Tips for Maintaining Your Motivation to Change
First, find out what motivates you the most about making this change at this particular point in time. Why do you want to achieve this goal or make this change NOW? Your current motivation may be different than what your motivation has been in the past and your motivation may change over time as you work toward your goal.
What obstacles get in the way of you reaching your goal? For example: people, personal commitments, your home environment, your health or your work schedule. What can you do to overcome each of these obstacles or distractions? How can you prepare in advance?
If you find motivation for a particular change lacking, try getting started on something else. Even something minor. You’ll create the momentum to begin the more challenging tasks. Just do something.
Keep track of when your motivation is weak and when you feel very motivated. Notice any patterns and develop techniques to move past drops in your motivation.
In the past when you needed to get re-motivated, what worked to jump-start your motivation again?
Keep reminding yourself of the benefits of achieving your goal. Surround yourself with reminders of your motivation or the benefits of achieving your goal. Keep motivators around you as much as possible, things that gave you that initial incentive to get going and keep going.
Tell someone else about your commitment and your goal. Among your personal support network, who might help you stay focused on achieving your goal? What would you ask them to do in order to provide you with the support you need?
Keep positive friends. Spend time with positive and motivated people - those that will help build you up.
What visual representation can you put up in your home/office/car that will remind you to work toward your healthy living goal?
What statement or affirmation can you repeat to yourself to keep you motivated in achieving this goal? How can you remind yourself that you want to achieve this goal?
What picture, personal belonging or item can you choose to remind you to move forward with your goal? (photo, quotation, piece of clothing, keepsake)
Brainstorm actions you can take when motivation is low and you are struggling to follow through
If you write down goals and actions you are more likely to achieve them. Read them over daily.
Finally, how might you reward yourself or celebrate your success when you achieve your goal?
Take time to recognize the success accomplished to date to build confidence for future success.
Barbara Small, www.barbsmallcoaching.com

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