Motivation Monday: 5 Ways to Get Off Your Donkey and Get Motivated

Do you really want to motivate yourself? Really? Because what I’m going to say here, may not go over well with some. So, if you’re easily offended you are hereby ordered to cease and desist the reading of this post.​

Otherwise, keep reading.

Are you ready?

Are you sure?

Can you take it?
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Okay, I’m going to tell you like I tell myself — and yes, I talk to myself all the time — stop acting like a whiny, little baby! Seriously. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. There is always someone who has it a lot worse than you do. So get over it. Take responsibility, put on your big kid undies, and get something done! 

So you’re going through a divorce or a breakup? So what. People do it all the time. Cry it out then suck it up and move on. You’re broke? So are lots of other people. Complaining about it doesn’t put more money in your pocket. Do something different than you’re doing now. You’re overweight? So put down the Twinkie, start eating healthier and get some exercise. 

I know, I know, it sounds mean and harsh, but it’s the truth. And sometimes, we just need to hear the cold, hard truth to snap us into reality. How do I know? Because it has always worked for me. Let me tell ya, my life ain't always looked pretty! I’ve been divorced, gone through break-ups, been broke, overweight, and lots of other not-so-fun stuff. I’ve had my share of wallowing in self-pity. I’ve drank myself into a stupor. I’ve cried myself to sleep. I’ve been completely and utterly depressed. But you know what? 

None of that helps. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, everyone needs time to heal and get healthy — physically, mentally and spiritually — but just because you eat one Twinkie, doesn’t mean you have to eat the whole box.  And just because you’re feeling down, doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in a dark room and shut out the rest of the world. 

Like the words of a song from one of my favorite bands, "The path to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell…” In other words, the journey is not easy but it’s worth it.

NOW, are you ready to get off your donkey and get motivated?​

Ready, set, GO!

1. Go for a walk or run.

Seriously, get up right now — well, not right now. Wait until after you finish reading this. But then, get up and go for a walk or run. Do it outside; not in a gym or on a treadmill. Outside. There’s something so freeing about a simple outdoor walk or run. It gets your blood pumping, it gets fresh air into your lungs, and it helps clear your head of all the things that are weighing you down. True story. 

Quick Trick: Download a couple new, upbeat, happy songs to your iPod, and listen to them while you walk. You may be surprised at the pep in your step. Music is therapy for the soul.


2. Express love and gratitude.


Your mom, dad, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, brother, sister, child, friend, co-worker — whomever. Pick out a person that you’re thankful for, and tell them how much you love them and how grateful you are to have them in your life. Being grateful makes you happy, and being happy helps.…um, hello….motivate you. Focussing on the positive will help diminish the negative feelings. 

Quick Trick: The next time you’re out shopping, pick up a pack of note cards. Then, take a few minutes out of every day to write a note to someone special in your life and send it to them. Do this every day until you run out of cards. You’ll be amazed at the outcome!

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3. Read or watch something that inspires you. 


Motivation is directly linked to inspiration, so if you want to be motivated, get yourself inspired!

Quick Trick: Try writing about something you love. Doesn’t have to be a book. Just a paragraph or maybe a poem about something that makes you feel happy and inspired. 


4. Validate yourself. 


You don’t need anyone else to validate you. Your dreams, your feelings, your beliefs, your hopes — they’re yours and you have them for a reason. I know it’s tough when the people closest to you don’t offer the support you feel you need, but the important part is that you believe in yourself and your abilities. You’re on this earth for a reason. You have a purpose. You’re awesome. And besides, for every person who doesn’t believe in or support you, there are 10 more out there who will. Trust me. 

Quick Trick: Take 5 minutes and think of all the positive things you’ve accomplished in your life. Family, career, school, maybe someone you’ve helped or something you’ve created — anything positive that you’ve achieved. Now, be proud of yourself and realize how capable you are. You can accomplish anything you want. You just need to get your mojo flowing again!


5. Make a list. Or two, or three…..


This is really important. Make a list of goals you want to accomplish and dreams you want to fulfill. Then, under each one, write out the individual steps needed to make them happen. Suddenly the big things become much more doable and not so overwhelming. By doing this, you’ve just written directions on how to turn your dreams into a reality!

Quick Trick: Not sure how to write the individual steps to success? Google, baby! Seriously. Find someone, somewhere who is doing what you want to do and read about how they did it. The steps you need to take will begin to come into focus!

Now, get off your donkey and GO!

Your Ally in Amelioration,
​-C