Motivation is not my strong suit. Lately, laziness has been creeping up on me. Especially with it getting darker earlier. It's that time of year when I like nothing more than curling up in my bed with a book and a cozy blanket. I also suffer from depression which doesn't make motivating myself any easier.




Some days are better than others but I definitely need a good kick in the butt every once in a while. Lots of people experience this every single day. This is why I try not to put myself down about it. Nothing good comes from putting yourself down. Inner drive is almost nonexistent at times. When I get like this, I need lists like these ones to help me. Following through with tasks isn't the easiest thing to do. You aren't alone.



1. Start small
It's very important to not overwhelm yourself. If you take on too much at once.. chances are you will end up completing nothing. Do things one at a time.


2. Put your phone/technology away
Daily distractions are not good for anyone who wants to get something done. I have to put all the screens away in order to get things done. Put your phone on silent. Unless I am doing work on the computer like blogging etc. Working on the computer makes distractions a lot easier to happen, unfortunately. That's where music comes in for me. So I get into the writing/work groove. Do whatever you have to do to stay focused.


3. Make a list of things you need to get done
Putting things into a list of what I need to get done helps me from getting overwhelmed. It also shows me that I am in fact getting things done little by little. Seeing things crossed off the list is personally satisfying. It's important to move at your own pace and not to get overwhelmed. Otherwise, you won't want to get anything done.


4. Always look at your successes
Don't forget to reward yourself for a job well done. It's good to feel happy towards your progress however small.


5. Take a walk or go out in nature
This is the best way to recharge your brain. Oxygen is clinically proven to help you in all aspects of your life. Especially when it comes to motivation. It's an easy way to become inspired.


6. Stay Positive
I know when I am in a bad mood I am way less likely to want to do anything. Don't get yourself down. Do something to lift your spirits.




7. Brainstorm and think about why you need or want to do something
Why do you need to get this so called "task" or "thing" done in the first place? Sometimes, I need to be reminded of why I need to do something in the first place in order to actually do it. There are benefits to every single thing. 


8. Breaks are important
Do not overwork yourself. Chances are if you do you won't get nearly as much done as you would have with proper breaks.


9. Create some kind of routine
Humans are a species of habit. Tell yourself that you are going to do x, y, and z at this time every single day or on this day. Don't give yourself any excuses to not get things done.


10. Expect some failures
No one is perfect but how are you going to overcome those failures when they do come up? How are you going to combat that laziness? Planning ahead is key to any success. When you fail how can you learn from your mistakes? What do you have to do differently next time to not keep repeating your mistakes? 


11. Listen to some inspirational music or read some inspirational quote/book
Go to the experts to help you feel better. Music has a good way of making me feel pumped. It's healing to the soul. I am also a sucker for any inspirational self-help quote or book. Read books from other people that inspire you or people you look up to.  


12. Watch inspiring speeches online
Listen to even more experts. I love myself a good TEDTalk!


13. When all else fails, drink lots of coffee to boost you up
Thank god, for coffee is all I have to say.


14. Tell someone 
Often telling someone your goals or what you need to get done will help you be accountable. When others check in on your progress... you are way more likely to get things done.


15. Know yourself
Only you know your limits. Do not overestimate what you can do or set unrealistic expectations. This will help you from becoming discouraged to complete tasks.

16. Visualize completing your goal 
Can you see yourself at the finish line? I know I am a very visual learner personally. Most people are and are way more likely to do something when they can see it is possible. After all, why do something that you don't believe to be possible or attainable? 




17. Get enough sleep
You cannot do anything in life if you are tired or not getting enough rest. Your health and mind need a lot of sleep in order to have enough energy to complete tasks.

18. Take a cold shower
The cold has a way of waking me up right away and helping me stay focused.


19. Prepare
Prepare every little detail out. Make sure there is no anxiety around what you need to get done. Preparing for an outcome or ahead of time keeps you from getting too stressed out.

20. Don't forget to push yourself
Remember, you can do it!


21. Set deadlines for certain tasks
Most people work better with deadlines to get things done in a timely manner.


22. Focus on one thing at a time
It's important not to stress yourself out with doing too much at one time. It's okay to take slow baby steps.


23. Do your research
What will it take for you to get where you need to be? What needs to be done?


24. Do not compare yourself to other people
No good can come from that period. You are you for a reason. Embrace it! You are perfect and special just the way you are. No one else will ever be just like you.


25. Think about what you are grateful for
Think about all your blessings in order to stay more positive to get things done.


26. Reflect on what you do well and all your accomplishments
Give yourself a positivity mood booster. Boost yourself up. You are your biggest motivator. 




27. Set reminders and alarms
Remind yourself about what you need to do.


28. Eat healthy and drink lots of water
Brainpower is very important when you need to get things done. That way you can think more clearly. 

29. Meditate
It's important to center yourself and your thoughts in order to become productive. Calm your mind in order to be able to get more things done.

30. Create a vision board
Hang that vision board in your main workspace or bedroom so you can often see it and look at it. When you see your goals staring right in front of you it reminds you to get stuff done.

31. Change locations
If you find yourself distracted or lazy but need to get stuff done... get up and change your location if you can. Sometimes a change of location is just what you need to get reinspired. 

32. Journal
Writing in general always gets my juices flowing in my brain. It's my greatest motivator. When I write down clear goals and can see them... I am way more likely to complete them. Remind yourself of what you are working towards and the rewards you will get along the way if you complete x.

33. Don't hang out with anyone negative
Don't let anyone bring you down. Surround yourself with positive uplifting people that are going to push you towards your goals. It took me a long time to cut those negative people out of my life that were only bringing me down. Even people that were once very important to me... but in the end, it needed to be done. Hang out with people who make you the best version of yourself. 



34. Wake up earlier
Give yourself more time in the day to get more done. Schedule one or two days a week that you will wake up earlier to get more done. You will be surprised how much those hours do add up.

35. Don't try to do things "PERFECT"
Nothing is perfect. If you keep trying over and over for perfection it's never going to happen. You won't be able to get more things done because you will always be trying to make that said "thing" perfect.



Getting motivated isn't easy. Don't put yourself down if you can't always get yourself going. I know that I have difficult days myself. The weather attributes a lot to my mood.

Only you can make a true change in your life. You don't have to change for anyone. 

Make a change because you want to.


Don't care what other people think. Think about it, want it, and go get it! Motivation can come slowly but quitting doesn't speed it up. Don't allow yourself to make excuses as to why you can't do something because you can! 

There's no use in stressing over something that is out of your control. Even successful people get lazy and unmotivated. Never forget that. You are not alone. You are the only person who can shape your future and choices. The choice is yours. Make each day count because you never know what day will be your last.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

What goals do you plan on getting done? What tips work for you? 
Let's discuss in the comments down below. I would love to know your thoughts.

xoxo,