Many professionals struggle with continually cultivating success and growth in their lives. Hang-ups, mistakes and circumstances outside of your control can happen. The key to getting back on that proverbial horse is to remain motivated — that’s easier said than done as a working woman in this day and age, but it’s possible.
Here are seven places you can find that extra bit of motivation.
1. Lead With Why
Multiple reasons can encourage you to get through your day — such as paying the bills, supporting your loved ones and going home for a glass of wine. You push to get that promotion by demonstrating how your talents set you apart, but you must find your deepest reason. What’s your prime motivator?
Write it down, highlighting your unique vision. Do you want to be your own boss and never take orders again? Lead with your “why” in everything you do, and remind yourself as often as you need to.
2. Remember Your Victories
It’s easy to dwell on a present mistake instead of moving forward. In that instant, every little misstep comes to mind. Don’t get lost in self-doubt — remember your successes.
Pull out the annual reviews, emails and thank you cards. Look back to the old photos that make smile as you celebrate your moments of triumph. Write a few of these on sticky notes and place them somewhere visible at your desk.
3. Track Your Successes
Create a binder or online file specifically to track your successes — think of it as your success scrapbook or professional Pinterest. Include old photos and new ones. List how you overcame the small and significant setbacks. When you work on projects, write about your progress.
By tracking your successes, you remind yourself of your talents and empower your ability to learn and grow as a professional.
4. Get Inspired by Motivational Speakers
Many people equate motivational speakers with woo-woo nonsense, but sometimes, it only takes one sentence to get you into the right frame of mind. Motivational speakers help you operate at your best level of performance, and watching others speak can give you tips on your presentation skills, too. These speakers don’t share nonsense —they apply science, mathematics, humanities and common sense to what they have to say. Plus, they’re all knowledgeable doctors, psychologists, dancers and teachers.
Let motivational speakers inspire you to push a little harder or let go of something that no longer works. Get outside of a limiting circumstance by listening to what other visionary authorities have to say.
5. Hack Your Self-Talk
You have between 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts every day, and they all make up your nonverbal self-talk. When your mind is preoccupied, it doesn’t move toward creative solutions.
Hack your self-talk by raising open-ended questions, such as “Why is that?” Reframe the negative thought and focus on one thing you did right. When someone criticizes you for being defensive and therefore lacking professionalism, remind yourself that you stood up for something you believed in — that you warned a colleague about a possible adverse outcome. Name your inner critic something silly, or call it out for what it really is, such as fear or jealousy.
6. Embrace the Big Picture
Sometimes, the present is overwhelming, and you need to embrace the big picture. What is the vision you want to curate for your life on a personal and professional level? On most days, you will face boring, repetitive and frustrating tasks. Life feels stagnant, and you feel stuck. Focus on big-picture thinking each day. When you’re in the zone creatively, stay in the zone and flow with the moment. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone about your big picture dreams. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps, then pursue them with passion and decisiveness.
7. Make a Playlist
Plenty of folks use playlists to motivate them while they create or exercise. Why not make a motivational playlist to stay on top of your professional game?
Music possesses an incredible ability to express emotions or desires when humans feel they don’t have the words forit. Different beats and instruments move you in unique ways. Create a playlist filled with these types of songs, then listen to it when you need some motivation.
It’s normal and understandable to feel self-doubt and lack motivation from time to time, but you can’t let that hold you back from your success.You worked hard to get to where you are today, even if you feel stuck — your past successes show you that. Give yourself some slack and focus on the bigger picture. Listen to a motivational speaker for tips to push mast limits andstop negative self-talk in its tracks. Make a playlist to keep you on track. With these seven tips, you’ll soon be ready to take over the professional world.
