush of dopamine to the brain. Build habits of being early, or do things that help you think ahead. For example, make lists that keep you not only on task but ahead of the game.
4. Focus on the small stuff. If you’re dealing with a big goal, such as some serious weight loss, it’s easy to lose your motivation when it feels like you’re not making progress. Having small goals gives you milestones to celebrate and builds motivation back. These goals come from small changes, like planning to eat a little differently (cutting carbs for example), or taking the stairs instead of using the elevator.
5. Surround yourself with people who motivate you. That is an easy habit for you to build, in that it involves choosing a little more carefully what company you keep. Creating a habit of meeting with this group regularly not only keeps you motivated but has the added benefit of cementing relationships with those around you.
Building good habits is an excellent way to stay on track to reach your goals. The best part? As with any practice, if you do it enough, you’ll wind up acting without thinking, making motivation an automatic part of your life. How cool is that?
Until next time, stay safe, and keep the faith.
