By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
Have you ever encountered someone who always appears energized and enthusiastic, as if they possess a secret source of motivation? Highly motivated individuals do have such a source, often without realizing it: they cultivate habits that consistently generate motivation.
Through careful observation of consistently motivated people, I’ve learned that while anyone can feel motivated occasionally, highly motivated individuals establish routines that foster ongoing motivation. Rather than waiting for a sudden burst of inspiration, they structure their lives around activities that boost their energy.
Here are six small habits of highly motivated people:
Setting Specific Goals.
- Instead of saying I want to learn a new language, a motivated individual might set a goal to learn conversational Spanish by dedicating 30 minutes each day to language practice.
- A motivated student might set a goal to achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher by attending all classes, participating in study groups, and seeking help from teachers when needed.
- A motivated entrepreneur might set a goal to increase sales by 20%, within the next quarter by attending networking events, expanding the product line, and optimizing the website for better customer engagement.
- Creating a Routine
- A motivated individual might create a morning routine that includes exercising, meditating, and planning out their day to set themselves up for success.
- A motivated student might create a study routine that includes dedicating specific times of the day to studying, reviewing notes, and practicing problems.
- A motivated professional might create a routine that includes checking and responding to emails at specific times of the day, attending meetings, and working on important projects.
- Seeking Inspiration
- A motivated individual might read motivational books, such as “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, to gain insights and advice on achieving success.
- A motivated entrepreneur might listen to podcasts, such as “How I Built This” by Guy Raz, to learn from the experiences of successful business leaders.
- A motivated student might follow successful individuals on social media, such as authors, scientists, or thought leaders, to stay inspired and motivated.
- Practicing Gratitude
- A motivated individual might keep a gratitude journal to write down three things they are grateful for each day, such as good health, supportive relationships, or personal achievements.
- A motivated student might share three things they are grateful for with a friend or family member each day to cultivate a positive mindset.
- A motivated professional might take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things they are grateful for, such as a supportive team, a challenging project, or a comfortable work environment.
- Embracing Failure.
- A motivated individual might view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a setback. For example, if they fail to meet a deadline, they might analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to improve their time management skills.
- A motivated student might see failure as a chance to learn from their mistakes. For example, if they fail a test, they might review the material, identify areas where they need improvement, and develop a plan to do better on the next test.
- A motivated entrepreneur might view failure as a necessary step towards success. For example, if their business idea fails, they might use that experience to refine their idea, gather more resources, and try again.
- Surrounding Themselves with Like-Minded Individuals.
- A motivated individual might join a mastermind group or a community of like-minded individuals who share their goals and values. For example, a writer might join a writing group to get feedback, support, and motivation.
- A motivated student might surround themselves with classmates who share their academic goals. For example, they might study with a group of students who are also working towards a high GPA.
- A motivated entrepreneur might network with other entrepreneurs who share their business goals. For example, they might attend industry conferences, join online forums, or participate in networking events to connect with other business leaders.