How to Stay Motivated Until You Get What You Want

And somehow you knew how to stay motivated...

Goals are mysterious things - they spring into our minds motivating us to succeed, fuel fires of fantasy about success and new found happiness, initiate an almost manic effort to move our lives forward, and then - suddenly the fire goes out.

What once motivated you to succeed, drove you to get up early and work late, now weighs in your mind as a failure in the wings.

Don't despair.

The aftermath of the best intentions often feels like failure, but a few simple questions to yourself every day will provide the motivation to carry you through until your goal's completion.

Step 1: Repeat goal aloud.

Repeat it again. And again. Simple statements repeated aloud and often can trigger the subconscious into action.

Choose your goal, and pick strong words that inspire you. As you say them aloud, pay attention to what the words mean. If your goal is to practice the bassoon, say aloud "I will practice the bassoon and make beautiful music!" or "I will make my bassoon sing!"

Each statement rephrases the initial goal, but does so in a way that refreshes and revitalizes the initial excitement of your goal.

Step 2: Tell a good friend about your goal.

Talk openly about why you wanted to pursue your goal in the first place, and what you hoped to achieve.

Talking with someone about possible outcomes and the steps along the way can make the goal more realistic in your mind.

Each time you talk to someone, the goal becomes less a secret desire, and more a route you have chosen that your friends can encourage you on.

Step 3: Even if you don't feel like it, do it anyways!

There are mornings we all loathe getting out of bed, but hitting snooze once more will not get the paperwork done any earlier, finish our paper route, or see us to success.

Feelings are not facts, but they can catch up to the facts in time - doing what you know you ought will eventually bring you a feeling of satisfaction as well as of relief.

Step 4: Reward Yourself!

When you complete a step in your overall plan, reward yourself. Little rewards along the way can make the overall job seem more attainable.

Rewards do not have to be overly expensive to provide a boost. Allow yourself a night off if you make three cold calls, or give yourself a manicure once you have completed your thank-you card list.

The goal is important, but the path you take can be where the fun is. As you think about what arena of life you wish to succeed in, remind yourself how capable you are.

Goals are meant to stretch us and push into places we would not ordinarily go. Let the journey help you grow as a person.

Recognize that, although you will not always feel the same level of motivation, an unwavering commitment can make all the difference and you can stay motivated to succeed.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com /special.htm

In The News:


Sky News

Raikkonen says his motivation as high as ever
guardian.co.uk, UK - 9 hours ago
LONDON, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Ferrari's Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen has rejected suggestions that he lacks motivation after a string of ...
Raikkonen defiant over poor form BBC Sport
Raikkonen remains defiant despite F1 setback AFP
Raikkonen still up for the fight ITV.com
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China Daily

Ashlee Simpson's jeans motivation
China Daily, China - 18 hours ago
Ashlee Simpson has bought six pairs of size zero jeans to motivate her to lose weight. The singer - who is expecting her first child with husband Pete Wentz ...

Missouri-Illinois: Illini Fans Give Tigers Extra Motivation for ...
Bleacher Report, CA - 6 hours ago
Missouri vs. Illinois isn't exactly a heated rivalry, but Matt Thiel explains that Illini fans' actions at a basketball game last year have added some fuel ...

Rocked Wallabies look for motivation in Elsom ban
The Canberra Times, Australia - Aug 27, 2008
THE Wallabies will use Rocky Elsom's controversial suspension as motivation in their bid to be the first Australian team for 45 years to win two Tests in a ...

E! Online

Phelps providing motivation
Monroenews.com, MI - Aug 27, 2008
by Niles Kruger , last modified August 27. 2008 12:04PM - AP photo by Luca Bruno Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal ...
Athletes can inspire all of us San Angelo Standard Times
Michael Phelps: A Kid with ADHD Conquers the World in the Water Nick.com
Fitting Finish to ‘08 Games Flagler College Gargoyle
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Bleacher Report

49ers QB Alex Smith using backup role as 'motivation'
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - Aug 24, 2008
"You have to use it as motivation and continue to push yourself and get better," Smith said. "Prove to people, prove to myself that I can play well in this ...
O'Sullivan turns "scratch and claw" mentality into starting job Sacramento Bee
What becomes of Alex? SF Illustrated
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NO SHORTAGE OF TALENT, MOTIVATION: Silverado learns lessons from loss
Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV - 16 hours ago
That extra motivation could be bad news for the rest of the Southeast League and the entire Sunrise Region. The Skyhawks (10-1, 6-0 Southeast) return two ...

Dwyer High's Matthew Elam turns pain into motivation: Siblings ...
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - 18 hours ago
By Staff Writer Stacy Hicklin Staff photo by Robert Duyos It's the one part of his life he doesn't guard tightly or reserve for only those in his inner ...

Pre-school age exercises can prevent dyslexia
Hindu, India - 15 hours ago
The results achieved at the Centre of Excellence in Learning and Motivation Research were presented at the Academy of Finland's science breakfast on 21 ...

Daily Nation

Beaten Olympian Vlasic aims for Golden League lining
guardian.co.uk, UK - 9 hours ago
Now I have a chance to win the Golden League jackpot and that is also a great motivation. "I'm not thinking about the money at all, it would just be a ...
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