4 Tips for Reaching Your Goals When You’re No Longer Motivated

4 Tips for Reaching Your Goals When You're No Longer Motivated
29 Jun 2015

Every morning I wake up, I look to my left and see the vision board I created to bring in 2015. That board is a daily reminder to stay committed to the goals I set before the New Year even began. For the entire week before New Year’s Eve 2014, my best friend and I racked our brains trying to think of the best way to bring in the New Year.

We were not in the mood to party in the streets. She came up with the best idea – a vision board party! Ok, so it wasn’t really a party, just us two gals spread out on my living room floor, surrounded by magazines, stickers, colored paper, various art supplies, and two huge blank canvases.

On December 31, 2014 until after 2 a.m. into the New Year, we slowly filled our vision boards with goals, mantras, affirmations, photos, and of course, plenty of glitter and fancy stickers. Let me tell you, the energy in that room was high! We bounced ideas off each other, shared some of our photos and goals, read our mantras out loud and were both so excited to make this year different than the last.

And then it was March. The first two months of the year were over and I no longer looked to my left as often when I got out of bed. I didn’t sit in front of my board and meditate on it like I did for the first two months of the year. I didn’t plan my day around achieving those goals and visions I was so excited to conquer when I first made the board.

Trust me, I had good intentions to tackle every goal but as life set in, I just couldn’t find the motivation to even read the board. It all seemed so overwhelming so even when I did read it, I didn’t take steps to achieve it.

Sometimes we set out to achieve our goals with such enthusiasm that we underestimate the importance of commitment when we set those goals. Commitment trumps motivation every time! Commitment means staying loyal to your goals even when the initial excitement wears off. That excitement is bound to wear off because life is bound to get in the way.

I bet you never thought you’d hear a personal trainer say to forget about motivation! I tell my clients this all the time; it’s all about being committed to your goals and not waiting until you have the motivation to achieve them.


So here are my top 4 tips for staying committed to your goals even when you no longer feel motivated:

1. Visualize the end result: Visualization involves forming positive images of accomplishing your goals. If you can’t create that mental picture, chances are that you won’t achieve that goal.

2. Share your goals with loved ones: These people are likely to be there for you when you’re struggling to stay focused. They might just join in on your goals and partner with you to achieve them.

3. Act with your head and not with your heart: If you wait until the perfect conditions you will be waiting a lifetime. Be logical, not emotional about your goals.

4. Write a to-do list: There’s something about seeing your goals in your own handwriting that leads to action and creates self accountability.

I hope this list helps you stay committed to your goals, even when it gets hard–because it will. Just know that you’re not alone, and that even the most accomplished people sometimes need to dig into their bag of tricks to keep pushing towards their vision.

What are your best tips for reaching your own goals?

Photo by Eduards Pulks
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Trinity Perkins

Trinity Perkins is the founder of Train With Trin LLC. As a born fitness enthusiast turned Figure Competitor, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, her life’s mission is to motivate and inspire others to take charge of their health and wellness. She understands the endless benefits of exercise and proper nutrition and works with her personal training clients to achieve their goals, and give them tools and techniques to live every day to the fittest. Her writing has been published on livestrong.com. She holds a Bachelors in Communications and Human Services and a Masters in Health Education.




Comments

  1. These are some great tips. I have the hardest times staying focused on my goals. I know I want to meet them. I just need to stay on my path. I’m going to start scheduling my day.

  2. Making a list and marking things off ONE by ONE really helps me to stay on track. Yet another inspiring post. Thanks Trinity.

  3. Love this. I will be sharing. Lately I have not been focused on my goals the way I should so this is right on time.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:24 pm

      Thank you for sharing Arlett. I’m so glad that this article triggered something in you to continue to pursue your goals. Keep pushing–someone out there needs the gift you have to share.

  4. I always love reading your blog because I always get the word. I have to keep my focus, things are moving and I think I’m being prepared for something. I don’t know what and that is what eats me up. Despite not knowing I have to just continue on until things are clear.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:20 pm

      Thank you Mimi! That means so much and I hope that the information we share on Bold & Fearless continues to inform you and contribute to your clarity about what God put you here to do. Continue seeking and I promise, you will find.

  5. Creating that vision board was a great idea, and I see how you can get less motivated throughout the year. Your tips are great. I think what will help me is to start tackling my goals one by one using the to-do list.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:18 pm

      Taking it one day at a time, one step at a time is the best way to avoid overwhelm. Just make sure you’re celebrating your successes along the way!

  6. Sharing your goals is a big one. I’m all for accountability. People will remind you of what you said you were going to do. If you put it out there, you’re more likely to come through.

  7. Great tips. I think that all of these tend to work. I desperately need to carve out some time to do a mid-year vision board. My goals have changed so much over the past few months. Thanks for sharing.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:16 pm

      That’s actually a great thing Aisha! It means that you’re getting clarity around what you really want. Wishing you an awesome last half of the year. And yes, that vision board will be a huge help.

  8. These are great tips! I always rond myself why I set the goal in the first place.

  9. My biggest re-motivator is remembering my ‘why.’

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:14 pm

      The “why” is everything Patranila! I agree. Taking the focus off of yourself sometimes gives you much-needed perspective.

  10. #3 is deep. So very true. Sometimes that is hard to do. Something that would make things easier though if we taken certain things away from the heart.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 5, 2015 at 5:13 pm

      As women, it especially makes it difficult to remove our emotions from certain decisions, but sometimes, it’s the best way to move forward.

  11. It is crazy how time is flying! I had a goal to work out consistently this year and I have kept it up but unfortunately still eating too much! lol. It is good to have an end goal in site and be patient with yourself to make it happen.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 2, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Patience is everything Nadeen! Just not always the easiest thing 🙂 Just remember, as long as you’re moving, you’re moving forward—however slowly.

  12. My hubs thinks with his heart which has led him down some bad paths some say I don’t have a heart lol I try to lead with my head most of the time. Great tips I live and breathe my todoist app

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: July 2, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      Appreciate your sharing, Kita. I always say mistakes aren’t mistakes if you learn from them. When you do, they’re then called “lessons.” I’m going to have to check out that app. Always looking for better productivity apps!

  13. This post came at a GREAT time as I am trying to revamp and re-organise myself to see through the last two quarters of the year 🙂

    I really love the positive energy of this site!!!! Still have a number of goals that I feel I am behind on, but I am staying in there and intend to apply some of these tips to keep steadily working efficiently towards them!

    PS Nice comment from Jennifer Kennedy too :p

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 30, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      Zara, I’m so glad you found this post right on time! And just remember, even when you may feel behind, you’re still moving in the right direction—and certainly further ahead than you were yesterday. Keep pushing. Much success to you in the last half of 2015! Thanks, as always, for your support and good vibes 🙂

  14. Great points!! I’ve noticed that in myself — that motivation tends to come and go. I used to do things only when I felt like it. I quickly realized if I kept that up, I wouldn’t get anything done.

    I follow all of the points above. I also set a theme for my year and months and then write tangible goals that get me there. I also do well with writing out all of the steps I need to take in order to achieve those goals. This helps me with my daily to do list setting.

    Great post!!!

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: June 30, 2015 at 3:44 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Jennifer. I think if more people understood and implemented your strategies, there would be a lot less unhappiness and frustration in this world!

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