How to Stay Motivated Through Tough Times

There are a lot of highs and lows in the journey called life and struggles are a part of it. There are experiences that can be very challenging in one’s personal life, in the course of work or even through some happenings, and you do not feel like carrying on anymore. But here’s the good news: you will find the will to move on. Some simple, practical tips can help you stay motivated, even when the going gets tougher. Let’s explore

1. Turn Your Goals into a Series of Smaller Goals

Motivation is difficult to sustain when every little thing becomes too much to bear. One way of keeping the fire burning is to after some time, break the big goals into smaller, more achievable tasks. It is similar to mountain climbing. You will not be expected to summit in one upward step; simply think of progressing to the next marker.

Action Tip: Think about what your ultimate goal is and then write down three minor things you can do today to achieve this goal. Even if it is a small one, it is still contributed as a step!

2. Focus on What Is within Control

During difficult periods, most of the things seem uncontrollable. The idea is to work on your attention and actions to those things that you can actually manage. Such things can be your attitude and your daily activities or how you handle challenges, these focuses give you a sense of control.

Action Tip: Honestly tell yourself what it is that I can do today that can be reasonably expected of me? It could be as easy as clearing your desk before starting working or adopting an optimistic attitude.

3. Appreciate the Small Successes

There is no reason to hold on to a celebration until the final achievement is in sight. Each and every little achievement is important! This kind of emotional relief is appreciated because it makes you feel that all is not in vain despite the fact that you are moving at a slower pace than you would have preferred at the moment.

Action Tip: At the end of every day, write three small victories. These could be examples of completing a task, overcoming an issue, or simply surviving a challenging period.

Train your Brain: Ensure that You Are Growing and Not Perfecting

Striving for perfection may not be possible, more so during hard times. This is because one is encouraged to learn and grow instead rather than seek perfection. Every fear you overcome makes you braver than before. A growth mindset does not allow one to internalize their failures but instead encourages them to learn from their experiences and continue pushing.

Action Tip: When something does not work out the way it was planned, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”. The process of turning the idea of failure into an idea of growth, activates you and keeps you going.

5. Self-Compassion

Do not be so hard on yourself. The worse may come out of life and one may end up depleted, where self-judgment becomes second nature, more so, when things don’t go right. But keep in mind that you are human. Allow yourself to lay down, take a break, and perform tasks gradually.

Action Tip: The next time you notice that you are beating yourself up in your head, please pause; breathe; and say to yourself: ‘This is a setback, and that is perfectly alright.’ Do for yourself what you would do for a good friend going through a very rough patch – be kind and supportive.

6. Create Safe Spaces

Times of stress are not always necessary faced alone. Friends, family or some other members may be relied upon in such situations. Talking to other people about one’s issues helps in easing the burden and provides a different angle of the situation.

Action Tip: Today, please make an effort to speak to someone you trust. It could be a brezzer sobriety group, relative, colleague, or friend. A compassionate ear makes a world of difference.

7. Look for Role Models

In times like these, it is often advised that one seeks out examples of how others have managed to endure and transcend difficult periods. Their journeys are important because they show us that we can go through tough moments and still pick up the lost drive to forge ahead.

Action Tip: Hear or read relevant accounts of the individuals who were in a situation similar to yours. This can be through a book, a podcast, or even a website. Their comeback stories may inspire you to bounce back as well.

Conclusion: This Too Shall Pass But Your Motivation May Not

Challenging chapters are always a painful experiences but they will surely come to an end. By concentrating on a few victories, altering your perspective, and asking for assistance, you could maintain your spirit and weather the storm. Keep in mind you are not a stranger to troublesome days and you will triumph over them again.

Why don’t you start today with even the tiniest step towards the accomplishment of your objective? You’ve got this!