MOTIVATION - HOW TO GET 'IT' DONE!

By Liz Gryger, Manager of Participant Learning and Development, PA Women Work

Whether you are searching for a new job, want to succeed in your current job, or are working toward other goals, we all have things we need to get done. Sometimes, the list of things to get done feels overwhelming. It might be a long list and it’s challenging to find a place to begin, or it might be a short list but procrastination is setting in. In either case, not making progress toward goals will not get you where you want to be in life. 
 
So, what do you do about it? Read on for some tips that have worked for me and some clients we serve.

1. Define your goal: What is the success you want? What is the future you envision?  Why is this important to you? Take some time to think through this, write it down in words, and draw a picture of your future success. I'm not an artist and can barely draw stick figures, but sketching out my future vision unlocks personal inspiration. Make your goal SMART -- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound. 

2. Mark key dates on your calendar: Figure out what you need to accomplish by creating deadlines for yourself. Mark key dates on your calendar, to motivate yourself and holding yourself accountable to progress. Sometimes life gets in the way, but make adjustments and keep moving forward.

3. Identify your potholes:  Living in southwestern PA, we all know potholes can get in the way and cause real damage. What are the things that are getting in your way to accomplishing your goal or getting your tasks done? In your job search or career progression, there might be skills or knowledge you need to acquire for the job you want.  Maybe your own fear is getting in the way. Whatever it is, identify what is holding you back and follow the next few steps to push onward

4. Overcome the potholes. 

• Prepare: Gather as much information as you can about the situation ahead of you. If it’s applying for a new job, research the company you are interviewing with and understand what skills are required to fulfill the position.
  
• Start small: Choose one or two small steps toward the goal. Taking small steps and affirming your progress will motivate you to continue moving forward.
  
• Focus on the task: Focus on the next step you need to accomplish rather than the bigger picture. This will help the whole process feel less overwhelming and daunting. Learn from setbacks: When things don't go how you would like them to, reflect on what happened and what you can learn from it.

5. Keep negative thoughts at bay.  “Every cell in your body is listening to your thoughts.” Deepak Chopra. Your thoughts can determine your actions. When you find negative thoughts creeping in, practice holding them at arm's length and examining them for truth. Reframe them into something positive. 

6. Enlist others.  Find at least one other person to enlist as an accountability partner.  Someone who will check in with you to see what progress you are making towards your goal, problem-solve barriers getting in your way, and encourage you.  
 
7. Reward yourself.  Encourage yourself with rewards along the journey. Did you set a goal to spend 2 hours researching and applying to jobs? Once you've reached that goal, reward yourself with a walk outside, a favorite podcast or book, a chat with a friend, etc. 
 
8. Be kind to yourself.  My daughter used to have a sign in her room that said: "The hard things in life are hard.”  So true! What do you do for self-care? Perhaps it is one of the activities listed under 'reward yourself'. Perhaps you practice a hobby, meditate, exercise, or connect with the important people in your life. Whatever it is, don't forget to take time for YOU!
 
9. Remember your 'what and why'. If you feel your motivation lagging, go back to your future vision. What is the future you desire? Why is this important to you? Reminding yourself can give your renewed strength and energy to move forward.
 
If you find yourself feel stuck or facing an overwhelming mountain, give some of these tips a try. And if your job search isn’t going your way and you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to us! We’re here to help.
 

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