People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily. — Zig Ziglar

It’s just a matter of time until my motivation starts to smell. It doesn't last forever. A habit starts full of desire and after some days all the excitement completely disappears.

Motivation is a daily recommendation. It’s not good to wait until you can smell yourself to take a shower. Don’t wait until your excitement burned down to ashes. Stoke the flame!

Filling up your motivation can be as enjoyable as taking a bath. It doesn’t have to be difficult or tedious. Here are ways you can raise your motivation.

1. Contagious Excitement

I was watching a programmer coding a game from scratch. The programmer shared his work step by step not hiding mistakes and struggles. It was so exciting to see the results in the end.

After two days I was into courses on the programming language. Then I suddenly stopped. I realized that I don't even like programming. What on earth was I doing?! The passion of one experienced programmer took me further than I would ever walk on my own.

This proves the principle: genuine excitement is contagious.

Every morning I read something concerning the writing by other bloggers. It makes me excited to sit down and start my own writing session. Because of that I never struggle to start my writing session.

Allow someone else to infect you with the excitement.

2. Defeat a Villian to Get Your Chocolate

It doesn’t matter how far away I put the chocolate. I tried locking it, throwing it on top of the cupboard and rationing it. I still eat too much in one day.

Then a brilliant idea came to my mind. I’m going to defeat a monster boss to get it! By “monster” I mean a habit. One hour of writing will win me a single piece of chocolate.

This gamified accountability is fun to keep up with. Everyone has something they treat themselves with. Whether it's a sweet, a movie or a book. Sadly, the day doesn’t consist out of treats and we have responsibilities that are a bit bitter sometimes.

Instead of treating yourself well in the morning, I suggest you keep the nicest thing for yourself for the end of the day. It will work as a reward after a long day. In this way, not only the difficulties will be less of a struggle but also that long waited reward will be sweeter because you truly deserve it.

3. Be the “Why” Kid

Most kids have a period when they can’t stop asking “why”. Why the sky is blue? Why do I have two hands? Why can’t I eat all the chocolate now?

If you answer, “I don’t know”, they will ask you, “why?”

Poor parents… The governments made sure not to allow kids to school before they get over this period. If they were allowed all the flaws of the education system would be exposed!

When I started to go to the gym I had clear reasons as to “why” I’m doing it. It helped me during the times when I didn’t feel like going. I knew I wanted to be strong, healthy and full of energy.

When your activity has no purpose it’s like a human that lacks a spine. It’s just a matter of time when everything will fall over. If you can’t prove it’s necessary, you probably shouldn't do it then. If the habit stands the test of necessity, you should do it and not quit.

When you know your “whys” you need less motivation because the purpose behind the habit keeps you going.

4. Know That Every Little Step Matters

When I was walking to my elementary school there was a portion of the journey that was very boring to me. Long, straight and without any exciting view. Every time I was approaching that part of the road, I was overwhelmed by boredom.

However, when I started walking, I looked back to see my progress. Every time I was surprised how far my little steps took me. That brought me enough motivation to finish the boring part of my way to school.

We get to places because every little step you take toward your dream adds up. You got as far as you did because you made daily steps that were not as visible. Enjoying your small achievements helps you show up the next time.

On the contrary, when you constantly feel like you’re not doing good enough, you kill your motivation. Chose to celebrate another day you worked on your habit. Don’t wait for the big thing to have a reason to rejoice.

5. Enjoyable Environment

I’m always amazed at how car mechanics know where they put their tools. Everything looks like scrap metal when some oil is applied.

If you need the motivation to work, clean up your office. Make it a place where you enjoy spending your time. A simple clean up of your working space and organized materials goes a long way.

A positive environment makes your memories brighter. It’s much easier to come back to a place where you work when everything is neat.

6. Count Them Numbers!

Aren’t numbers magical? They have the power to motivate you. How?

Well, imagine you find out that you’ve been working on your habit for 600 hours in the past couple of years. Doesn’t that thought make you feel good? Doesn’t it make you desire to work some more?

Let’s reach a thousand!

I always use a timer when I write. I’m thrilled to reach the milestone of writing for a thousand hours.

When you track the time you put into your habit, you can see the power of pilling up. If you worked on your project for a hundred hours, it’s more difficult to quit. Tracking has the ability to motivate you and act as a reward or milestone which is entirely under your control.

7. Be Sure to Chase the Goblins

Last but not least, don’t forget those nasty goblins from taking your positive thoughts. When all or most things mentioned above are applied, there might be thoughts trying to knock you out.

A negative thought is a goblin. Don’t wait to see if it’s going to steal something or not. Chase him away as soon as you smell it!

The easiest way to overcome a thought is in the beginning. When the thought has built some strength lingering in your mind, it becomes harder and harder to win. Excuses, laziness and demotivation will come to everyone. Those that are able to chase these thoughts away will stick and see the victory.

Final Thoughts

Motivation is like a muscle, it has to be built up. Without motivation, we would be miserable. It’s easier to run when you have the excitement and desire to do it.

You don’t have to apply all the methods. If you don’t like the bath, take a shower!

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You can read more on: 

• Medium.com (the place where I post my stories first)
• Vocal Media
• Abundant Life Chronicles Blog

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