There are some days when it feels impossible to get motivated. Yet in order to achieve your goals, motivation is essential. Without it, nothing is accomplished. Responsibilities and tasks pile up. Life becomes overwhelming. Motivation becomes even harder to find.
However, with a few simple strategies you can motivate yourself every day. Here are seven. Even doing only one of them will help. Try all seven and you’ll find yourself revved up and ready to go on a regular basis!
1. Understand what motivates you.
Some people are motivated by a sense of accomplishment. Other people are motivated by praise. Still others are motivated by money. It’s even possible that you’re motivated by something else. Understanding what you’re motivated by will help. When you’re feeling unmotivated, you can tap into that desire and get the kick-start you need.
For example, if you’re motivated by money, you might kick-start your day by doing something that earns a profit. Or you might look at the task you’re facing differently, if you realize that it generates income.
2. Create a morning routine.
Routines help set the mood for the day. If your morning routine doesn’t support you to be motivated, it needs to be changed. A morning routine that supports motivation and energy might include:
- Exercise—walking or stretching.
- Meditation—five to ten minutes is all you need.
- A healthy breakfast—Healthy carbs, whole grains and lean protein. Skip the refined sugars, flours and saturated fats.
3. Start each workday doing something you enjoy and that inspires you.
What do you enjoy doing? What part of your business do you feel passionate about? Start your day focusing on those tasks and responsibilities. If you start your day doing something you dislike, it’s really difficult to feel motivated. Conversely, if you start each day doing what you love, the rest of the day is much easier to manage. And it’s much easier to get out of bed feeling upbeat and motivated.
4. Take time away from work.
Owning your own practice(business) can be a round-the-clock job. You go to bed thinking about the practice (business). You wake up thinking about it. This kind of non-stop attention can be draining. It’s easy to lose motivation. Take time away from the practice (business) every day.
Create working hours and stick to them. Take time during your day to get some fresh air and exercise, too.
5. Take time off for vacations.
Enjoy time with friends and family. And take time for yourself. When you are able to separate from your work-related responsibilities, it’s much easier to come back to them with energy and a smile.
6. Get help.
You don’t have to do everything. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. There are some tasks that are best handled by others. It saves you time, energy and money. Additionally, you’re able to focus on the tasks you enjoy and the tasks that bring in money. Consider outsourcing or hiring employees to manage some tasks. For example, administrative tasks are often easy and inexpensive to outsource.
7. Find a few motivation triggers.
For example, is there a song that helps you feel energetic? Does working in a different environment help motivate you? Is there an affirmation or happy thought that makes you smile and feel motivated?
These are simple strategies but they work!
You can wake every morning feeling motivated and raring to go!
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.