How do you keep MOTIVATED???????

37 replies
Say you're starting a project....

You figure out what seems like a good idea. You build it all. By that time you're exhausted. And now you have to advertise it all and build traffic, which seems like a gigantic task. And so your motivation probably begins to fade. Eventually what kept you up late at night and was so exciting, now, you can hardly get out of bed to work on it.

So how do you keep motivated to keep going with your projects??? :confused:

I think I figured out one idea just today. A second spoonful of coffee grounds. Kinda strong coffee though but it wakes you up big time!
#motivated
  • How I keep motivated?

    I don't keep a 'to-do' list.

    I keep an 'accomplishments list'.

    And when I see how much I've ACCOMPLISHED I really get motivated. Especially when I see how far I've come.

    It's like when you're on a long hike. If you keep your eye on the mountain, it ALWAYS looks like it is forever away.

    But if you look behind you and see how far you've COME, you really get motivated and excited.

    But always make sure your accomplishments are met with clear, measurable goals as well.

    When I started my site - my first goal was ONE subscriber. Then it was 25, then it was 100.

    Then, on the way there, I had ACCOMPLISHMENTS that I needed to do to get there.

    And when you sit back and see all of those things that I did to get there, it feels quite good.

    Hope this helps.

    ADE.
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  • Profile picture of the author JackyDaniels
    Actually, if you don't get motivated by the $$$ and the freedom of working from anywhere in the world and traveling , i can't see what would keep you motivated :/

    One of my suggestions is to put your wallpaper as something you want to accomplish in your life. On my wallpaper is a beach, i love beach(itch)es. And that reminds me to work my ass off

    Hope this will help you get motivated.
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    • Profile picture of the author larryboy03
      When I started my blog, I aimed for a goal and that goal was to hit the 1 million Alexa rank. I then made another goal to hit the 900,000 Alexa rank. Another month down the line, I'm ranking around 700,000.

      Aim for a goal, accomplish it then set another!
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    • Profile picture of the author robestrong
      For a while I had a HUGE issue with motivation. I set up some systems, productivity tools, etc. but they were only a temporary fix, although I still use todo lists. I also tried (and ended up bailing on) mind maps. I tried caffeine and some light nootropics, and a number of other things to stay energized and focused.

      Turns out I don't react to caffeine, or a number of other things (probably in part because I'm hypoglycemic). The only thing that worked to some degree was high levels of niacin, but that only basically forced me to do something physical, not what I wanted.

      What ended up working very well for me was a combination of four things:


      # I read a book on willpower (well I read more than one book but one in particular, Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. That was a significant catalyst. It's made me take every opportunity to increase my willpower, almost in a recursive manner (I use my willpower so that I can increase it), and I do things just for the sake of boosting my willpower, with the motivation being just a latent benefit and a secondary motivator.

      # Any form of to-do list. Some people swear by one type or another, I don't. I can write it down, do it online, or on my phone, I just need one to stay structured and remember what I have to do (getting stuff written down somewhere is also consistent with the book I read).

      # Meditation - I don't buy into all of the transcendental BS and I cut out everything but the basics. I try to meditate once every 2-3 days for 20 minutes. Basically I either focus on my breathing, something in particular, or try to think about nothing. Nothing too new-agey or nebulous, but it really does have a huge effect. It keeps me grounded, calm, and it improves my focus significantly.

      # Finally, when willpower boosting isn't cutting it and I need a motivational kick, I do what Tony Robbins talked about with Frank Kern:

      Interview with Frank Kern and John Reese

      Combine these four and you're set. I've tried almost everything, and this is what works.

      There's very little that I can't force myself to get done when I want to now. I've been using these for months. Be it going to the gym, putting in a load of laundry, whipping up a squeeze page, creating a video, working on some database software, struggling through a project I hate, between these four I can get the job done when I want to.

      I have a very strong control of my life, and a strong knowledge of how to keep myself balanced after reading the book, I set some basic motivation with something akin to what Tony went over, I am calm and focused thanks to meditating, and structured and decisive thanks to to-do lists.

      Once you have a system in place, there's very little you can't do.
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  • Profile picture of the author adsassist
    What keeps me motivated - I have bills to pay and if I don't pay them my family will suffer.

    Even if I get tired and unmotivated. I still have bills to pay.

    At least this is something I enjoy. I truly hated my last 9-5 job and will never go back.
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    • Profile picture of the author rmolina88
      Originally Posted by adsassist View Post

      What keeps me motivated - I have bills to pay and if I don't pay them my family will suffer.

      Even if I get tired and unmotivated. I still have bills to pay.

      At least this is something I enjoy. I truly hated my last 9-5 job and will never go back.
      Thinking about 9-5 jobs again makes me motivated enough to work so I *never* have to go back to one again...
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  • Profile picture of the author Bizzoyce
    Make a list of things to do, Check off as you complete and do not go to sleep until you complete the list. That helps me get things done. Also I have a lot of picture of my family 3 kids and a wife that a lot of motivation right there. All I need
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  • Profile picture of the author uk099
    i get motivated by reading about others but then lose interest after 8 weeks or 3 months of trying. I don't know if i get burnt out or frustrated by the idea .
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  • Profile picture of the author Magnet4Marketing
    I think everyone has a breaking point where they can be motivated for so long with anything. Keeping motivated for me greatly depends on my current state of mind and what’s happening around me. If I’m having a good day, generally I’m always motivated. If I’m having a bad day, then I’m not so motivated. Circumstances can also effect your motivation.

    I find keeping fit both mentally and physically, eating well and always remembering where you started from and how much you’ve accomplished will certainly keep you motivated with any project.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brains Gone Wild
    Out of ALL the challenges of business, motivation is my #1 challenge! I have a couple tricks that I've used for years.... If a project or new venture has beat me up, I'll jump on Craigslist or another "for sale" website and start pre-spending. Houses, cars, etc, etc.. you name - I'll 'pre-buy' it. Works for me everytime. And when that doesn't work as well as it should, Starbucks (a little artificial motivation) does the trick! Whatever works - just do it. Don't stop. Keep yourself going because no one else can.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    Want motivation? Read this...it's all you need.

    Warning...profanity and reality checks ahead.

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    • Profile picture of the author aceshigh888
      Originally Posted by Jesus Perez View Post

      Want motivation? Read this...it's all you need.

      Warning...profanity and reality checks ahead.

      That's just someone's opinion. And my guess is the opinion of a nobody. Someone with obviously a chip on there shoulder.
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      EXERCISE: Take a deep breath, hold for 10 seconds, release. ..... There see you feel better now???
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  • Profile picture of the author napoleonfirst
    I would get a coach that has the results I am looking for. Everyday you visualize your success, but nbe prepared for whatever happens.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rick B
    I'm motivated by the belief that "Failure is not an option". I ate a lot of rice and potatoes my first few years of building websites. Rented a room to live in because I couldn't afford my own place. My friends told me I was crazy. That I should return to the corporate grind. But failure was not an option. So I kept at it. Every day. Long hours. Little money.

    Now ten years later I earn more than I did in that corporate job. I'm my own master. I travel a lot and my job goes with me, wherever there's an internet connection. I spend the winters in Florida. And now my friends, many of whom were laid off from their corporate jobs, envy me.

    Persistence and sweat when combined can create miracles. I'm sure glad I didn't give up!
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    • Profile picture of the author larryboy03
      Good on you mate, I'm almost in your situation, just hope the last part works out!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joey Starkey
    Money.....

    The Desire to replace my Full Time Job.

    I want to control all parts of my life.

    But mainly the money.

    Joey Starkey
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  • Profile picture of the author Dustin Lyle
    Originally Posted by aceshigh888 View Post

    Say you're starting a project....

    You figure out what seems like a good idea. You build it all. By that time you're exhausted. And now you have to advertise it all and build traffic, which seems like a gigantic task. And so your motivation probably begins to fade. Eventually what kept you up late at night and was so exciting, now, you can hardly get out of bed to work on it.

    So how do you keep motivated to keep going with your projects??? :confused:

    I think I figured out one idea just today. A second spoonful of coffee grounds. Kinda strong coffee though but it wakes you up big time!

    How I stay motivated on a new Product/idea/launch from start to "ahhhh finished"...

    1. I get a pen and paper and break it up into 3-4 hour increments.. I call them "missions" <<<-----this helps :p

    2. I then write each "mission" in BIG letters on a full page of paper.

    3. I hang the "missions", in chronological order, on the wall... From left to right.

    4. I then take a second sheet of paper for each mission, and hang it directly covering each mission, hiding every mission from "view" EXCEPT mission 1.

    5. I begin

    6. When I complete mission 1, I the take the sheet of paper thats hiding, mission 2, and move it to cover mission one, thus exposing ONLY mission 2.

    7. I then continue all the way until complete... Mission by mission.


    I do it this way without taking down or erasing completed missions because psychologically, its vital that you *see* how far you've come.
    Without the posted missions, at times, its really difficult to appreciate your work because its not yet visual or its highly segmented<<---- Very discouraging!!

    It allows me to see that im ***half way through--WOOOHH!****


    And thats how I do it! Works like a CHARM!



    Also, I know its Cliche, But I have within view almost 24/7, pictures of Cars, Mansions, Yachts, 100k watches, and my most recent bank statement... And every time I get to the point where I can reasonably afford one of these toys, I don't buy the item, I just upgrade the picture.. Its not necessarily about having the toys, in my opinion, but being able to have them.

    Its also vitally important that every person in your day-to-day be ON BOARD. If they aren't helping you directly on the project, you need to communicate with them not what your trying* to do, but what you WILL be DOING... Your mission, the task at hand, and the space your going to need in order to accomplish this, needs to be talked about prior... Openly request that they go out of their way to not bother you while your in the "war room" or "work zone" or whatever you wanna call it... your space.

    Well, thats all I got really! There is a million unique ways that could work for you, but this works for me.


    Dustin Lyle
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  • I just hope that all people that are motivated by 'money' and 'travel' are also motivated by having a large 401(k) and/or IRA. (Or other investments)

    There is nothing worse than satisfying a short term by sacrificing a long term.

    My wife and I do well. But we live on just what we need and save the rest.

    When we started, we had 6 figures in debt-- that sucked. And when I finally got into some success on the Internet -- the first thing we did was pay off the debt and did so in 12 months.

    And even after that - we didn't up our life style... And why should we? We don't need it. We got all we need. We'd rather save for a rainy day than buy a BMW.

    I'm motivated by security -- not by 'stuff'.

    In order to BE a millionaire you have to HAVE a million dollars.. Not spend it.

    Too often people will launch a product, make a lot on it, and then blow all their earnings on 'travel and cars'.

    Sad.

    Because when you come back - you still have bills -- and you'll eventually have to eat another meal.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dustin Lyle
      Originally Posted by Auctiondebteliminator View Post

      I just hope that all people that are motivated by 'money' and 'travel' are also motivated by having a large 401(k) and/or IRA. (Or other investments)

      There is nothing worse than satisfying a short term by sacrificing a long term.

      My wife and I do well. But we live on just what we need and save the rest.

      When we started, we had 6 figures in debt-- that sucked. And when I finally got into some success on the Internet -- the first thing we did was pay off the debt and did so in 12 months.

      And even after that - we didn't up our life style... And why should we? We don't need it. We got all we need. We'd rather save for a rainy day than buy a BMW.

      I'm motivated by security -- not by 'stuff'.

      In order to BE a millionaire you have to HAVE a million dollars.. Not spend it.

      Too often people will launch a product, make a lot on it, and then blow all their earnings on 'travel and cars'.

      Sad.

      Because when you come back - you still have bills -- and you'll eventually have to eat another meal.

      We max out our self-directed IRA's in January of every year... Which is used to acquire multi-families under good management... I also advise everyone in our mastermind group to do the same... I am a STRONG advocate for preparing to retire.... As early as possible I might ad!
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      • Originally Posted by Dustin Lyle View Post

        We max out our self-directed IRA's in January of every year... Which is used to acquire multi-families under good management... I also advise everyone in our mastermind group to do the same... I am a STRONG advocate for preparing to retire.... As early as possible I might ad!
        So glad!

        I just see a lot of people that once they get to money the FIRST thing they do is buy a BMW.

        It's like when I watch game shows -- like the Price Is Right especially -- and I see someone win 2 brand new cars, an RV and a sail boat.

        That's great and all, but the first thing I would do is SELL THEM!

        Because what they DON'T tell you is that you have to pay licensing, insurance, and registration.

        I'd rather have the cash any day -- and in my IRA's/401k and Mutual funds (I don't trade individual stock). (Since I already have my 12-month emergency fund)

        SAVE IT/ INVEST IT! Don't spend it!
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  • Profile picture of the author LGSresources
    The best way to stay motivated is to do something you love doing. Find something you love then shape a business around it.

    Regards,

    James
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I workout, listen to music while i do my daily internet marketing chores, and just imagine how good life will be for and my girlfriend soon. I think about that everyday, and the working out gets me pumping and in an excited mood.
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    • Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      I workout, listen to music while i do my daily internet marketing chores, and just imagine how good life will be for and my girlfriend soon. I think about that everyday, and the working out gets me pumping and in an excited mood.

      Your girlfriend is okay with you being in "South Carolina ... in my lustful little room full of wine and women"?

      Not sure how good your life will be as soon as your girlfriend finds out about the others
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    • Profile picture of the author ThePromotionalGuy
      Reading all the posts I realize I do come from a different era. I don't understand why someone needs to be motivated to get the job done or business built.

      Looking back, growing up no one ever motivated you to work, it was expected of you or you were considered a bum.

      No one patted you on the back for doing a good job. You simply kept your nose to the grindstone and making something of yourself was a requirement, not an option.

      You take pride in what you're doing, whether it's building a business, working a job or donating your time to a project, because it meant something to you.

      Instead of asking the question "How do you keep motivated?", learn how to develop grit for yourself.

      Having grit means forced motivation to see the job to the end when you don't have the desire to do it or there is no payoff in the near future.

      In another words, "What are you doing when others aren't looking?"
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      • Profile picture of the author mwright
        Originally Posted by ThePromotionalGuy View Post

        Reading all the posts I realize I do come from a different era. I don't understand why someone needs to be motivated to get the job done or business built.
        Good point! I asked a barber who'd been in business for 60 years why he started his business. He simply said, "I needed a job."

        He'd been in WW2, and had a hard time finding work when he got home. But his entrepreneurial spirit lead him to great success!
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  • Profile picture of the author Young Financier
    By keeping a huge bankroll of money with me at all times and even sleeping w/ dollar bills by my pillow. Reminding myself why I do what I do.
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    • Profile picture of the author namktqs
      I say to myself: Need enjoy with moment, no other way self improvement for better life future, work on passion and want create more value for people.
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      • Profile picture of the author ancuta
        Originally Posted by Auctiondebteliminator View Post

        How I keep motivated?

        I don't keep a 'to-do' list.

        I keep an 'accomplishments list'.
        This works also for me. I look after results, not after checking tasks in a to-do list.

        I also used to have problems with getting myself motivated and what I noticed was that the lack of motivation appeared when I didn't have a clear goal or when I wanted to do too many things which I considered important.

        I solved this problem in a very easy way:

        1. I thought seriously and clarify my goal (sometimes we get confused by believing that our goal is what we should do not what we really want to do!

        2. I simplified things eliminating everything that wasn't directly linked to what I decided I want to accomplish.

        When you feel you lack motivation, put yourself the following question: What happens if I don't do what I have to do? And if I do it?
        It is possible to realize that you were not motivated to do that just because it wasn't really important to you.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikeac
    One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set a deadline date. For product launches I now set a deadline and let my affiliates and everyone else interested know that im launching on a certain date and time. Helps keeps you accountable, and follow through on your word.
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    • Profile picture of the author mwright
      Originally Posted by Mike Currie View Post

      One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set a deadline date. For product launches I now set a deadline and let my affiliates and everyone else interested know that im launching on a certain date and time. Helps keeps you accountable, and follow through on your word.
      Uff! I'm not a deadline kinda guy. But I can see your point.
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  • Profile picture of the author mckennabrowny
    3 things, a 6 year old, a 3 year old, and my wife. I need to produce to to put food on the table and a roof over our head. That is my motivation.
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  • Profile picture of the author mwright
    1 - Every project I take on is part of a larger mission/purpose/goal. Like others have said, family, freedom, etc... are things that are more important than the project itself.

    2 - I only take on projects that I want to do AND I'm capable of doing. Without both my work will suffer or not get done. It's okay to get a partner or hire someone better for the job.

    3 - I take time to rest when I'm finished with a project. I don't have to be busy all of the time. It's important to clear my head so I can be fresh for the next project.

    Hope that helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author TonyBabb
    I keep motivated by:
    1. Having a to do list and making sure everything gets done.
    2. Getting exercise on a regular basis.
    3. Taking regular breaks.
    4. Listening/watching motivational stuff on a daily basis.
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  • Profile picture of the author Debra Barrow
    One way I stay motivated is by telling myself that life is short; and if I don't do it now I may never get the chance later. If nothing else, it gives me a sense of urgency.
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  • Profile picture of the author eternalsongbird
    I always think of my mother. By thinking of her, I stay motivated.
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