How to Stay Motivated + Consistent

Today I’m sharing a video about how to stay motivated + consistent when you’re working towards your goals. This video comes at a great time, because I just came from a business conference that really kicked my butt, and gave me the inspiration and jolt of motivation I was thirsty for. Watch the video for my step by step advice, and keep reading below for some more insight into my efforts to stay motivated, and how I am able to hold on to that often fleeting gift.

How do I stay motivated + consistent?

This past weekend I was invited to share my success story at a business conference for Holistic MBA (HMBA) in front of hundreds of men and women. When the ladies at HMBA invited me to speak I immediately said yes, but then wondered what I could possibly share that would inspire others. I’m not making a 6 figure salary yet, I’m totally unorganized in life and business, I get stressed out about what I’m doing, and I often feel like giving up when it gets tough.

Needless to say, I figured out what to talk about. In my sharing I realized how far I really have come since starting my business 3 years ago. I also realized that without motivation I would have given up a long time ago.

Is self-motivation some lucky trait I was born with? Absolutely not.

Am I always motivated? Hell to the nah!

Do I stay consistent as I work towards my goals? Puh-leeeze!

There are even times, like multiple times a day, when I literally forget what my goal is!! Those are the times when I especially feel lost, defeated, and/or depressed.

But there is some way I’m able to pick myself back up and keep going. Like Carey’s quote at the top of this post, “Success is assured if you can change your stopping point.” Sometimes success doesn’t come in the exact amount of time you thought it would, sometimes life gets in the way, you fall off of the wagon, and success reschedules its arrival. Most people, when success doesn’t come by their forecasted date, will give up on their dreams. They’ll say, “I guess it wasn’t for me”, or “I’m not good enough for that”, or worse of all, “I tried it all.” When in fact, if they had just eliminated their stopping point, success would have been theirs.

Having a dream, a goal, and a purpose is one of the most important things in life. Every one of us deserves to achieve our desires, but the journey will not be easy.

Staying motivated, never giving up, and doing your very best, are the keys to success. There are no magic potions, but you must believe in yourself and your worthiness to live your dream—whether it be a thriving business, a loving partner, or a healthy and sexy body.

To stay motivated you should

1. Have a clear intention.

   Know the specifics of what you desire. For example, I want to have a wildly popular cooking show someday. I can picture myself in that role, and I can feel how amazing it is going to feel to be that person. When I make decisions about my life I do them with that end goal in mind. I know that the show will be way bigger than me, and that it will improve the lives of others (people and animals).

2. Make it enjoyable.

   Sure, nothing worth having comes easy. It doesn’t have to be easy, but you can make it fun. For example, if you need to get in shape find a type of fitness that is fun. Try out many varieties of exercise until you find what works best for you. You’ll still have to work hard to get fit, but at least you’ll be getting fit doing something you enjoy.

3. Do it with a friend.

   If you’re going vegan, get a friend or family member on board too. It’s more fun to make a big life change with someone else. You can support each other, and feel camaraderie along the journey.

4. Have unwavering support.

   Friends are really helpful, BUT their bad habits can sometimes leak over and spoil your motivation. To prevent this from happening also have support from someone who is 100% dedicated to your success. I recommend having a coach and/or joining a meetup group. The more support the better! If greater health is your goal, check out my health coaching programs.

5. Celebrate the successes you have along the way.

   You’ll be able to see how your actions are paying off along the way to reaching your big goal. Small successes lead up to big successes, so you may as well celebrate the journey

Perhaps the most important aspect of staying motivated, though, is being committed to your own success, and recognizing that you deserve it. Or as Daniel Pink said in his amazing TED talk on the topic: Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose are the three things necessary for motivation. The autonomy part representing your responsibility to yourself and your actions, mastery meaning you become good at what it is you are working towards, and purpose signifying having a meaningful reason for needing to accomplish your goal.

Anyways, before I get off of my soap box, I just want to say I am not motivated all of the time. However, I’ve done away with my stopping point. Sometimes I totally quit on things that aren’t working, but I never quit on my goals. Don’t quit on yours.

I hope you found today’s post inspiring. Please let me know what you think in the comment section below, and please share your advice for staying motivated and consistent.

photo of me at top by Jens Ingvarsson for Refinery 29//TJ Maxx