How to stay motivated

Staying motivated during tough times can be challenging, but there are several things you can do that can help. I wonder from time to time about how to stay motivated, mostly at work, but also in my free time. Here are a few key tips for you on how to stay motivated:

Set Small, Achievable Goals

• Big tasks/ goals can be overwhelming and reduce motivation. Breaking down larger tasks/ goals into smaller, manageable tasks/ goals can make them feel more attainable and keep you motivated.
  • This is something I do all the time at work and at home when I do some home chores. Lets take an example like organizing my workspace. You have to divide the bigger task in to smaller tasks and allocate time to do the specific tasks:
    • Clear the desk surface (5 min.)
    • Sort and label files and documents (15 min.)
    • Organize office supplies (10 min.)
    • Clean the computer screen and keyboard (10 min.)
  • I find that having a clean and orderly environment helps me think more clearly and be more productive.

The same approach can be applied to financial goals. Here’s how you can break down a larger financial goal:

• Define the Goal: Clearly state what you want to achieve. For example, “Save $5,000 for a vacation.”
• Break It Down: Divide the goal into smaller, actionable tasks. For instance:
  • Create a budget
  • Track expenses
  • Identify areas to cut costs
  • Set up automatic savings
  • Research investment options
• Prioritize Tasks: Decide which tasks are most important or urgent. You might start with creating a budget and tracking expenses.
• Set a Deadline: Determine the specific date or time period by which you want to achieve your goal.
• Gather Resources: Ensure you have all the necessary tools and information you need, e.g. budgeting apps, financial statements, and investment guides.
• Execute the Plan: Follow your plan step-by-step, checking off tasks as you complete them.
• Review and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and make any necessary adjustments to stay on track.

Find out about 5 Proven Ways to Save Money here and Easy Travel with 56 Great Cheap Tips here.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

How to stay motivated when shit hits the fan? Believing that your abilities can be developed through dedication and effort can help maintain motivation. It helps if you manage to stay positive, no matter how hard things seem to be. I have found that the biggest growth comes from the hard times and difficult situations I have dealt with during my life and career.

Practice Self-Compassion

Being kind to yourself, especially during setbacks, can help you stay motivated. Usually no one is more brutal to critizise us that ourselves, so stop it and be kind to yourself. Everyone experiences setbacks and makes mistakes. What you can do is learn from them and become a better version of yourself. And I know that a lot of kind and conscientious workers suffer from imposter syndrome where you feel like you are not good enough or similar. So if you are one of these people, you need to practice self-compassion. It will make your life lighter, I promise.

Read more about self-compassion on the Finnish student healt service pages here.

Recognize Every Good Job Done

Celebrating small wins and acknowledging your progress can boost your morale.This is something that is rarely done in the Finnish culture, but I feel like it is something that is changing slowly which is good. Small wins and progresses sometimes deserves celebration, so remember that next time you achieve something. It doesn’t have to be anything big.

How I celebrate small wins or progresses depends on the situation, but I sometimes treat myself by getting some icecream or going out to eat.

Stay Flexible

Being adaptable and open to new experiences can help you navigate through difficult times. It allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome obstacles more easily. When you’re open to new experiences and willing to adjust your plans, you’re less likely to get discouraged by setbacks. Instead, you can find new opportunities and solutions that keep you moving forward. Flexibility also helps you maintain a positive mindset, as you’re not rigidly sticking to one path but rather exploring different options. This can lead to a more fulfilling and dynamic journey towards your goals.