Staying motivated isn't as easy as every other YouTuber says it is. I was always one of those night owls that stayed up late since that was the only peace I could find throughout the day without anyone bothering me. As long as I had at least 8 hours of sleep every night, I'm good. I didn't say 8 hours of solid sleep but, you know what I mean. Scheduling my sleep ensures that I am following my plan for success.
Here are 5 ways that I stay motivated.
1. You need to have a why
To have success, you need a plan. In addition to needing a plan, you need a why.
My, why are my two children with special needs. They are my everything and I am everything to them. Having children with special needs can be a struggle but if you constantly focus on the struggle, you're stuck in the same place you started. I chose to motivate myself because I know that without me, my kids will suffer. Therefore, I wake up intending to start my day with purpose.
2. Having a plan
I'm a pretty methodical person so having a plan makes sense to me. Every night I write out a list of tasks I need to do whether it's work-related or things I need to do around the house in one notebook. Once I list everything out, I feel a little weight lifted from my shoulders because I've released some of the responsibility of remembering it all. Now I have a running list of things that need to be done throughout the week.
Words cannot begin to explain the feeling of hi-lighting a task on my list! I usually designate my colors by category because 1) it's prettier and 2) it shows me how much work I did on that one category.
3. Scheduling breaks
Thank goodness for my smartwatch reminding me to get up and stretch or I'll never get up! According to BBC News, taking breaks is good for the heart so I make it a point to get up off my butt and walk to the kitchen for a cup of water or check the laundry. This way, I remember to stay hydrated and get the laundry out of the way. I love the block schedule system that the YouTube phenomenon Jordan Page created where she sets chunks of time throughout her day for certain tasks. Having to modify this schedule is a given in consideration that I have to adjust according to my kids but for the most part, I stick to it. I add a buffer in my schedule to accommodate their needs.
4. Setting goals
We all need something to work towards. I always have an end goal for anything I do whether it's to lose 50lbs so I can fit into a size 2 or go to bed by 9 pm so I can wake up at 5 am. One thing you have to remember is that setting AND sticking to a goal takes time. I'm big on routine so I'm used to structuring. Once I set my mind on something, I mean, really set my mind on something, I'm all in! Nothing will get in my way if I am truly dedicated to this goal. Of course, obstacles may occur but I just go back to MY WHY and keep pushing on.
5. Reaping rewards
The last way I stay motivated is by looking forward to something I enjoy after I've finished a task/goal. I make it a point to include this daily since my days usually consist of a whole slew of To Dos and other miscellaneous mom/wife stuff that needs to be completed. My rewards are usually something simple like binge-watching YouTube for an hour or buying some tank tops at Walmart if they're a good price. What you decide on is up to you. No one can determine how you should reward yourself especially if you've earned it.