When the Going Gets Tough
It’s not always easy focusing on all the tasks that need to get done on any given day. Work, kids, writing, blogging, exercising, errands among a litany of other items that will quickly fill up any agenda. And when all those things pile up it can easily get overwhelming. Often I find myself wanting to spend my free time plopped in front of my TV instead of accomplishing what I should be doing instead. And while I don’t think TV is bad, sometimes it’s nice for my brain to turn off for an hour or two, it’s when I know my brain doesn’t need a break and yet I gravitate toward that pastime first.
Everyone is different and will most likely need and use different motivations to get his or her butt in gear and do something productive. Over the years I’ve found a few things work well in respect to getting me motivated. Maybe some of these will work for you too!
1. Get out of the house (and away from the distractions of home)
2. Make a list – it’s always very satisfying to cross things off that list as I finish them.
3. Exercise first – for me if I don’t get my adrenaline pumping before I start my tasks at hand I end up feeling lazy, unmotivated, and unfocused. Working out (especially running) clears my mind for the day ahead and gets me excited to tackle those tasks!
4. Create deadlines or goals – If I’m unmotivated, especially with my writing, I’ll tell myself something like – “Write until lunch, then take a break to read while eating, then go back to work.” This works very well for me as it breaks my tasks into easy to manage chunks rather than seeing the task as broad and overwhelming.
5. Remind myself how awesome I always feel after completing or working toward a goal
Next time you feel stuck in completing a task, I hope you find that extra push to get you toward your goals! 🙂
runnersami.wordpress.com 
Good stuff, Samantha! Especially #3 and #5 🙂
I vote #4. But they’re all darn good.
All of these are great, but I especially agree with #1 and #2! I love going for a morning walk to clear my head(although today it was snowing and I opted not to slip and slide on the ice!), and it definitely helps to make a list. Even if I don’t cross everything off, it helps me prioritize what I need to do, which is a big step in getting things done! 🙂 Great post!
Great blog!
Even just getting out of the house and going to the park with the kids or family is great! Make sure you enjoy your the type of exercise you are doing… if not you could get bored easily.. and that’s when most people give up! Also goal setting is so important! Just make sure that you set realistic goals that you can reach.
Awesome info!
-Natures Complete-
Great list. I’m most likely to do 2 and 4.
Reblogged this on youreverdayheroine.
i agree with N 4 , thanks