5 Tips For Motivation

I, more than anyone, love to procrastinate. I've managed to get this far on my own because I know a thing or two about improving the odds. Some you may or may not agree with these tips, so be sure to share or add your own in a reply!

1 - Don't eat. Yep, it works. When I find that I'm hungry and I stop to eat something, I get lazy and tell myself I should go watch TV and take a break. Plus, not eating gives you a nice reward once you finish your chores. Not to mention fasting is healthy in moderation!

2 - Listen to music when doing repetitive work. I was once not able to listen to music and write creatively, but slowly I got into the groove of doing so. It brings a certain sense of entertainment to the job, so your mind doesn't wander. Try listening on a low volume for best effect.

3 - Indulge your urges. When I have fun things I could be doing, it always stays in the back of my head and bothers me until of course, I end up doing whatever is on my mind. I've come to find doing this hobby (which for me is video games- I won't lie) a day or two out of the week in extreme proportions will make you tired of doing it for the rest of the week. Then you can finally focus!

4 - Set aside a "power" object that means you are getting down to business. Mine is a Monster Energy Drink. When I have one of these, I automatically go into work mode. Not necessarily because I have energy, but because I associate a Monster with working hard. (See Pavlov's experiment in psychology)

5 - Hold the deadline as unbreakable. I always view deadlines as what they are- the final date you have or the world ends completely. You may not like them, but learn to respect them and never break them. Once you do, you'll do it more often (speaking from experience).

Overall, motivation is a mind game. How do you overcome procrastination and sloth?

 

Great tips! I especially like tips 1 and 2. Although I haven't really thought about it before, it seems to be true that eating causes me to take a longer break than I planned on.

For number 5, I have my own variation. I'll convince myself that the deadline is about 12-24 hours earlier than it actually is - that way, if something comes up at the last minute, I'm not just screwed.

Great post and good tips! Thanks!

 

I think all of the first four points are well summarized in the last point itself

 

I would also add this quote,

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too, can become great.

Just be confident on what you are doing.

 

Eating is necessary.If i don't eat then i feel weak and lazy.Loss of energy is totally bad thing there

 

I am really motivated now.

 

Good post!
I quite liked #1 as whenever i eat, i always end up taking more time..

 

I too associate energy drinks with focus and work time - monster and red bull are both my fave

 

Your energy drink is my orange! I find that whenever I have trouble focusing, eating an orange (or even half of an orange) totally boosts my energy and helps my brain focus. It must be all that Vitamin C!

I would also reccommend, if you can find it, making a specific space your "work space." Right now space in my home is limited so I work at the dining room table and I have to tell you, it was a lot easier to stay motivated when I had a space dedicated to my business. Something about just being in that space made it easier to focus and stay on task!

 

Number 2.... Listening to Music is great way to remain motivated. It has an effect that can't be overstated.

 

Procrastination is a luxury of those with extra time.

I find that by working myself to the bone every day teaching, parenting, writing, parenting a bit more, and then maybe picking up a few stray items around the house, there is simply no option to procrastinate.

Work must be done in its designated time slot or the world really will collapse around me. It's as simple as that.

 

I'm with Rebecca. I don't have that luxury. And I'm so freaking swamped I've hardly had time to post here much less procrastinate. I also do a lot of branding and tag lines so I have to do a first pass and let it marinate. Then go back a few times more. That's just what works for me because I have to really immerse myself in the target market and the client's business to create that which will stand out in a crowd.

However, I will say that there are a lot of writers that get fired up only when a deadline is beating down on them. There are many ways to approach the creative process and some find the procrastination and deadline pressure a real inspiration.

 

I practice #2 often.

There are also "Procrastination activities". Activities that you do which are pretty much pointless and unproductive [But don't appear that way]. They are usually just excuses for not doing something you really ought to be doing.

 

Good post, i like 5 the best. Everyone seems to be adverse to pressure its a great motivator.

 

Actually eating helps me out personally munching a snack or two helps me think when i am stressed. But hey we all are different and think differently.

 

Number one usually works for me. It seems like I have more energy to write when I'm hungry.

 

Great....

you can make an article out of these tips...

 

Great tips!

Could really need some motivation when I'm working sometimes.

Thanks!

 

Really very good topic,

I liked the 5Th point. It helps us to reach the goal.

 

Very good post, i need my ipod anytime i am doing any projects