Knowing you need to do something and getting around to doing it are two different things. If you are working towards a certain goal, coming up with a strategy and writing down the steps to take are sure ways to get started. But you still have to take action.
And herein lies the problem. You know what you need to do and even how to do it. But getting yourself to do it is a whole different ball game.
So, how do you get yourself to do what you need to do — even when you don’t feel like it?
Here are some great suggestions:
1. Keep Showing Up
Show up every day. It doesn’t matter whether you feel up to it or not. Just show up. Then give it your all. That might be 40% on a given day or 20%.
Some days will be easy, others will be hard. It doesn’t matter. What matters is you showing up and doing what you can. Every. Single. Day.
2. Be Consistent
This sounds like a repeat of number 1 but bear with me.
Consistency compounds. Showing up every day builds momentum, which in turn motivates you. And when you start building a streak, you’ll find that you won’t want to break it. So you’ll keep showing up.
Secondly, consistency generates loads of evidence. It presents proof that you can do what you said you’d do. This quashes your fear and self-doubt, eliminating imposter syndrome.
Admittedly, remaining consistent is anything but easy. Yet when it happens, it’s extremely rewarding.
One way to maintain consistency is through scheduling tasks. What gets scheduled gets done. Set a time for the task and a calendar reminder. This way, you can hold yourself accountable.
The thing is, you’ve got to continually remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. What is your goal? What do you hope to achieve?
Which brings us to the next point.
3. Know Your Why
What’s the reason behind what you do? What fuels your motivation? What inspires you to take action?
Ponder these questions. Dig deep. The answers will point you in the right direction.
For more clarity, reflect on things you do that evoke excitement, give you meaning, or a sense of fulfillment. They are often tied to your values, beliefs, passions, and strengths.
Your why serves as your North Star. It’s your guiding principle. Discover it and you’ll unearth the driving force to help you push through life’s inevitable curveballs.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Remember the first suggestion - show up every day? Well, on those days when it feels too hard, always remember to be kind to yourself. If 10% is all you got, give 100% of it.
Doing this requires you to cultivate patience with yourself. And self-awareness.
Check in with yourself regularly:
- Are you exhausted either mentally or physically?
- Do you need to take a break?
Identify those moments when you feel less than 100% and learn to give yourself grace. It’s okay to take time off to revitalize.
5. Celebrate Your Wins
We all love working towards rewards and being recognized for our efforts. How about doing the same for yourself?
Decide to gift yourself something cool upon completing a certain task. It could be something you’ve been eyeing for a while or a special treat such as a full-body massage.
You could also set up milestones and reward yourself after attaining each. Doing so helps keep your spirits up and will motivate you to keep going. It also boosts your resilience.
It turns out that when you receive a reward, something happens in your brain. Your dopamine levels go up, making you feel happy. Moreover, it makes you want to experience that feeling again.
Ultimately, this reaction reinforces the specific action or behavior that created it and can help you pursue personal growth or cultivate a new habit.
Wrapping Up
I hope these strategies come to mind next time you’re not feeling up to doing something that needs doing. While the list is far from exhaustive, it offers practical ways to get things done.
Get cracking!
