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Summer is over and for many, autumn signifies heading back to work or studies. Here are some ideas to ensure you keep focused, energized, and feeling fulfilled. It is all about uncovering your inner drive – and once you’re back on track with meaningful goals – your spark will shine through!
Now is a great time to look inward and reassess whether you are feeling fulfilled. Dr. Russ Harris, an expert in mindfulness and values-based behavior, recommends in Mindfood that if you feel unmotivated or unfulfilled, forget asking “what” needs to change, but ask “why” you need change. This question alone should spur an investigation into your core values.
When people get so busy chasing externals such as their careers or high-paying jobs, they easily lose sight of who they are and can end up feeling empty. This is because they mistakenly associate “drive” with outside achievement when in reality, drive is an inner light.
Just remember that motivation is not a constant. Like the tide, it rises and it falls, so be prepared for this. Many people also find themselves blocked from a goal; even though they know it will be fulfilling for them, they cannot access their own inner drive to get there. Here are seven tips to keep you focused on your meaningful projects.
Make a vision board
A vision board is a collage of images and quotes that describe your life vision. In the past, these cut-out photos were placed on cork boards or in photo frames. In our digital age, people prefer to create their vision board online. When your vision is online, you can access it wherever you are – and the more you look at it, the more focused you will be. Vision board apps can help you stay on schedule with tracking features and you can even record yourself setting intentions and life affirmations.
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Show up
Don’t get bogged down by focusing on the finished project. Every great idea has to start somewhere. Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Be in the moment and focus on the small steps you are taking. Remember that every step is as important as the next since each gets you closer to your goal.
Life coach Roz Savage told Soul & Spirit that to take a step, you just need to show up. Do not expect inspiration to come; you must sit down and work in order for this to happen. Even working three minutes a day toward your goal is all that is needed, she adds.
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Accomplish a small task early on
This can be as simple as making your bed. Completing a task right when you get up can set the tone for the rest of the day. When this becomes a habit, add something that can help you access your inner self and be sure to do it early on in the day. This could be a nature walk, yoga stretches or spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation.
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Journal
Write down your goals in the front of your journal and read them every day. It is also beneficial to make sure you write down three things you feel gratitude for every day. This can help you reframe and see your situation in a more positive light. Just keeping a gratitude journal can help you reframe and think positively.
Journaling is also a great way to vent frustrations so if you are feeling out of sorts, treat your journal like a punching bag. Once you are finished writing, you may feel a sense of release and even get clarity on issues that may have seemed like blocks.
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Be optimistic
Optimism is fuel for achieving goals. David Bailey said, “A positive attitude can really make dreams come true – it did for me.”
Practice gratitude as suggested in the journaling tip. Speak kindly to yourself. If you slip up, tell yourself you will work on this or treat it as an opportunity to learn and to grow. If you feel like you are losing your drive, optimism will get you back on track.
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Talk to your negative voice
That negative voice is always there, ready to pounce. Some call this voice the ego, a part of you that loves the safety of status quo and is afraid of change. Tony Fahkry writes on Thrive Global that the ego “is the worn-out script that plays out in our head to convince us of our unworthiness.” If this internal critic jumps into the driver’s seat, Roz Savage recommends addressing it. Tell your ego you appreciate it wanting to protect you and care for you. Or try meditating, then get back to work.
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Get an accountability partner
Ask a person you admire, respect, and trust to be your partner accountability partner. Share your goals and speak to each other once a week to report on your progress. Dr. Benjamin Hardy writes in The Medium that “publicly committing your goals to someone gives you at least a 65 percent chance of completing them.
However, having a specific accountability partner increases your chance of success to 95 percent.” Such a support system can help strengthen you when you feel down. This is a very powerful tool, especially when you choose a partner who is goal oriented and willing to push boundaries. Your partner’s inner drive may also influence you in a positive way.
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