5 Proven Ways To Stay Motivated During Life’s Challenges

Life’s challenges can motivate or deter us.

The choice is up to you and your thoughts, behaviors, and actions.

What do you see when you look at today’s successful moguls?

Some of the most successful people have faced their share of life’s challenges, including:

• Walt Disney
• J. K. Rowling
• Stephen King

There is a very real character trait that almost all of them possess.

They have been the throttle to their upward momentum in their given field of expertise, despite the obstacles life hurled at them.

Pick your favorite one, maybe even your mentor, and what is the “it” factor they possess?

Motivation.

To some, they refer to it as passion, but I don’t like to intertwine these words.

Passion is the true love, enjoyment, and fulfillment you find in someone or something.

Conversely, motivation is action.

Motivation is the difference between discussing what you know you need to do and doing it.

Now passion, of course, can help to sustain motivation when facing life’s challenges.

However, we should not get confused when speaking about this character trait that takes the ordinary and put a little extra in front of it. (Pun totally intended.)

Let’s look at some simple steps you can implement to help boost your motivation and keep you locked in on your goals, even when facing life’s challenges.

You will also enjoy our article on Why Does Life Suck.

1. What’s your WHY?

There is a famous motivational speaker, Eric Thomas, and he uses this phrase.

I love it.

Seriously though, it’s the perfect starting point for any endeavor.

What is your why?

I further break this down into two separate questions you need to answer for yourself.

What is your goal?

You need an absolutely clear-cut and decisive end game predetermined to have a firm finish line in sight.

This helps your natural ability to get that second wind; I guess we could call it.

Second, what is the benefit of this goal?

What do you stand to gain or lose if you do not achieve what you set out after?

For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight, you stand to lose your health or encounter real physical problems if you don’t change your lifestyle.

That is much more motivating than saying I’d really like a 6 pack… We all would.

The focus needs to be a bit on the serious side and also a bit more critical than surface results.

Answer these two questions, and you will know your why.

You will also be well on your way to finding some true motivation.

2. Block It.

No, I do not mean pretend it doesn’t exist like your ex on Facebook; I mean to block out portions of your goal.

If you break down steps to get toward the endgame, you will feel a lot less overwhelmed when facing life’s challenges.

You will also be able to celebrate the small victories that come with hurdling each next step.

This is key to continued motivation.

Most in-depth goals will require a minimum of 5 steps to really implement this method to its full benefit.

Trust me. A little time spent mapping right now will keep you on the straight and narrow later.

3. Flexibility

The ability to flex.

Ok, enough with the cheesy jokes.

You must remain flexible.

Life will always throw you an obstacle; you need to realize it’s coming.

If you can’t make it stop, you better learn how to handle it.

Have a plan, but be willing to make changes as you go, lest you risk getting too frustrated with the turmoil and will see your motivation dip.

4. Plan B

This may seem excessive, but it’s the plan for the plan.

You need this because often, these life challenges are also excessive!

Before you even set out to begin your journey, make sure you plan what you’re going to do when you feel a lull.

It’s inevitable. At some point, your motivation will dwindle.

You’ll wonder if this is necessary and how easy it’d be to return to how things were.

As soon as these thoughts creep in, your Plan B will take effect.

For me, regardless of the goal, even if it is fitness oriented, I go to the gym and attempt a personal record.

Failure or not, something about going for a new achievement always seems to reignite my fire.

You need to find your big lift and use it as needed.

5. Failure is for learning

At some point, you will fail.

Sometimes, life’s challenges win out.

Just as motivation dwindles, you cannot accomplish everything.

Bummer right?

Number 5, and this is how you want to end it?

Sorry, but facts are facts, and if you face them now, you will be prepared to make the most of it when it happens.

The most important lesson anyone can teach you is to analyze and learn from your failures.

It doesn’t mean it’s time to quit… no, no, no, on the contrary, it means it is time to try again with more experience.

If not you, then who?

If not now, then when?

How will you face life’s challenges in the future?

Get it together, ladies and gentlemen.

You can do whatever you set your mind to.

You are powerful beyond belief.

Share your ways to stay motivated with us in the comment section below.

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