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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: cgustudent on January 28, 2010, 12:24:09 pm

Title: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cgustudent on January 28, 2010, 12:24:09 pm
I feel like when I start something I have a whole bunch of energy but when I get into the thick of the things, I start losing steam (and of course end up failing and think later on that I could have done it if I tried harder).  Anyways!  How do you guys keep yourselves motivated with work, schoolwork, weight loss, anything?
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: LThorn14 on January 28, 2010, 02:46:15 pm
I stay motivated with online work because nothing I do is hard. I make money doing things I would already be doing. All I do here is the Paid To Click offer and get referrals. The Paid To Click is actually useful. I play games, check the weather, and view sports because I love sports. All the referrals come from my website or blog which I advertise naturally. Such as having a link in my signature on a forum that allows it, and that I am interested in. I also advertise my sites with twitter and facebook. I use these sites to actually talk to my friends, so I am already using them daily. I don't spam just spread my link naturally.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: mlbevins on January 30, 2010, 10:01:23 pm
I just tell myself to get up and do it or it isn't going to get done.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: kilophkadamas on January 31, 2010, 11:57:15 am
I feel like when I start something I have a whole bunch of energy but when I get into the thick of the things, I start losing steam (and of course end up failing and think later on that I could have done it if I tried harder).  Anyways!  How do you guys keep yourselves motivated with work, schoolwork, weight loss, anything?

I kind of have the same problem. But in my case, I have interests in so many different thigns, that I find it hard to focus my energy on one project at a time. I think there is a mental disease for that, lol I don't know. For example, today I wanted to start up a blog finally, but then I was listening to different piano music on youtube at the same time. Suddenly I had the urge to play the piano.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: thanhkle2003 on January 31, 2010, 02:10:40 pm
Motivation for me is simply keeping an open mind and keeping a goal in mind. When ever my goal is tainted, I feel lost. I keep a goal in mind to be sure that I'm track. I wake up with the mentality that I will get to work on time if not early. Then my goal is to keep up with the work schedule. I try to not fool around so I can be on top of things and finish the day with all tasks completed. With goals in mind, I will be able to know that I have achieved the things that I want. It starts with the daily and then all the way to the yearly.
Motivation comes with being specific about the things I want in life. Things like a closet full of shoes for one. Then a nice luxury car and so on.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: NickOfSpencer on January 31, 2010, 02:46:34 pm
When im having a bad day I just tell myself "hey maybe tomorrow will be better" so its just self motivating me to continue. I've been trying so hard to just get a dang part-time job but I still havn't gave up. There just always seems to be somebody with more experience or closer to the job site so they get seniority..... Man this worlds a messed up place, but you just have to keep going.. Like Thomas The Tank engine, i think i can i think i can...
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: gesus on January 31, 2010, 05:02:58 pm
Mainly just positive people around me and my music
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cgustudent on January 31, 2010, 05:07:42 pm
Thank guys!  I will try to put into practice some of these advices.  I know part of the problem is that I have a short attention span as well. When i sit down to do things I always think...oh I have something else I want to look up or do.  I should just sit down and stay focused!
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: pammcco on January 31, 2010, 05:19:35 pm
I stay motivated because I keep hearing my son's voice saying Mom, I dont like to see you struggle....You are moving in with me.....
I'm very independent.....I've stepped up a notch to try to make more money online.....
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: mrsbluesmith on January 31, 2010, 05:25:53 pm
I make list of the top 5 things I need to accomplish for the day.  I start down the list and check them off as I go.  Some days I'm mentally drained, so I just nap.  It gives me time to think and recharge.  I allow myself a time limit for this and then get back to my list.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cgustudent on February 02, 2010, 02:24:51 am
Mrsbluesmith,

That is a really, really good idea.  I think I will try that.  I think by having a list you have something more concrete, and therefore, can celebrate your smaller successes.  IN turn, they will add up. 
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: ktheodos on February 02, 2010, 05:55:58 am
I think about all the people who are in worse off situations than me and/or would love to be in my shoes ...
I realize that every day is a gift and that I want to learn something new ....
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: lher0277 on February 02, 2010, 09:56:46 pm
I know what you mean it's hard but you just have to remind yourself why you started it to begin with. Good Luck!
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: MrsTBarber on February 03, 2010, 05:40:38 am
My kids are my motivation.  I work hard to make sure they have nothing but the best!
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: ahunter300 on February 03, 2010, 06:11:08 am
Here are the academic theories about motivation.

    * Acquired Needs Theory: we seek power, achievement or affiliation.
    * Affect Perseverance: Preference persists after disconfirmation.
    * Attitude-Behavior Consistency: factors that align attitude and behavior.
    * Attribution Theory: we need to attribute cause, that supports our ego.
    * Cognitive Dissonance: non-alignment is uncomfortable.
    * Cognitive Evalution Theory: we select tasks based on how doable they are.
    * Consistency Theory: we seek the comfort of internal alignment.
    * Control Theory: we seek to control the world around us.
    * Disconfirmation bias: Agreeing with what supports beliefs and vice versa.
    * ERG Theory: We seek to fulfill needs of existence, relatedness and growth.
    * Escape Theory: We seek to escape uncomfortable realities.
    * Expectancy Theory: We are motivated by desirable things we expect we can achieve.
    * Extrinsic Motivation: external: tangible rewards.
    * Goal-Setting Theory: different types of goals motivate us differently.
    * Intrinsic Motivation: internal: value-based rewards.
    * Investment Model: our commitment depends on what we have invested.
    * Opponent-Process Theory: opposite emotions interact.
    * Positive psychology: What makes us happy.
    * Reactance Theory: discomfort when freedom is threatened.
    * Self-Determination Theory: External and internal motivation.
    * Self-Discrepancy Theory: we need beliefs to be consistent.
    * Side Bet Theory: aligned side-bets increase commitment to a main bet.
    * The Transtheoretical Model of Change: Stages in changing oneself.

from changingminds org

but none of these ideas will help you stay motivated - they just tell you what causes you to be motivated - my thought is that there is a spark within you that drives you to do the best you can - it is that spark that moves you from birth to death that identifies who you are and what you are about - in my case i've always had a positive prospective and so i enjoy the moment in everything i do and trust that some how some way i have helped make a difference - IMHO >> In My Humble Opinion - The MUSEUM, Zazzle, deviantART, ArtFire, FineArtAmerica

Health, Happiness, Peace and Positive Prospective
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: MorbidRaccoon on February 03, 2010, 06:13:45 am
I like to smoke a fattie then think about it..
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: mommagoes on February 03, 2010, 07:23:45 am
I like to smoke a fattie then think about it..

there's something else we have in commmon!   ;D
but i complete the task at hand knowing that i can do that when i'm done!   :D
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: lray3152 on February 03, 2010, 08:05:49 am
I List my goals and things that I want to do in life.  If i am not crossing things off my list, then I stay motivated to achieve those dreams.  Keep at it and all will fall into place : )
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: misslwilliams on February 03, 2010, 10:20:58 am
I stay motivated with work and schoolwork by thinking of my son. I continually (sp?) think of the fact that if I don't get it he won't have it. It also helps me to think of what it will be like when I succeed (sp?) {I know it sounds cheesy but it works}. 
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: Shutmeup3030150 on February 03, 2010, 02:04:47 pm
By thinking of the outcome of whatever it is I want to accomplish. Ex: I wanted to drop out of school this year, instead, I thought about my want to go to college, and thats the only thing keeping me going.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cece12 on February 03, 2010, 04:26:48 pm
I try to take just baby steps. Like not telling myself to finish an entire chapter, now it's just one page. I've also done away with to do lists, now I just do it and write down what I've actually done. Being unemployed, you would think I would be motivated more toward finding a job...but I hope this year I can focus on my writing....I hope this helps and wish you well with your endeavors.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: tzs on February 03, 2010, 08:32:46 pm
I look at my my Husband  and child. They are my motivation, because it took a long road to get where we are today, and its not perfect, according to the outside world,but it doesn't need to be, we are all here together now, because we motivate(d) eachother. That Rocks!!!
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cnrole on April 07, 2010, 07:02:39 pm
I listen to audio books to stay motivated.  One of the books suggested that motivation is like a mental workout.  You need to do it regularly, not just once.  You don't do 10 push-ups once, and then never do them again, right?  You have to work out regularly to stay in good physical shape.  You need to feed your mind positive stimulating ideas on a regular basis to keep it motivated.  That's what works for me.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: ktheodos on April 08, 2010, 04:46:46 am
I remember how lucky I am to be in my shoes! I turn to my faith, too!
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: cece12 on April 08, 2010, 08:10:10 am
Staying motivated is hard...getting motivated is easy. I seem to run out of steam quickly, become easily distracted. I need to find ways to stay on course better so I can get something done. Any suggestions out there?
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: lucky382001 on April 08, 2010, 08:34:13 am
What in the world is a fattie?  ???

Anyway to answer the question of how I stay motivated...
I create a routine and stick to it. It might not work for you but it works best for me.

Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: superteacher on April 08, 2010, 09:01:58 am
I need to stay motivated by reading sucess stories all the time whenever I am frustated. The stories inspired me a lot
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: Shutmeup3030150 on April 08, 2010, 03:20:32 pm
Ughh, yesss, I'm the same way. I think just watching the amount I earn keep increasing helps motivate me a lot.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: dkanofsky on April 11, 2010, 04:20:31 am
I walk 20 minutes a day, eat right, read the Bible, and have the Lord as the center of my life.   Everything else just falls into place.  That's what's really motivating.  It's all good.  :wave:
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: lray3152 on April 11, 2010, 05:35:57 pm
I love reading everything on here.  Remember where you are trying to go in life and ask yourself, "Is what I am doing going to help bring me to that destination?"  Write that destination down because it helps to constantly think about it - whether that be early retirement, paying for college or even a few week excursion in Italy -> it will help you remain focused on what the goal is at hand.
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: sgluckadoo on April 11, 2010, 07:21:16 pm
I dont.  :-X
Title: Re: How do you stay motivated?
Post by: lynnc35 on April 11, 2010, 09:26:39 pm
Looking at the bigger picture, and knowing this is not our home, Knowing God has got the plan for our lives, I have been left for dead on the side of the street, and lived to tell about it, back to work at my old job after 3 surgeries, yes, I am motivated, because I know God is with me.