17 unusual tips to boost your motivation levels

Whether professional or personal, we all lose our spark sometimes, so here are 17 unusual ways to get back on the motivation track

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Happiful

Find your why

So you have a goal in mind, but do you know what prompted you to want to work towards that? 

When we don’t define our why, we can struggle to find the motivation to do what we think we should be doing, instead of focusing on what we actually want to achieve. Find that thing that excites you, and turn it into your why.

Look after your physical health

Regular exercise doesn’t just have physical benefits, it can help our mental health and overall wellbeing by releasing endorphins. These make it easier to get in the right mindset to tackle trickier tasks, and feel energised to push forward.

Challenge self-limiting beliefs

When we think badly about ourselves, our skills, or our abilities, we risk limiting what we can achieve.

Reframing these thoughts in a more positive light can help tasks to feel more manageable, e.g. you could tell yourself ‘This isn’t my speciality, but I have many strengths that will help me handle this challenge.’

Healthy competition

A little healthy competition can act as a motivational spark by helping increase your drive, giving you another person (or people) to challenge yourself against, and creating a sense of urgency and accountability.

Refuel

Sleep and food aren’t just afterthoughts – they’re the cornerstones of a healthy mind and body. 

If you’re struggling, put a line under the day and get an early night followed by a nutritious breakfast. Tackling that tricky task may seem easier in the morning.

Push past procrastination

Even when our motivation is strong, procrastination can stand in the way of progress. That’s because it often comes from a place of fear. Take time to reflect, consider why you’re procrastinating, and what you can do to move forward.

Declutter your space (and improve your organisation)

The space we live and work in has a surprising impact on our mood. If things are messy, cluttered, or disorganised, it can be trickier to stay focused.

Keeping a clear desk, tracking your to-do list digitally, and decluttering can help to open up valuable mental bandwidth.

Practice affirmations

Daily affirmations can help to reinforce positive beliefs, boost confidence, help motivate us, and keep us on track.

Commit to 10 minutes

Give yourself just 10 minutes to work on a task that you’re stuck on. Give it your full focus. After the time is up, step back and re-evaluate if you want to continue or not.

Get connected

The people around us can have a big impact on our motivation and how we see ourselves. 

Make sure you have a good support system. Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and will celebrate with you when you do!

Harness your inner child

To stay motivated, give yourself something fun, new, and exciting to look forward to. Even if it’s just once a month. You’ll be amazed at how much it can help your mood.

Take stock of your mental health

How are you feeling right now? When we push ourselves too hard for too long, we risk burnout. Look after your wellbeing first; motivation can follow.

Strike a power pose

Our body language affects how others see us, and how we feel about ourselves. So why not strike a power pose to help you get in the right mindset?

Work with a motivation coach

A coach can help introduce you to new strategies and tools to achieve your goals, assess your current situation, and help hold you accountable. 

Celebrate your progress

Give yourself the recognition you deserve. It’s easy to forget how far we have come. Take time to be your own biggest cheerleader and celebrate your wins.

Start habit stacking

Habit stacking works by building on our existing routines and adding in new layers. 

This can help us improve, or fix, our current habits, find ways to build in, and push past, tasks that hold us back, and work towards achieving our goals.

Take time out to rest, recharge, and relax

You can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. Be kind to yourself. Take a break, allow yourself time to relax, and forget about the big thing you’re trying to achieve. 

Once you’re rested, you can take another look at your to-do list with fresh eyes, and a new sense of motivation.