In a world filled with immediate gratification, it can be difficult to stay motivated. We are used to receiving “likes” within seconds on Instagram and being able to find answers to our questions so quickly online. And for long-term goals that involve big changes, like achieving a healthier lifestyle, you may face challenges and setbacks often. Goals require a deep commitment with the end in mind because you usually will not see results right away. Keep reading to learn how to stay motivated with 3 mindset hacks.
Tip #1: Break it down.
Just like any big task in your life, breaking your goal down is a super helpful way to stay motivated. For example, let’s say you currently eat meat with every meal, and you want to try removing meat from your diet. For benefits of eating less meat, see here. It would be really hard to instantly remove meat from your diet. To stay motivated, break it down starting with one meatless meal a week. You can gradually increase as you remain successful. Each success will give you affirmation that will motivate you to keep going!
Tip #2: Do not take a failed moment as a failed day.
Don’t try to deny if you have done this before! I know I have been guilty…
Let’s take another example. Say that your goal is to improve your fitness by waking up early before work to work out. But, today, you sleep through your alarm and it is one of your designated days. How easy is it to just say “oh well, I’ll try again next time!”
NO!!! This is the little cartoon devil on your shoulder trying to defeat your goals! Sure, you still have to go to work, but why can’t you do a workout when you get home after work? Would this not still improve your fitness? Instead of taking failed moments as an entire day lost towards your goal, try to look for possibilities for redeeming yourself instead! This marks true motivation, and it removes the negative feelings of failure that come with giving up entirely.
Tip #3: Do not expect to be 100% perfect.
This takes me to tip #3 which is so important. Do not expect to be 100% perfect with your goals! As humans, we are not perfect, and we tend to have so many priorities going on. There are going to be some moments and even some days where you just don’t have it in you to follow through on your healthy lifestyle goal. Sometimes, you may need a day to feel like a couch potato, eat junk food, and have a mental reset. And THAT IS OKAY!
Life and goals all need to revolve around balance. For instance, if you have an emotional setback, your mental health needs to become the priority. So, in this constant act of balancing the unexpected, do not expect yourself to be perfect. Once you accept this, your motivation will soar, because you will allow yourself room to meet your other important needs. As long as your setbacks don’t become a habit and you come back stronger, it is okay.
