The Unconventional Guide To Ditch Stress And Reclaim Your Motivation

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ~ Jim Rohn

Written by Kevin Tyler Smith. You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook

Not too long ago, I wrote this article titled:

“Its Time To Conquer Stress”

Given the response received, it seemed to resonate fairly clearly with people who I think are feeling a bit stressed and burnout these days.

Over the past few years, the world has seen much uncertainty in regards to the economy.

This uncertainty has presented a large group of people with challenges of all types. Goals have been derailed and hopes have been dashed.

More importantly, motivation levels to overcome challenges have been set on a spiraling downward tailspin.

Their capacity and desire to realize a goal and set objectives has dissipated. Burnout has taken over and stress has reached a critical point.

Oh My!….Its Time To Turn This Thing Around Baby

The motivation dilemma may seem insurmountable but you have control. You have the power. You have to remind yourself that all challenges in life can be defeated as long as you have the right mindset and attitude.

Stress will take a toll on your mind, body and feelings. This is why it is imperative you follow a few routines and do some activities to prevent burnout and stay driven to re-commit to your goals, keep your sanity and put your motivation back on track.

Here’s  how:

1. Give Attention to De-Stressing

Some challenges will take a few days or several months to accomplish. Thats just how it is, there is no way around it. Just accept it. You know the old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.  Pace yourself carefully to avoid burning out. Breakdown very big goals into smaller objectives then give yourself time to unwind and let go of stress after finishing one or two objectives. There are plenty of techniques to de-stress depending on your personal preference.

One of the surest ways to de-stress is through simple pleasures.  These are the perfect conduit from a hectic day to one of relaxation.  Another easy way to de-stress is to get enough sleep at night. Adults should aim to get 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Performance and endurance will improve if you catch up on sleep. Do not allow yourself to continue working with a tired mind and body. You can also get a soothing massage, try acupressure or acupuncture or exercise to let go of toxins and other harmful agents that affect your mental focus.

2. Be Conscious Of Inspiration

Continually inspire yourself to do better and work harder. You can place your favorite motivational quote in bold letters on your fridge or on your ceiling which you can always view daily. Seek out a friend or family member as an accountability partner who can guide you through the tough times. Read stories about successful people and learn from your own experience and mistakes. Always have a positive attitude that you will finish all the tasks in due time.

Reward yourself or provide personal incentives, so that you always have something to entice you to push just a little harder. Buy yourself that gadget you’ve been craving. When you finish a goal treat yourself and some friends to some good food after working for several hours. Rewards may be big or small, depending on your current needs.

3. Make a List

Keep a small notepad with you and make a list of everything you need to do.  Get it out of your brain and on to paper so you won’t forget.  Create a list of all the things you need to do. At the end of the day,  cross out the items that you have successfully done. Slowly eliminating all the tasks at hand will help you stay focused on your goals.

It is also rewarding to see these things on your “to do” list disappear one by one. Just keep your note system simple.  You don’t need a complicated organizing system.  All you need is a small notebook. Writing things down also minimizes stress and keeps you focused.

4. Stay Strong

To prevent burnout, condition your mind and body properly and keep these strong and fit. Get enough rest and eat nutritious foods to keep your body healthy and ready for action. You should also grab time to exercise, since physical activity greatly reduces stress and keeps you fit.

To help cleanse your mind, take time to visualize your goals and release all your stress through mental imagery or deep breathing exercises. These exercises will only take 30 minutes of your time. Do these 3 to 4 times a week.

In what ways has the uncertain economy affected you?

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P.S. Quit your day job

*photo credit: plgstd03