I’m a firm believer in the saying: ‘it’s not how you start … it’s how you finish’. As we get into the final quarter of the year here are some tips on how to stay motivated for the rest of the year:
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Pick A Mantra
I know that it can feel as though September ushers in dread because the countdown to Christmas begins … however, you shouldn’t despair! You need to keep your chin up and stay motivated to end the year successfully! This is why you need to pick a mantra. A mantra is usually a word or a saying that you repeat to keep focused and motivated. So how do you go about finding a mantra? A mantra can be a word that describes what your attitude should be as you work your way towards a goal – determination, persistence, relentless. A mantra can also be found in religious writings like Buddhist mediations or Bible scriptures. Once you have selected your mantra, post it in a place where you frequent – a bathroom mirror à la Being Mary Jane for example. The reason behind having a visual is that the mantra remains top of mind. Out of sight out of mind they say – this is why you should keep the mantra front and center. Once you have selected the mantra and placed it in a highly visible area, you need to repeat it and reference it as often as you need the motivation.
Stay organized
Remember that the goal is to work smart – evaluate the goals that you have completed and those that you have left and then get to work! Buy a planner, create a to-do list or even hiring an assistant, whatever you need to do to stay organized, do it – organization is key.
Create a routine
This is probably one of the toughest to-do’s on this list but probably the one that yields the highest returns. Create a routine around the goal – did you set out to lose weight? Create a workout routine that you can easily follow and that fits into your lifestyle … then start working out!
Stick to the routine
Once you have the routine down, you need to stick to it! It’s not easy but this is where the rubber meets the proverbial road folks. You need to focus on the goal so wholeheartedly with the end in sight. Do you need an accountability partner? Get one! Do you need to set reminders? Set them! Do all that you can to stick to the routines that you have put in place and success will follow.
Be gentle with yourself
Lastly, and certainly not the least – be gentle with yourself. This means that you should cut yourself some slack. Yes, you should have accomplished way more by this time of the year; however, you’re not where you expected you would be but it’s ok. We are starting afresh – September is the new January people! Build time into your daily routine to stop and breathe as you work your way through these last months of the year. It’s tough but you are tougher … chin up!
