Motivation and Time Management: Maximizing Efficiency
Nearly everyone at some point needs a little nudge to stay motivated and on task. It's natural to get worn down by the day-to-day grind, but with the right goals and time management, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
Today I'm going to show how you can maximize your efficiency by setting achievable goals and managing your time. I'll help you identify what will motivate you and make it easy for you to meet those goals!
1) Start by identifying your long term goal(s).
Thinking of your long-term goals is a crucial first step. It should fuel your motivation and give you something to look forward to. Maybe it's simple, like getting through the upcoming semester with at least a 3.0 GPA, or something bigger, like starting that business you've always dreamed of running. Instead of looking around at others and wishing they would do something about their lives, take action now and get to work on making your dreams come true!
2) Set an achievable short term goal that fits in with your long-term goals.
The short term goals should build upon the larger ones and help you stay motivated over the long haul. If you can look forward to doing better in your classes, then that's a good starting point. Your short term goals should also serve a purpose other than just getting you through the day. Maybe the goal is to read 5 pages a day, or to spend 30 minutes studying every night. Whatever it is, make sure it has value and makes you want to go after it!
3) Create an effective morning routine that builds on the short term goals you have set.
This is the most important part of your morning routine! The more you do this, the more productive you'll be for the whole day.
Your morning routine should make it as easy as possible to complete that short term goal you set. For example, if your short term goal is to read an additional 5 pages every day, then create a ritual where you sit down and read 5 pages right away. Do this every morning for one month and then try to see how much reading time was left over each night. You'll be surprised at how much progress can be made in just a few short months!
4) Identify obstacles that are driving your motivation.
This one is pretty simple. Go ahead and ask yourself why you don't feel motivated enough to do what you need. The answer could have something to do with a fear of failure, a lack of support, or even something as simple as being bored with what you're doing. Whatever the case may be, make sure that you identify your obstacles and work through them so that they won't get in the way of your motivation. Some people might also respond well to a little guilt—a good reminder can sometimes help bring back those motivation levels! What works best for one person might not work for another.
5) Make sure you're working with someone who reinforces your behavior.
Find a good friend or family member to work with you on your short-term goals. This way, they'll help keep you focused and motivated, and provide a supportive "voice" from the outside if you ever need it.
6) To add an extra layer of motivation, give yourself rewards when you reach your short-term goal for that day.
This one is the best part! After you've met your goal, treat yourself to something simple, like a new video game or an hour of television. These little rewards will serve as a great motivator and give you a few minutes of deserved rest.
7) Lastly, use the Pomodoro Technique in the morning.
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time management technique that involves working for 25 minutes straight without any distractions and then taking a 5-minute break before starting another 25 minutes. By setting manageable goals like this, you can let your mind focus on the task at hand without worrying about feeling tired or getting distracted by surrounding noises. You can read more about it here: http://lifehacker.com/3222758/the-magic-of-the-pomodoro-technique
8) Use this technique again before you take breaks during the day.
As they say, "a watched pot never boils," so why not use this time to do something productive? Going to grab a quick bite? Get online and research information for your next paper, or spend a few minutes working on that creative project! It's much easier to stay focused than it is to focus and then be distracted. Set yourself up for success by using the time you have effectively!
9) Eat your meals at the same place and around the same time every day.
Your meals should be an enjoyable time of the day, but they can also be used to help motivate you. If you eat at the same place and at the same time every day, then it will become a routine that you will look forward to. Set yourself up for long-term success by keeping your meals consistent!
10) If possible, set up a reward system for yourself.
This is another great way to get motivated and give yourself some motivation when you need it most! You could reward yourself with things like watching TV or getting dessert after dinner. These little rewards will help you stay motivated and get what you need out of life.
11) Go after your motivations every day!
This is the most important thing you can do. Find some way to make it easier for yourself to take action every single day. Whether it's keeping your room tidy, working out at the gym, or making meals during the week, find something that makes you feel good every time you take action towards your goals! Just don't let yourself fall into the complacency of doing things just because they're comfortable.
Want to learn more about motivation and what you can do to make your days easier? Check out my latest book, Small Steps: The Journey Towards Success.
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Conclusion
It doesn't matter how much motivation you have; if you don't know when to stop working, then the day will be a complete loss. This is where tools like Pomodoro come in really handy! If you can set your mind to focus for 25 minutes on something specific, then there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to take action every day for one hour!
Keep in mind that everyone needs at least a few breaks throughout the day. Sometimes you just need a break and a change of scenery so that your mind does not get too tired. It's also good to make sure that your short-term goals are achievable and within reach so that you feel motivated enough to tackle them.