How do you get motivated every day?
In this blog I will share 3 things that you can do every morning that will help you get motivated.
WHAT IS MOTIVATION?
According to the business dictionary, motivation is “Internal and external factors that stimulate desire and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to a job, role or subject, or to make an effort to attain a goal.”
The American Psychological Association provides a scientific look at motivation. Check it out if you are interested.
I like to say that motivation keeps you charged and keeps you going through the day. In my video How to Get Motivated Every Day I discuss three types of motivation. Be sure to watch it.
The three strategies that I will recommend are from a Christian perspective and include behaviors and practices that many Christians engage in every day. Now, I am not saying “don’t rely on your coffee.” You can have coffee. But, as the Mayo Clinic notes, be mindful of the potential negative effects of too much caffeine.
You may also want to read my blog on How to Have a Productive Day. I discuss some great activities to start the day well and motivated. But, since the topic here is motivation, you need to start your day with a positive attitude.
- CHOOSE TO BE POSITIVE – MAKE A DECISION TO HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Many people start the day with positive affirmations. I like to start my day by stating: “This is the Day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24 (NLT)
The reality is that you cannot control what happens in your day. You can only control your attitude. Therefore, make up your mind at the beginning of the day. God created this day, no matter what happens, the good, the bad, the ugly; it’s best to start with a positive attitude, with a smile, and be glad today! A positive attitude will charge you and will recharge you throughout the day!
2. CONNECT WITH GOD
This will give you a powerful motivation for the day! How do you get it?
Many people start the day with meditation. However, Christians use the term devotional. What does it mean: Read the Bible, Reflect on it and Pray for the activities of the day. As a result, you are connecting with God and you access God’s help for the day. That gives you hope and motivation. You can learn more about devotionals here.
3. EXPECT GREAT THINGS TO HAPPEN
You may have heard this promise that God “is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of” (Ephesians 3:20 TLB).
I like to say that God can do above and beyond your expectations and imagination. I have that experience in my own life with my coming to the U.S. to study. When I look at all the education (no school loans, no debts, lots of scholarships) and opportunities I have had, I realize that it has been above and beyond what I’ve imagined. So, for each day, you and I need to believe God can do even more.
What motivates you every morning? Write in the comments below.
Elias Moitinho, Ph.D.