Ever have one of those days where getting started feels like a gargantuan task – dare I say it, even a Neil Armstrong-level pursuit? The problem, of course, is that things still need to get done, so ignoring tasks indefinitely isn’t going to work. My solution: make motivation a habit, so it becomes automatic.

Imagine a world without Netflix-cravings and an almost impenetrable mental wall that seems to appear when you’re “just not feeling it”? And wouldn’t it be amazing to be productive without feeling like you’ve just had 50 lashes to get there? The good news is, you can! All you have to do is treat motivation like any other goal or habit you want to develop. If you want to make motivation a habit, follow these 10 techniques to set you up for success.

1. Identify your issues and fears

Yes, we’re starting with the tough stuff? Why? Because sticking a band-aid on the problem is only a temporary solution. If you don’t understand why you’re putting off your work, how can you move past it and make progress? If you want to make motivation a habit, ask yourself why you’re feeling this way, and work towards a solution.

2. Work on your mindset every day

When you identify your fears and issues, you may realise that your biggest enemy is your mindset – that voice that says, “It’s too hard” or “You can’t do this.” Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this. You need to work on your mindset every day if you want to make motivation a habit. When you start thinking something negative, follow it up with one positive comment. So if you say, “I’m no good at this”, add “Yet. So I need to keep working on it.”

3. Surround yourself with inspiration

Whatever industry you’re in (or trying to get into), one of the easiest ways to make motivation a habit is to read books, listen to podcasts and follow Instagram accounts that inspire you. Learning new ideas can get you motivated to take action, so make sure you’re reading, viewing or listening to things that inspire you every day. Easy, right?

4. Set up a morning routine

As much as the idea of freedom to do whatever, whenever is appealing, it’s not really practical. We need routines to make habits stick and starting the day off well can make the rest of your day run so much more smoothly. Always start with your hardest task first and you’ll be amazed at not only how much faster you’ll work, but also how much more you’ll achieve in a day! If your goal is to make motivation a habit, setting up a good morning routine is vital to success.

5. Work in a suitable environment

Nothing kills your buzz faster than a slow internet connection or a distracting workspace. If possible, work where you’re likely to have the least technical problems or interruptions. If you really want to make motivation a habit, you’ll take this seriously, even if it means avoiding the trendy coffee shop down the road!

6. Work in blocks and reward yourself

Have you heard of the Pomodoro technique? The most effective way of working is supposed to be in 25 minutes intervals, separated by breaks. For more information, check out this post on batching that I wrote last year. By working in blocks and rewarding yourself with breaks you can stay motivated, and ultimately, make motivation a habit.

7. Remove distractions and temptation

If this were a story, Motivation would be the protagonist and Distraction would be the bad guy. Yes, Instagram, Netflix, and everyday notifications seem harmless, but they’ve got a dark side, and they can easily lead you astray. You wouldn’t stock your pantry with chocolate cake if you were on a diet, so why would you sabotage your productivity by keeping your mobile nearby? If you want to make motivation a habit, remove temptation from your workspace.

8. Prepare the night before

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Preparation isn’t just a time-saver, it also sets you up for success. One way that I prepare is by planning out my daily tasks for the week ahead on a Sunday evening. I also plan out my blog and social media content for the month in advance. Total game changer! When you prepare, you’re reminding yourself what you have to do and you’re leaving no room for excuses when tomorrow comes around. Preparation is another key strategy that you should apply if you want to make motivation a habit.

9. Visualise your end goal

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I like to focus on the journey rather than the end goal, but sometimes it can be motivating to look at what you want to achieve to bring you back to your “why”. Why is this task important? What will it help you achieve? You can make motivation a habit by visualising your end goal and asking these questions whenever you feel the need.

10. Commit to 30 days

Did you know that 30 days is all it takes to create a habit? The first week is always the toughest, but if you can get through that, it’ll get easier. Committing to something for one month is a manageable target. After all, if you were training for a marathon, you’d probably need to set aside three or four times that amount! The final way to make motivation a habit is to commit to working on it for at least 30 days.

Motivation can seem elusive when you’re not in the zone, so making it a habit can reduce the struggle. Identify what’s holding you back, work on your mindset daily, seek inspiration, set up a routine, work in a productive environment, use time-blocking and rewards, remove distractions, prepare in advance, regularly refer to your “why” and commit to working on making motivation a habit for one month if you are serious about improving your productivity. Better yet, get started on these strategies today  to get the ball rolling. You can do this!

What are you struggling with? Let me know in the comments below and a solution just might appear on the blog.

Good luck!

Grace x