Motivation …
It can be as elusive as the television remote. And, once found, it can all too easily slip away again. That’s why as a crazy-busy single mum, it’s essential to have a few instant inspiration-inducing ideas to hand.
What we need are motivational “hits”. Blasts of motivation with immediate affect. However tired, busy or stressed we are, we must conjure up motivation like magic, allowing us to enthusiastically focus on the task to hand.
Have you lost your go-getting attitude? Has your drive to succeed driven off?
Don’t despair.
These simple, yet effective tricks will have you enthused and energised in no time.
HOW TO GET MOTIVATED IN AN INSTANT
FIND YOUR POWER POSE
How does your body language make you feel? Are you supporting a ‘worn down’ look with your shoulders hunched and your head hung low? If so, it’s time to strike a power pose. Stand (or sit) proudly with your shoulders back and your head held high. Act like you mean business and the rest of you will follow suit.
EAT CHOCOLATE, YAY
Diet plays a huge part in how we feel. The foods we consume are our fuel. They affect our mental performance, energy levels and ability to focus. Pick The Brain suggests motivation munchies such as dark chocolate, blueberries, eggs and nuts. So snack sensibly. Oh and remember to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will make you feel awake, alert and generally happier.
For information on energising health supplements see: Energy boosting secrets for tired mums.
How to get motivated in an instant (cont.)
GO GREEN
You may be surprised to discover we are motivated by certain colours. According to Motivational Maps green is the most motivational colour of all, with blue and red hot on its tail. Incorporate some green into your day. Make a green smoothie. Take a walk in a green park. Or wear green clothes. And throw in some red and blue to create a motivational rainbow.
TAKE A POWER SHOWER
If you are feeling sluggish, it’s extremely hard to get motivated. Whatever time of the day, if you have a spare ten minutes, hop in the shower for an instant refresh. Imagine you’re washing away your procrastination and negativity. Regroup, revamp and emerge as a new woman. It can even help if you clean your teeth. The fresher you feel, the more likely you are to tackle your tasks.
QUICK, WRITE A LIST
Lack of motivation can be caused by having too much to do. Single mums like to multi-task, yet it’s not always the way forward. If you find yourself doing bits of lots of tasks but never completing any, your motivation will nose-dive mode. Make a to-do list and work through it systematically. Each time you complete a task, cross it off. You’ll get a great sense of achievement which will spur you on.
See my “You’ve Got This” Single Mum eCourse for more ideas around time-chunking and multi-tasking for the busy single mother.
SEE IT AND BELIEVE IT
It’s easy to lose sight of the reason why you’re doing a particular task. If this happens, try to visualise the end result. This can be as simple as imaging how gorgeous your house will look once you’ve cleaned it. Or imaging how gorgeous you will look (and feel) once you’ve been to the gym or completed your home workout. Keeping the end result in the forefront of your mind will power you forward.
HOW TO GET YOUR MOTIVATION BACK (CONT.)
DANGLE A CARROT (OR A COFFEE AND CAKE)
How do we get our kids to do things? We bribe them of course! And why do we do it? Because it works! And it works with us too. Promise yourself a treat when you’ve finished a task. Not only will you get it done, but you’ll do it quicker. Just a coffee and biscuit when you’ve done the ironing is enough. You’ll become super-productive, and you most definitely deserve it.
GET MOTIVATED BY PHONING A FRIEND
If self-motivation is failing you, bring a close friend or family member into the equation. Choose someone who will be encouraging and enthusiastic. Just voicing how you feel and getting good motivational advice is enough to get you off the starting block. Choose your motivator wisely though. Don’t call the friend who will suggest you meet up for a drink and do your task later … however lovely they may be.
PLAY SOME TUNES
It’s a proven scientific fact that music motivates us and the power of sound can have a massive positive impact on your life. Whether it’s your typical power tracks or tunes that have motivational meaning to you, make sure they’re always to hand. Stick your head phones in and double your motivational drive in an instant. And feel free to sing along … you sound amazing.
FIND A MANTRA TO GET MOTIVATED
If you don’t have a mantra, now is the time to get one. If you can’t think of something original, here is a list of mantras we made earlier. Just a sentence or two that inspires you. Write it out and stick it on the fridge or screen-save it to your phone or computer. Repeat it under your breath or shout it from the rooftops. It may seem mad, but this simple action can massively maximise your motivation.
