How To Motivate Yourself Forever

 Another new year and time for our New Year's resolutions. The only problem is that with Menopause comes fuzzy thinking, insomnia, fatigue and depression, all of which may be contributing to possible failure before we even start!

I know how easy it is to become discouraged if you can't keep your resolutions, or just to stay positive. Therefore I am including some advice on how to stay positive and focused, not only for the New Year but for the rest of your life!  

Just as willpower is an essential factor in achieving success, at some point in time, discouragement and lack of motivation may hinder you from reaching your objective.  It is up to you, and you alone to devise techniques that will help you keep that drive within afire.

Here are a few tips to make it easier for you: 

 §       It is helpful to visualize your goals. Whatever it is that you are working towards, make it visual. It may be something material like a car, or a vacation you have been looking forward to for the longest time. It may be something like shedding a few pounds or starting to exercise.

Take or cut out a picture of your goal and post it at a conspicuous place at work or at home where you can see it often. Whenever you feel discouraged this will remind you of your goal and will help keep you anchored.

 §       Make a contract with yourself. According to motivational researchers, people who write down to-do-lists are far more triumphant in achieving their intended goals than those people who just keep mental lists instead.

Putting something in writing somehow makes it more powerful psychologically speaking. This may also be the basis why most cultures have such a high regard in honoring contracts.  

§       In the contract, be good to yourself! Include a certain reward that you will give yourself once you have accomplished the task. After all, everyone likes to be rewarded for completing a good job. Even a simple pat on the back, “good job”, or “thank  you” may do the trick to give you the additional push to carry on, but unfortunately, these may not always be readily available. Considering that these are also essential in keeping yourself motivated, you must learn to find a way to get that encouragement on your own through rewarding yourself. 

 §       Negative or abusive people lower your self-esteem and bring you down. Get those negative elements out of your life. Surround yourself with positive people. Imitate their example. Learn from them. Smile amply and think happy thoughts.These steps will give you a brighter outlook and lets you see a clearer picture of what you really want, as well as a fresh mind to know what steps you have to take to accomplish your goals. 

 §       Rather than wait for things to happen, try to be proactive and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN YOURSELF!. Inactivity paralyzes the brain and limits your potential to reach your goals. 

§       Read inspirational books and literature. These will help you improve your attitude and heal your mind. Never stop looking for inspirational literature.

§       Not knowing how or where to start is frustrating. Knowledge is power. Having a clear understanding of how and where to start is empowering and it will provide the extra drive needed to hit the mark you are aiming at and follow it through. Do everything in your power to become informed either through the Internet or other sources.

•      Whatever it is that you have been meaning to do, or wanting to achieve, JUST DO IT! Keep on aiming high and go for it! Actually getting your hands dirty best solves the problem of motivation. By “forcing” yourself to just do it, your momentum will pick up gradually as you go along and before you know it you have finished the task or have finally achieved your goal. 

•  Divide and conquer is the key. Break down the apparently unattainable activity to small doable steps. Not only does it become less overwhelming, but seeing the "in the meantime" results will further your confidence that it can indeed be done. 

Lack of motivation happens to us all, but if you do not encourage yourself to accept opportunities and be challenged, no one else will. It is most important to keep your eye on the goal, find ways to keep going, and in no time, you shall reap its benefits.  

If at the beginning you were just doing it for the material reward, you will also learn to realize that the fulfillment, satisfaction and self-achievement you derive from reaching your goals is a much enjoyable high that will keep the drive within constantly burning.

Just remember not to set unrealistic goals for yourself! That is going to make you feel like a failure if you can't reach it. Start with small steps and gradually increase it to more challenging goals. Above all always keep it within your capabilities.

Now that you are armed with the know how on how to motivate yourself for the rest of your life, I want you to go and achieve those goals that you have always dreamed about! You can do it! Menopause is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in your life!

I wish you a happy Menopause!

Sincerely, 

Christa Muller