Let's be honest: the older we get, the less summer is all about getting the rest and relaxation we don't get during the semester. Between multiple summer jobs, trying to squeeze in seeing friends around their internships and busy schedules, and attempting to have a little fun, most of us lose our self motivation. In an attempt to shape up and finish off the things I said I was going to do this summer, here's a list of ways to jumpstart self motivation just in time for the beginning of the fall semester.
1. Wake up earlier
To some, keeping a journal may be too much of a time commitment, but taking five minutes to make a list of goals to achieve in the next day, week, month, or year can really jump start your motivation. Being able to see what you have to do is a reminder that is harder to ignore than a mental reminder.
Check out this article on the benefits of waking up early!
2. Write down goals
To some, keeping a journal may be too much of a time commitment, but taking five minutes to make a list of goals to achieve in the next day, week, month, or year can really jump start your motivation. Being able to see what you have to do is a reminder that is harder to ignore than a mental reminder.
3. Recruit a friend
Having a hard time waking up early, studying at the library, or getting to the gym a few times a week? Find a friend that is in the same boat as you. By having each other's backs, you can get that extra push you need when you feel like being a lazy potato. You can even start a game (for the inner competitiveness in all of us), like whoever can get to the gym more times in the week can have the other buy them coffee.
For more reasons to work out with a friend, click here.
4. Special occasion Netflix
Sometimes it feels like you're walking in circles and not getting anything done. By having physical proof of all you have completed, you will not only feel better about yourself but actually be more motivated to keep going! Remember: it takes 21 days to break a habit, and about 2 months (or 66 days) to form a new habit. Having a sense of accomplishment is an addictive feeling, and the visual reminder of what you have done will help encourage you to work towards that feeling in the future.
5. Track your progress
Sometimes it feels like you're walking in circles and not getting anything done. By having physical proof of all you have completed, you will not only feel better about yourself but actually be more motivated to keep going! Remember: it takes 21 days to break a habit, and about 2 months (or 66 days) to form a new habit. Having a sense of accomplishment is an addictive feeling, and the visual reminder of what you have done will help encourage you to work towards that feeling in the future
6. Treat yo self
It works for kids, it works for pets, and it definitely works for college students. Having a treat when you accomplish something will promote a continuation of the same behavior, as long as you keep the treat reasonable (like a morning of sleeping in or a cupcake). Treating yourself often is no longer a treat, and indulging in a large treat will hinder your progress of becoming a motivated person. Make the treat a treat or else it won't help motivated you (click on the word treat and check out the definition, focusing on the phrase "unexpected"...which means it doesn't happen a lot...because then it is not a treat).
