4 Simple Tricks to Stay Motivated Every Day

Hello! I'm Rahul Sanaodwala, the founder of StriWears. Welcome to My Stories, a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs get inspired by the journeys of successful founders and learn the secrets to building thriving businesses.

Today, we're going to learn about four simple tricks to stay motivated every single day. Now, let's begin.

Motivation is not some magical solution to all your problems. It won't guarantee you that promotion. It won't stop you from failing a test. A lot of people think a little motivation means success will just fall into their lap. But that isn't how it works.

You see, motivation isn't the answer; it isn't the end point—it's where you start. Think about your goals like a road trip. Finding motivation is like choosing where you want to go and why. Just because you pick the destination doesn't mean you'll always get there.

You still have to put in the work—driving the long hours, paying for gas, and dealing with setbacks like blowing a tire or sitting in traffic. But if you pick the right destination for the right reasons, you can power through any obstacle.

Of course, it won't be easy. Each obstacle can leave you wondering why you took this grueling trip in the first place. At some point, you'll feel like turning around. You might even think about giving up. You might get so tired that you decide to drive somewhere closer and easier instead.

This happens to many people because they don't start the right way. They don't think enough about where they're going. In fact, some people just pick a random destination with no clue why they chose it. Even if they do make it somehow, these people quickly realize it isn't really where they wanted to go.

So today, I want to talk about motivating yourself the right way. From choosing meaningful goals to persevering through failure, these simple tricks will help you follow a path toward your definition of lifelong success.

1. Own Your Goals

This is a trap that many people fall into, especially if they're just finishing high school or college. You might have an idea of how your life is going to play out, but is it truly yours? Is it what you want, or did someone else choose it for you?

For years, a close friend of mine said he was going to be a doctor. He initially came up with the idea in middle school, and his parents immediately latched on to it. He got good grades and excelled in science, so naturally, it seemed like a perfect fit. Whenever anyone asked, his parents would proudly brag about how their son wanted to be a neurosurgeon.

Eventually, my friend started telling people the same thing. After graduating high school, he went to a college with a great pre-med program and started browsing potential medical schools. He thought he had his entire life planned out. He was so sure this was the path that would make him happy.

But was it? In reality, he was trying to achieve his parents' definition of success. He had adopted their goals as his own. He chose a destination—a good one—but he never knew why he wanted to get there.

Finally, after years of reaching for someone else's dreams, he sat down and thought about where his life was headed. It didn't take long for him to realize he was going the wrong way.

So, what's the point of this story? You're surrounded by influences and expectations. Everyone around you has a vision of who you are, but no one knows you better than you. Don't spend your life trying to live up to others' expectations or run from their criticisms.

You shouldn't choose a path because people say you should. Your motivation has to come from you. It should stem from your talents, interests, and passions. It should represent what genuinely makes you happy.

Now, I'm not telling you to ignore your family or community, but you won't have the perseverance to achieve your goals if they aren't truly yours.

Here’s the first trick to staying motivated: set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on your goals. During that time, consider where they come from. Remind yourself how and why you chose them. Not only will this give you more pride in who you are, but it will also reassure you that you're heading in the right direction.

2. Envision the Details

When you imagine your future, do you ever think about the little details?

Now, I don't mean that vague fantasy people have about living in a giant mansion with millions of dollars. There's nothing wrong with dreaming about wealth and fame, but more often than not, these aren't actually goals. They're just ideas you think about for fun.

You can't create a plan to get there because "there" doesn't really exist. This is what separates a goal from a dream.

Dreams are flexible and easy. They capture imaginary feelings and actions. You might dream about flying or walking through walls. But that doesn't mean you're going to do it.

Some dreams inspire you to chase after something, but your goals actually do the chasing. Goals are concrete steps toward something you want. They have deadlines, costs, and obstacles. They exist in real life.

To stay motivated every day, visualize your goals. Picture them down to the smallest detail. For example, if you want to ace a test, imagine yourself sitting in the exam room, staring at the paper. Think about the feel of the pencil in your hand and the seat on your back.

This technique, often used by professional athletes before major competitions, helps bring your vision to life. You can apply this to long-term goals too.

Ask yourself questions:

• What does your daily routine look like?
• Who do you spend most of your time with?
• What kind of furniture do you own?

These questions might sound pointless, but they give you direction and drive. By forcing yourself to be specific, you can turn vague ideas into real, achievable goals.

3. The Power of Expectations

Other people's expectations can sometimes lead you astray, but they can also work wonders when used correctly. After you decide on your goals, tell someone about them.

Explain to a close friend or family member where you're going and why. Express your vision and the steps you're taking to make it a reality.

Many people hide their goals, thinking they'll only reveal them once they're perfect. But hiding your goals might be holding you back. When you share your goals, they become physical deadlines.

Find someone whose opinion matters to you, and let their expectations fuel your success. Just be careful not to tell too many people. Over-sharing can create an identity that isn't truly yours, reducing your motivation to work toward the actual goal.

4. Resurrecting Motivation

Even with all these tricks, you won't feel motivated all the time. It's impossible.

When you feel lazy or unproductive, don't let negativity stop you. Remind yourself that failure and frustration are part of the journey. Prepare for these moments in advance.

The key is to accept your failures. If you spent the last two hours watching TV instead of working, don't dwell on guilt. Every second is a chance to wipe the slate clean.

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