How do you stay motivated?

[cgustudent]

I feel like when I start something I have a whole bunch of energy but when I get into the thick of the things, I start losing steam (and of course end up failing and think later on that I could have done it if I tried harder).  Anyways!  How do you guys keep yourselves motivated with work, schoolwork, weight loss, anything?

[LThorn14]

I stay motivated with online work because nothing I do is hard. I make money doing things I would already be doing. All I do here is the Paid To Click offer and get referrals. The Paid To Click is actually useful. I play games, check the weather, and view sports because I love sports. All the referrals come from my website or blog which I advertise naturally. Such as having a link in my signature on a forum that allows it, and that I am interested in. I also advertise my sites with twitter and facebook. I use these sites to actually talk to my friends, so I am already using them daily. I don't spam just spread my link naturally.

[mlbevins]

I just tell myself to get up and do it or it isn't going to get done.

[kilophkadamas]

I feel like when I start something I have a whole bunch of energy but when I get into the thick of the things, I start losing steam (and of course end up failing and think later on that I could have done it if I tried harder).  Anyways!  How do you guys keep yourselves motivated with work, schoolwork, weight loss, anything?

I kind of have the same problem. But in my case, I have interests in so many different thigns, that I find it hard to focus my energy on one project at a time. I think there is a mental disease for that, lol I don't know. For example, today I wanted to start up a blog finally, but then I was listening to different piano music on youtube at the same time. Suddenly I had the urge to play the piano.

[thanhkle2003]

Motivation for me is simply keeping an open mind and keeping a goal in mind. When ever my goal is tainted, I feel lost. I keep a goal in mind to be sure that I'm track. I wake up with the mentality that I will get to work on time if not early. Then my goal is to keep up with the work schedule. I try to not fool around so I can be on top of things and finish the day with all tasks completed. With goals in mind, I will be able to know that I have achieved the things that I want. It starts with the daily and then all the way to the yearly.
Motivation comes with being specific about the things I want in life. Things like a closet full of shoes for one. Then a nice luxury car and so on.

[NickOfSpencer]

When im having a bad day I just tell myself "hey maybe tomorrow will be better" so its just self motivating me to continue. I've been trying so hard to just get a dang part-time job but I still havn't gave up. There just always seems to be somebody with more experience or closer to the job site so they get seniority..... Man this worlds a messed up place, but you just have to keep going.. Like Thomas The Tank engine, i think i can i think i can...

[gesus]

Mainly just positive people around me and my music

[cgustudent]

Thank guys!  I will try to put into practice some of these advices.  I know part of the problem is that I have a short attention span as well. When i sit down to do things I always think...oh I have something else I want to look up or do.  I should just sit down and stay focused!

[pammcco]

I stay motivated because I keep hearing my son's voice saying Mom, I dont like to see you struggle....You are moving in with me.....
I'm very independent.....I've stepped up a notch to try to make more money online.....

[mrsbluesmith]

I make list of the top 5 things I need to accomplish for the day.  I start down the list and check them off as I go.  Some days I'm mentally drained, so I just nap.  It gives me time to think and recharge.  I allow myself a time limit for this and then get back to my list.

[cgustudent]

Mrsbluesmith,

That is a really, really good idea.  I think I will try that.  I think by having a list you have something more concrete, and therefore, can celebrate your smaller successes.  IN turn, they will add up. 

[ktheodos]

I think about all the people who are in worse off situations than me and/or would love to be in my shoes ...
I realize that every day is a gift and that I want to learn something new ....

[lher0277]

I know what you mean it's hard but you just have to remind yourself why you started it to begin with. Good Luck!

[MrsTBarber]

My kids are my motivation.  I work hard to make sure they have nothing but the best!

[ahunter300]

Here are the academic theories about motivation.

    * Acquired Needs Theory: we seek power, achievement or affiliation.
    * Affect Perseverance: Preference persists after disconfirmation.
    * Attitude-Behavior Consistency: factors that align attitude and behavior.
    * Attribution Theory: we need to attribute cause, that supports our ego.
    * Cognitive Dissonance: non-alignment is uncomfortable.
    * Cognitive Evalution Theory: we select tasks based on how doable they are.
    * Consistency Theory: we seek the comfort of internal alignment.
    * Control Theory: we seek to control the world around us.
    * Disconfirmation bias: Agreeing with what supports beliefs and vice versa.
    * ERG Theory: We seek to fulfill needs of existence, relatedness and growth.
    * Escape Theory: We seek to escape uncomfortable realities.
    * Expectancy Theory: We are motivated by desirable things we expect we can achieve.
    * Extrinsic Motivation: external: tangible rewards.
    * Goal-Setting Theory: different types of goals motivate us differently.
    * Intrinsic Motivation: internal: value-based rewards.
    * Investment Model: our commitment depends on what we have invested.
    * Opponent-Process Theory: opposite emotions interact.
    * Positive psychology: What makes us happy.
    * Reactance Theory: discomfort when freedom is threatened.
    * Self-Determination Theory: External and internal motivation.
    * Self-Discrepancy Theory: we need beliefs to be consistent.
    * Side Bet Theory: aligned side-bets increase commitment to a main bet.
    * The Transtheoretical Model of Change: Stages in changing oneself.

from changingminds org

but none of these ideas will help you stay motivated - they just tell you what causes you to be motivated - my thought is that there is a spark within you that drives you to do the best you can - it is that spark that moves you from birth to death that identifies who you are and what you are about - in my case i've always had a positive prospective and so i enjoy the moment in everything i do and trust that some how some way i have helped make a difference - IMHO >> In My Humble Opinion - The MUSEUM, Zazzle, deviantART, ArtFire, FineArtAmerica

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