Getting motivated is hard, especially when you’re in a funk or stressed about one of the many things going on in your life. Pushing yourself to follow your dreams – or let alone get out of bed in the morning – is sometimes easier said than done. Luckily, we know a few ways to give you all the motivation you need to tackle whatever might be in front of you. These simple yet effective tips will help you hit the “refresh” button on your life in no time at all. Read ahead to see the best things you can do to get motivated, and get ready to be on top of the world.
– Additional reporting by Emily Co, Maya Berry, and Tara Block
Related: How 3 Editors Maximize Their Everyday Routines When They're Looking For Some R&R
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Make a to-do list.
You’ll feel encouraged as you cross off items.
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Start exercising, and you'll feel like yourself.
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Have a reward system, so you'll have something to look forward to.
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Get the hard stuff done first thing in the morning.
Once you’re done with the most challenging projects, you’ll be able to tackle the others with ease.
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Eat right.
Treating your body well will put you in a better place mentally.
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Take a break to get some rest and recharge your mind.
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Focus on the positive instead of the negative, and you'll feel more inclined to start new projects and take risks.
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Find out what it'll take to get there.
When you set a goal for yourself, begin by doing some research, and you’ll be done with the first step.
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Encourage others, and you'll automatically start seeing encouragement from them in return.
It’s a cycle of positivity!
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Read biographies of the people you look up to for inspiration.
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Reflect on the times when you worked hard and succeeded at your task.
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Remind yourself that it's better to try and fail or succeed than living with regrets.
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Set your alarm clock to remind you when it's time to start on your task.
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Find something you truly enjoy, and do it.
Pick up a hobby or start a collection, and it’ll make you excited about life.
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Close your eyes, and visualize yourself reaching your goals.
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Take a walk outside, and let nature reset your mind.
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Get more sleep.
Sleep deprivation could be making you less motivated.
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Drink coffee for a quick jolt.
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Take a small step.
You don’t have to immediately immerse yourself in the project and see it until completion right away. Just make baby steps, and take it one day at a time.
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Wake yourself up from your slump with a cold shower.
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When doing a task you don't want to do, play energizing music to help you get through it.
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Prepare early so you're not in a rush.
When you’re late all the time or feel rushed, this may stress you out and kill your motivation.
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Push yourself.
Realize that getting things done means giving yourself a little push sometimes.
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Set a deadline for a task to spur you to get it done before the time is up.
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Focus.
Doing too many things at once can overwhelm you, so drop the multitasking and focus on one thing at a time.
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Get a friend to join you to make whatever you're doing more enjoyable.
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Clean up your home or your workspace, and you'll feel like you can get more done in a decluttered environment.
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Let go of your fears, and you may feel brave enough to take on challenging tasks.
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Do something you enjoy when you first get up.
Whether it be drinking hot chocolate while reading a chapter of a book you’re currently glued to or taking a hot shower, start your day off on a positive note.
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Share your goals with others.
Being public about your goals will give you a sense of accountability, which may make you more inclined to get going.
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Fake it till you make it.
Act like you’re motivated, and it’ll become a reality in time.
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Bring light into your room.
Open up your curtains. Let fresh air into your room by opening up windows if it’s not too cold and if it’s not polluted outside.
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Don't compare yourself with others or you'll get discouraged.
Compete against yourself.
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Have realistic expectations.
Know yourself and how far you can go.
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Stay excited.
Experiment and keep coming up with new tweaks so you won’t get bored.
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If you fail, pick yourself up and keep going.
Don’t let it derail you or cause you to lose confidence, which ends up affecting your motivation.
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Keep track with a journal.
If you track your progress, you’ll be able to see it, which will help motivate you to continue or try even harder.
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Listen to motivational stories from audiobooks, TED Talks, documentaries, and more.
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Place motivational quotes around your home and workspace.
They can come in such forms as a sticky note on your memo board, a note taped to your mirror, or an inspiring quote on a coffee mug.
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Volunteer.
It’ll help ground you and make you realize that you’re fortunate, so you should take the opportunity to make the most out of your life.
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Dress to impress yourself.
You’ll feel like you can get more things done when you’re putting your best foot forward.
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Write down a few things you're grateful for.
If you have a more positive mind-set, you’ll find yourself more motivated and looking forward to what’s in store for you.
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Give yourself a pep talk, and tell yourself that you are awesome.
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Drop the projects that you might not be totally committed to and focus on the ones you're really passionate about.
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Tell yourself that nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
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Know that only you have the power to create your dreams and generate motivation.
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Write down where you see yourself in five years, and stick that note in a visible place.
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Turn it into a challenge with a time limit.
You can create your own or join an existing one. There are plenty of challenges that already exist out there, such as the NaNoWriMo, which challenges participants to complete a novel in a month.
