How Do You Motivate Yourself?

Don M. said:
My "motivation" is my endless "to do" list. I keep a note pad on my desk, and write down things I need to do, as I think of them. Then, every day, I review the list, and depending upon the weather, and my "enthusiasm", I chose what to do on a given day. Trying to accomplish something positive nearly every day helps keep me going.
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That's what keeps my hub up and running, too Don. Honestly think if he had to live in a little apt he'd die. Its his way of life and living with nature that keeps him bright eyed and happy.
 
I don't procrastinate much when something really needs to be done. Then my priorities start being less important. Most of the time they all get taken care of. "Necessity is the mother of invention" kind of thing. Then what motivates me is responding to what I would like to do. Something that I can get involved with. Maybe a game, reading, listening to music, exercise, cooking, playing with my cats, the SF, and I sometimes surprise myself with what novel things happen.
When we don't feel well it is usually time to take a rest and be able to relax. It also usually takes me hours in the morning to do my chores...so I also give myself the "boot" to get going. :)
 
Must do things, like feeding our 3 cats and our dog, cleaning kitty litter, laundry, tending the fire splitting and stacking wood, paying bills-- no problem-- they are necessary and not only was i a latch key kid throughout my teens, first just tending to my needs and responsibilities (cleaning up after self, making some of own meals, homework) starting at age 11 then at 16 my stuff took backseat to caring for my baby brother when not in school.

So i kind of go on autopilot with must do stuff. Other things i think about how doing them will make my life easier in long run. And i have to admit my definition of must do has been modified over the years.
 
hollydolly said:
I don't know how I do it.. I have no idea.. Some days I don't want to wake up... ,but I do, and I just know I have to get on and do everything because no-one else is going to do it..
I don't take anti-depressants , nor do I drink alcohol..and god knows some days I think I should start drinking to numb things.. .. I have an absolute fear of AD's because my mum was addicted to them, and ultimately took an overdose and ended her life..

I've been through the worst last 6 months of my life, and it's still ongoing which has led me to seek therapy for the first time in my life.. , and I know I need something else to help, but I know not what... I don't want to be a walking zombie on some prescribed pill...so in the meantime ..you guys keep me going, if it wasn;t for you all, being here , and just available to chat when I need to find a friend and just about any little thing... and for the 2 most wonderful, sainted, wise friends who will remain nameless here for now , who have been there to listen and support at every turn, the last 6 months, without whom , and with no exaggeration ..I wouldn't be here now telling you this story, I'd be in a straight jacket somewhere or worse .. so what gets me motivated each day ?.... You folks... 🥰
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@hollydolly .. One day, you will look back on "all this", and know that you came through, albeit, with help from your friends - but mainly, because you are strong.
 
katlupe said:
I am a big list maker. Every night I write out a list of what I want or need to do. I think what motivates me is moving through the list. Being busy doing things really helps me. I might put off doing some things but eventually I get them done. So what exactly motivates me? I think it is the feeling that I did all this today and looking at the results. Sticking to whatever plan I have in mind and following through and then seeing the improvements or results after I do.
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I have a magnetic clipboard on my fridge and I write on it things I'm running low on. I should make a to do list as I often forget what I should do and when I remember it, it's too late to do. :rolleyes:
 
Lavinia said:
There is a lady on tv who is what I call a 'livewire'. I can't imagine her ever sitting still, she's quite exhausting to watch. However, she gets things done. Whenever I find myself with that 'can't be bothered' feeling, or putting things off, I ask myself what she would do. I find it energizes me to just get on and get it done. I spend more time thinking about doing something than actually doing it!
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Whose that ?
 
Thanks to all of you for all your thoughts and ideas on motivation. One thing I do is make lists and they do help especially after I check things off and see what I've accomplished. Makes me feel good.

The antidepressant Prozac has helped quite a bit too and luckily I haven't had any bad side effects. Makes me feel like living again. I was terribly depressed before it.

I also have been talking with a therapist every few weeks. She is very kind and understanding.

I relate to many of you and appreciate your ideas. (y) ❣️
 
I never thought of what motivates me. It's deep inside, like an urge to share myself with the world. I also have suffered some setbacks in my life, and each time, I sprung back with a renewed sense of being and hope. It's the reverse of PTSD, and I seem to have it. When my dad was dying, that's when I was motivated to write because I felt the urgency of my own mortality, and I wanted to create as much as I could since then. I write, I paint, I knit, I play and compose music, go to school, etc. I cannot stop. It's as if I am the energizer bunny going and going. So what motivates me deep down inside is to leave a little of myself behind when I am gone. Call it my footprint. :)
 
RFW said:
I have a magnetic clipboard on my fridge and I write on it things I'm running low on. I should make a to do list as I often forget what I should do and when I remember it, it's too late to do. :rolleyes:
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My magnetic dry board on my fridge is a list of what foods I presently have in the fridge. Then I know what I have to work with. I keep a running list next to the computer of what I am out of. Whatever works for you do it.
 
Motivation?
I lie in bed each morning with closed eyes and listen to the beautiful sound of the birds in our garden.
I open my eyes, so thankful to see the day.
I smell wonderful coffee my husband made me before he left for his run.
I do some stretches, head for the kitchen.
Make myself tidy and then enter my writing room and start work.
My motivation comes from knowing someone is watching over me.
Someone greater than myself is expecting something from me this day!
.
 
john19485 said:
I make my bed first thing in the morning, get up go get my vitamins, go in the kitchen , make one peice of toast , put garlic powder on it, it, set at the table and eat the bread and take my vitamins, go back in the bedroom put on an extra pair of pants and an extra coat, go out side do my walk , come inside tell my wife I love her, she's awake now, fix breakfast for her, my day begins.
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I love your morning routine!

Routines are an excellent way to get the day started, and to be motivated to take on whatever challenges that may come up!
 

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