Why do we feel demotivated?

Sometimes it is as simple as the time of the year, the weather, being ill or not being able to take a break. We also feel demotivated and stuck if we are playing it too safe or feel under utilized. This gives us the sense that each day is much the same as the former. Our routine and our comfort zones can also contribute to this feeling of boredom.

If we reflect on our habits we can see what no longer serves us. Habits equal results. Changing habits however requires real emotional strength which to me, is beyond just simply being motivated. Is motivation a total lie? Sometimes I think so! The things we really "should" do for our health, finances, career or relationships are usually HARD. I completely agree with Mel Robbins that we need to parent ourselves and this parenting requires discipline more than motivation. 

So what are our main tools to maintain motivation and create better results?

1. Improve your self talk
2. Stop making excuses and giving yourself a free pass
​3. Focus on self care, if you feel good you will be able to produce better outcome
4. Be aware of and manage the effects of stress and fatigue. 
5. When you are ill, take time off
6. Celebrate and savour the small joys in your life
7. Digital detox - social media can create feelings of overwhelm or negative comparisons
8. Be aware that learning or trying anything new will make you feel uncomfortable
9. Failure is not bad, just ensure you are failing forward and that you learn from each experience
10. Be grateful. Gratitude attracts positive people, new opportunities and GOOD STUFF to you

So what steps can you take to get back on track for the next few months so you can finish the year strong?

• Have a strat session with yourself : what do you still want to achieve this year? It is NOT too late
• What requires work in your life right now?
• Keep it simple, don't try to change/do too many things.
  
• What one small change can you make that will have a huge impact in the next 6 months?
• Get really clear on what you want, get visual (vision board or visual reminder of the goal) and get excited!
• Give yourself a Pep talk
• Take a few moments in the morning to get focused for the day
• In the evening review the day and celebrate the success, review the challenges and what you learnt.

I am on a personal journey with this at the moment and wanted to share these observations and tips with you. Hope this helps to kick start your motivation again. I hope that this inspires you to stretch and go for that goal! I believe in you so go and make magic! 

Hugs from DXB
​

This blog was created originally for the Platinum Assistant Network South Africa. I would highly recommend that you register as a member or attend their events. 

It is mid-year, the time of the year where we traditionally experience a loss of energy, motivation and enthusiasm. The weather, workload and stress can all be contributing factors.  So how do you get out of your funk and reboot for the next six months so that we can finish the year STRONG?

1. Get organised

Clutter, bad time management and being unorganised creates stress in your life. Take some time to get focused and prepared.  Get up earlier, put things in their place, tidy up, plan ahead for your week on a Sunday; meals and wardrobe options and most importantly make and work on your To-Do list.
 

1. Gratitude

Having an attitude of gratitude often helps us overcome hardship. Being focused on what you do have, what you love in your life and what you cherish will make you more resilient over time and keep you positive.
 

1. Self-care

Being kind to yourself, taking time out when you are not well or tired is essential. You need to get enough sleep, exercise and improve your diet to increase your vitality. Get some sun, take some extra vitamin c. Have fun, make art, play and laugh!
 

1. Get perspective

Often we beat ourselves up about mistakes (even very small ones); we create drama, take things personally or over react. We worry and over analyse things in our lives.  The real question we need to ask is “what really matters in my life”, “will this matter in five years’ time” and “am I using my energy productively”. These questions will help you gain perspective. Making mistakes is part of the process if you are innovating and creating so don’t be so hard on yourself. Forget about perfect, instead strive for excellence.
 

1. Do something different

Changing your routine even in a small way can refresh you. So try a food you have never tried before, explore a new hobby, make some new friends. Break out of your comfort zone. Some things you will really enjoy, some stuff you will hate but it will all be new.

I hope that these tips help you achieve and thrive for the next six months. Wishing you power and energy for the rest of 2018.

#upgradeyourself