How To Get More Motivation: 17 Tips For Staying Motivated

In this new article you’ll learn how to get more motivation.

Beginning something new—whether it’s a big dream, a daunting project, or even a simple task—can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure why you’re doing it. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people experience the same hesitation and fear. However, with a few practical strategies to ignite your motivation, you can move forward confidently, achieve your goals, and discover joy and purpose in your journey.

How To Get More Motivation:

1. Use Rewards to Drive Progress

Incentives can make even the toughest tasks more manageable. Think of a reward system as a way to celebrate small wins along the way. These rewards can be as simple or elaborate as you like—just make sure they excite you enough to keep pushing forward.

Short-Term Example: If you’re organizing your closet, treat yourself to a cup of your favorite coffee or tea once you’ve finished.
Long-Term Example: For an extended project, like preparing a presentation for work, create a “reward fund.” For every milestone you reach, deposit a small amount of money to spend on something you enjoy, like a nice dinner or a fun outing.

By linking accomplishments to meaningful rewards, you’ll keep motivation levels high and the process enjoyable.

2. Lean on Support from Loved Ones

Motivation doesn’t always have to come from within—it’s okay to seek encouragement from people who care about you. Share your goals, challenges, and progress with friends and family. Their words of support or even just listening to you can make all the difference in staying focused and positive.

Example: If you’re preparing for an important exam, ask a friend to quiz you or a family member to check in with how you’re doing. Their involvement can provide accountability and keep you energized.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small successes with your loved ones—they’ll cheer you on, giving you extra motivation to keep going.

3. Embrace Friendly Competition

Sometimes a little rivalry can be the push you need to perform at your best. Turning your task into a friendly contest adds excitement and a sense of urgency, making even routine projects more engaging.

Work Example: Challenge your coworkers to see who can finish their part of a project first (while maintaining quality, of course).
Fitness Example: Join a step-count challenge with friends or see who can exercise consistently for the longest streak.

Friendly competition isn’t about “winning”—it’s about pushing yourself to be better alongside others who inspire you.

4. Create a Motivational Soundtrack

Music has the power to transform your mood and keep you energized. A great playlist can make mundane or repetitive tasks more enjoyable and help you stay focused.

Custom Playlists: Curate a collection of songs that make you feel upbeat and powerful, or choose instrumental tracks if you need to concentrate.
Premade Options: Explore motivational or genre-based playlists on platforms like Spotify or YouTube if you’re not up for creating your own.
Example: If you’re tackling a boring chore like cleaning, crank up some energetic tunes to make it feel less like work and more like a personal dance party.

5. Just Start, Even Without Motivation

Sometimes, waiting for the “perfect” moment to feel motivated can keep you stuck. Instead, dive into the task and let action spark inspiration. Often, the hardest part is simply getting started, and once you do, momentum naturally follows.

Trick Yourself: Tell yourself, “I’ll only work on this for five minutes.” Once you begin, you may find it easier to keep going.
Find the Fun: Identify aspects of the task you enjoy. If you’re writing an article, maybe the creative brainstorming phase excites you. Focus on that to get moving.
Example: Struggling to exercise? Commit to just putting on your workout clothes and walking around the block. By the time you’re dressed and moving, you might feel inspired to extend the walk or hit the gym.

6. Visualize Success

Sometimes, picturing the end result can provide the motivation to get started. Imagine how great it will feel when you complete your task or reach your goal. Visualization isn’t just wishful thinking—it helps you mentally connect your current efforts to future rewards.

Example: If you’re decluttering your home, picture a tidy, organized space where you feel calm and productive.
Work Example: Visualize nailing your presentation or impressing your team with a completed project.

Seeing the big picture can remind you why you started and inspire you to keep going.

7. Eliminate Distractions from Your Environment

Distractions can easily derail your focus and drain your motivation. By removing temptations and limiting interruptions, you can create an environment where it’s easier to concentrate.

Step 1: Identify Key Distractions: Is your phone, cluttered desk, or noisy environment getting in the way? Pinpoint the main distractions you face.
Step 2: Take Action:
Turn off your phone or place it in another room. If you need it for work, enable focus modes or mute unnecessary notifications.
Tidy up your workspace to reduce visual clutter that can divert your attention.
If noise is an issue, try noise-canceling headphones or move to a quieter area.

Example: Let’s say you’re trying to write an important report, but your social media notifications keep pulling you away. Turn off the notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and set your phone to “do not disturb.” By making distractions less accessible, you give yourself the mental space to focus.

8. Define Your Goals Clearly

Motivation thrives when you know exactly what you’re working toward. Vague goals can feel overwhelming and unattainable, so take time to define your objectives and break them down into smaller steps.

Create a Big-Picture Goal: Think of the long-term outcome you want to achieve.
Break It Into Steps: Divide this larger goal into smaller, manageable tasks that you can tackle daily or weekly.
Write It Down: Having a physical list of your goals serves as a constant reminder and motivator.

Example: If your goal is to write a novel, start by breaking it down:

Research writing techniques.
Outline the chapters.
Write 500 words daily.

Hang your list where you can see it—like on your desk or a vision board—to keep your goals front and center.

9. Organize Your Goals for Clarity and Priority

Not all goals are created equal—some are urgent, while others are long-term aspirations. Organizing your goals helps you focus on what matters most and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

Prioritize: Identify which goals are most important or time-sensitive.
Sequence Goals: Some goals might depend on completing others first. For example, learning basic skills often comes before advanced achievements.
Start Small: Begin with a goal that’s attainable to build momentum and confidence.

Example: If you dream of becoming a software developer, start with foundational steps like learning to code in a specific language. Once you’re confident, move on to building small projects, then tackle more complex ones.

By focusing on the right goals at the right time, you’ll see steady progress and maintain motivation.

10. Create Actionable To-Do Lists

Once you’ve prioritized your goals, turn them into actionable daily tasks. A to-do list provides a clear roadmap, making your goals feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

Be Specific: Avoid vague tasks like “work on project.” Instead, break it into clear steps, such as “draft the introduction” or “research sources.”
Highlight Urgency: Mark tasks that are time-sensitive or high-priority.
Review and Adjust: Regularly update your list to reflect new goals or progress.

Example: If your goal is to launch an online business, your daily to-do list might include:

Research potential product niches.
Set up a basic website framework.
Create a marketing plan draft.

Completing each task provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you moving forward.

11. Break Big Objectives into Small, Manageable Steps

Big tasks can feel intimidating and paralyzing, but breaking them into smaller, bite-sized pieces makes them more approachable. This method reduces overwhelm and provides frequent opportunities for success, boosting your confidence and motivation.

Chunk Tasks: Divide large objectives into steps that can be completed in 15–30 minutes.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge every small win—it reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated.

Example: Instead of saying, “I need to clean the house,” create a step-by-step plan:

Clean the kitchen counters.
Vacuum the living room.
Tidy up the bedroom.

Each small task you check off feels like an accomplishment, making the larger goal less daunting.

12. Keep Your To-Do List Manageable with Five Tasks

It’s easy to overwhelm yourself by packing too much into a single day. Instead, limit your daily to-do list to five actionable tasks. This focused approach ensures you make meaningful progress without feeling swamped.

Prioritize Wisely: Choose tasks that are important, time-sensitive, or foundational to your larger goals.
Reassess After Completion: Once you finish the list, evaluate what needs to be done next and create a new list.

Example: If your goal is to declutter your workspace, your list might include:

Clear out old papers.
Organize your books or binders.
Sort through unused office supplies.
Dust surfaces.
Label storage containers.

Completing five tasks provides a sense of achievement while maintaining focus on your objectives.

13. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

Your attitude has a direct impact on your motivation. Instead of fixating on mistakes or setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Positive thinking creates momentum, while negativity can drain your energy.

Reframe Negative Thoughts: Replace “I’ll never finish this project” with “Every step I take brings me closer to my goal.”
Use Physical Cues: Smile, even if you don’t feel like it—studies show that smiling can boost your mood.
Incorporate Uplifting Music: Play songs that energize and inspire you while you work.

Example: If you’re struggling to stay motivated while drafting a proposal, take a short break to listen to an empowering playlist. When you return, you may feel more refreshed and optimistic about completing the task.

14. Celebrate Your Achievements

Reflecting on past successes can boost your confidence and remind you of your capabilities. Whether your accomplishments are related to your current goals or from another area of life, taking pride in your progress reinforces your ability to persevere.

Focus on Wins: Write down past achievements, big or small, and revisit them when motivation wanes.
Avoid Negativity: Let go of doubts or self-critical thoughts about what you haven’t achieved yet.

Example: If you’re feeling stuck while training for a marathon, recall how proud you felt after completing your first 5K. Let that sense of accomplishment motivate you to tackle the next phase of your training.

15. Align Your Goals with Your Passion

Passion is a powerful driver of motivation. When you care deeply about what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay focused, even during tough times. If your passion starts to fade, revisit the reasons you began and the impact your goals can have on your life and others.

Ask Why: Reflect on why this goal matters to you and how achieving it will positively influence your life.
Visualize Success: Picture the benefits you’ll experience when you reach your goal.

Example: If you’re preparing for law school, remind yourself of your original passion for advocating for justice or helping underserved communities. Picture yourself in the courtroom, making a difference, to reignite your drive.

16. Stay Focused on the Big Picture

The road to success often includes challenges, but keeping your end goal in sight can help you push through obstacles. Accept that setbacks are part of the process and stay committed to the larger vision.

Acknowledge Challenges: Recognize that difficulties are temporary and can be overcome.
Think Long-Term: Remind yourself how achieving your goal will improve your life or the lives of others.

Example: If you’re on a fitness journey to improve your health, think about how great you’ll feel once you have more energy, better stamina, and improved overall well-being. Use that vision as fuel when motivation dips.

17. Overcome Fears and Doubts

Fear of failure is one of the biggest obstacles to motivation. Instead of seeing failure as a permanent setback, view it as a stepping stone to success. Many great achievements are built on a foundation of trial and error.

Challenge Fear: Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Often, you’ll find that your fears are manageable.
Embrace Learning: Understand that every failure provides valuable lessons that bring you closer to your goal.

Example: If you’re nervous about launching a new business, remind yourself that every successful entrepreneur faced challenges and setbacks. Focus on learning from any missteps and refining your approach instead of letting fear hold you back.

Summary

Motivation comes from a mix of creating supportive habits, maintaining a positive mindset, and aligning your actions with meaningful goals. Here’s a quick guide to staying motivated:

1. Simplify and Focus

Limit your to-do list to five tasks. Focus on completing a manageable number of actionable tasks each day to avoid overwhelm.
Break large objectives into smaller steps. Tackling smaller tasks builds momentum and makes big goals feel achievable.

2. Set Clear and Passionate Goals

Define your goals. Make them specific and break them into manageable parts. A clear path keeps you motivated.
Align goals with your passions. When you care deeply about what you’re pursuing, it’s easier to stay committed.
Organize and prioritize. Focus on the most important or time-sensitive goals first, and build upon early successes.

3. Create a Productive Environment

Remove distractions. Clear your workspace of interruptions like phones, clutter, or noise.
Establish a motivating atmosphere. Use tools like music or inspiring visuals to keep your energy up.

4. Build and Maintain a Positive Mindset

Reframe negative thoughts. Replace self-doubt with affirmations like, “I’m making progress, step by step.”
Celebrate progress. Reflect on past accomplishments to boost confidence and motivation.
Embrace failure as learning. Understand that setbacks are part of the journey and help you grow stronger.

5. Keep Your Eye on the Bigger Picture

Visualize success. Think about the long-term benefits of achieving your goals and how they’ll impact your life.
Reconnect with your “why.” When passion fades, remind yourself why the goal is important to you and how it aligns with your values.

By taking small, intentional steps, staying organized, and focusing on what truly matters, you can overcome obstacles and sustain your motivation to achieve your goals.