How I stay motivated

📖 Note: This post is from the archives. It may reflect outdated views or a previous name.

I indubitably believe that motivation is not a global switch we need to flip within our minds, but a compass that we should use to find where and what we have an appetite for. I am constantly questioned by my peers, superiors and family about how I keep myself motivated. My key to triumph is only doing things that I want to do, because one can not be motivated to act if they’re not passionate about the action. I strategically plan where and what I am going to be doing and if the demand changes, team shuffles or new ideas surface — I have no issues with abandoning my previous plans to pursue the greener pathway.

I have curated three points that I believe everyone should apply within our own lives to continually stay motivated and work towards happiness.

1. Befriend enthusiastic and positive people. I am a strong believer that one’s environment is a vital part to staying motivated and feeling fulfilled. We tend to conform with negative people that gradually destroy self-esteem and diminish self-confidence. Gradually remove yourself from the negative circle and usher in a more positive group of people in your life who want you to succeed and would genuinely enjoy helping you achieve your ambitions.

2. Follow your heart. I have established that too many people are assenting to demands shaped by society to achieve nothing but acceptance. My advice would be to remind yourself that this is your life and to always listen to that internal instinct that summons uncommon and noteworthy adventures. Live a life where you have regrets for actions, not inaction. You might be told that you’re erratic or insane or that you won’t succeed. Let them talk and use their harsh expressions to motivate and galvanize you even further to corroborate your decisions and prove everyone wrong.

3. Fuel your inspiration. Inspiration, for me, comes from others who have achieved what I want to achieve, or who are currently doing it. I read other blogs and watch short films. Ben Brown, for example, motivated me to start my own video blogging channel which I have been updating constantly while travelling. Find something or someone that will continuously inspire you to move forward.

Use these to motivate yourself to improve your work ethic, go further or anything else that your heart desires. I have always looked to the future for direction while learning from my past to reduce the chances of making the same mistakes. If your heart tells you something, listen. It’s the only thing that knows you better than your brain.