If you want to be successful in life but lack motivation, start doing these 8 things every day

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | September 21, 2024, 1:42 pm

Success in life doesn’t always come easy, especially when motivation seems to run dry.

You may be aspiring for success, but lack the drive to get there. I’ve been there, believe me.

What if I told you there are simple daily habits that can help you climb that ladder of success, even when motivation eludes you?

You see, success isn’t just about being driven. It’s about consistency and routine. And I’m going to share with you 8 things you can start doing each day that can set you on that path.

1) Set small, achievable goals

Success isn’t about making a giant leap from zero to hero. It’s about taking small, consistent steps towards your aspiration.

When motivation is low, the thought of reaching a big target can be overwhelming. And in that state, we tend to procrastinate or even give up.

But what if you start setting small, achievable goals?

Breaking down your overall aim into smaller targets makes it more manageable and less intimidating. It’s like climbing a staircase – one step at a time – rather than trying to leap to the top in one bound.

Every time you achieve a small goal, it boosts your confidence. It’s a proof that you’re capable and can get things done.

So start setting small, achievable goals every day and watch as they gradually lead you to success.

2) Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

A couple of years ago, I was going through a rough patch. I had a dream, a vision of success, but I lacked the motivation to turn it into reality.

One day, I decided to change that. I decided to make exercise a part of my daily routine. And trust me, it wasn’t easy at first. Waking up at 6 am and going for a run seemed like climbing Mount Everest.

But, I stuck with it. And slowly but surely, I started to notice a change. Not only did my physical health improve, but my mental health did too. My mind felt clearer, sharper and I began to feel more energetic and motivated.

Exercise releases endorphins – chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. It also helps in reducing stress and improving sleep – two things that can drastically affect your motivation levels.

So even when motivation is low, pull out your running shoes or unroll your yoga mat and get moving. You’ll be surprised by the positive effect it can have on your journey towards success.

3) Cultivate a positive mindset

Your mind is a powerful tool and how you think can have a profound impact on your actions and outcomes. Negative thoughts can act as barriers to success, while positivity can fuel your journey towards your goals.

In a study, it was found that participants who were induced to feel positive emotions showed broader and more inclusive patterns of thinking than those who were induced to feel either negative or neutral emotions.

This suggests that maintaining a positive mindset can broaden your perspective and enhance problem-solving skills – crucial elements for achieving success.

So, make it a habit to focus on the good. Celebrate small wins, practice gratitude, and steer clear of negative self-talk. Remember, the glass is half full, not half empty. A positive mindset can be the difference between giving up and pushing forward.

4) Prioritize your tasks

We all have only 24 hours in a day, and how we choose to spend those hours can be the game-changer in our quest for success.

You might have a long list of tasks at hand, and trying to do everything at once could leave you feeling overwhelmed. This is where prioritizing becomes crucial.

Start by identifying what tasks are most important and urgent. These are the ones you should focus on first. Tasks that are important but not urgent can be scheduled for later. Less important tasks, even if they seem urgent, should be tackled last.

By prioritizing your tasks, you ensure that your time and energy are spent on activities that yield the most benefit. This strategy not only keeps you organized but also gives a sense of control and reduces stress, helping to keep your motivation levels up.

5) Practice self-compassion

We all have those days when nothing seems to go right, when we fall short of our expectations, or when we simply lack the motivation to push forward. It’s during these times that practicing self-compassion becomes crucial.

Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a dear friend. It’s about acknowledging that failure and imperfection are part of being human.

Being harsh on yourself during tough times can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, which can further drain your motivation. On the other hand, being kind to yourself fosters resilience and can help you bounce back from setbacks.

6) Embrace continuous learning

I’ll let you in on a secret. I didn’t always have it figured out. There was a time when I felt stuck in a rut with no clear direction. But instead of letting it get me down, I decided to use it as an opportunity to learn.

I read books, attended webinars and seminars, listened to podcasts, and absorbed as much knowledge as I could. Not only did it expand my horizons, but it also fueled my motivation and gave me a fresh perspective on my journey towards success.

In today’s ever-evolving world, continuous learning is not just an option, it’s a necessity. It keeps you updated with the latest trends and skills, boosts your confidence, and opens up new avenues for growth.

Whether it’s picking up a new book, enrolling in an online course, or simply learning from your failures, make learning a daily habit. It could very well be the catalyst that propels you towards your goals.

7) Nurture meaningful relationships

Success is not a solitary journey. It’s often the people around us – our friends, family, mentors, and colleagues – who provide the support, advice, and encouragement we need to keep moving forward.

Cultivating meaningful relationships is more than just networking. It’s about creating bonds based on mutual respect, trust, and genuine care. These are the relationships that can provide emotional support during tough times and celebrate with you during good times.

Furthermore, surrounding yourself with positive and ambitious individuals can also boost your own motivation and drive. Their energy can be contagious, inspiring you to strive for your own goals.

8) Stay consistent

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s the power of consistency. Success is not achieved overnight, it’s a result of consistent efforts, day in and day out.

Consistency is the key to turning any action into a habit, and habits are the building blocks of success. When motivation wanes, it’s your habits that keep you moving forward.

It might be challenging to stay consistent, especially when results are not immediate. But remember, every small step you take daily adds up over time and brings you closer to your goal.

So whether it’s setting small goals, exercising, maintaining a positive mindset, prioritizing tasks, practicing self-compassion, learning something new, nurturing relationships, or anything else – be consistent. It’s the most reliable vehicle to success.