5 Tips for Staying Motivated

With so much success in his career, it’s no doubt that David Geithner of On Location experiences knows a thing or two about staying motivated. One of the key factors in a person’s success is how able they are to self-motivate, and push themselves further in their goals (career, personal. or both). 

That being said, it isn’t always easy. So, how can you stay motivated when all you really want to do is watch the game or head out to the bar with friends? Here are 5 ideas to help you stay on course and achieve your goals. 

1. Positive Reinforcement 

Positive reinforcement is a relatively simple idea, and we use it on children from the very early years of life. It isn’t just great for convincing your toddler to put his toys away, though. Positive reinforcement is a great tool for adults, too. 

Try making a list of things you need to do to accomplish your goal. Whenever you complete something on your list, reward yourself with something that is enjoyable. This could be a quick weekend getaway or a shopping trip. 

2. Visualization 

Visualization is a massive motivator, and a lot of successful people will attest to this. This method is comparable to intentional daydreaming, and it helps motivate you because it shows you what your life could look like if you keep climbing the mountain of your own personal success. 

Spend 10 minutes before bed imagining what your life will look like with that new promotion, or if you reach a new milestone in your fitness training. Take it up a notch and use a vision board, where you cut out and glue pictures of what your life could look like if you reach your goals. 

3. Find Your “Why”

Having a reason is a key factor in motivation and success (because if you don’t have a reason for doing something, then why do it?). Your “why” could be your kids, the desire for a more comfortable or healthy lifestyle, the ability to take care of your parents in their old age, or being able to travel the world in retirement. 

If your “Why” is strong enough, you will always be able to jump over the hurdles that you will face along the way. 

4. Create Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 

Creating a long-term goal is important to personal success, but if your goal is large enough, you’ll want to break it down into smaller ones (after all, no one climbs Mount Everest in one single hike, they break it down into several hikes and landmarks).

Find what works for you and will help you stay motivated, but make sure your short-term goals are attainable (within a few months to a year) and ensure that they are all directing you toward success in your long-term goal.   

5. Social Support 

Part of your external motivation should definitely be friends and family, but you’ll want to make sure that the people you choose to ask for support are trustworthy and want to see you succeed. Not only that, but they need to believe that you will succeed as well. 

Asking friends and family to hold you accountable to your goals is a great way to ensure that if you start slipping, there is someone to help pick you back up along the way. If you don’t have this, you can seek out a life coach or therapist to help encourage you in your quest to achieve those big goals you’ve set for yourself.

About the auhor: David Geithner,

In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Geithner serves on the advisory board of the Kellogg Finance Network at Northwestern University. He spent nearly a decade as a board member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s New York City Chapter.

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