Five secrets to staying motivated

This post came out from The Straits Times (27 October 2015)
Title - Five secrets to staying motivated

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Visualise where you want to be
2. Find the right fit
3. Embrace challenges
4. Disengage when you need to
5. Positive self image

On Visualise where you want to be

• Ask yourself: "What do I really want?" The more you keep asking yourself that question, the closer you get to the core reason that drives your motivation. This enables you to strengthen your resolve on a decision or see through a particular task. 
• Have a vision board, which can be used to display your life goals and things that matter the most to you. It serves as a constant visual reminder of what you really want to achieve, giving you the motivation to continue in the long run. 
• Knowing where you are headed is vital. Having a sense of purpose rejuvenates you as you stop to reflect on the contributions you are making. You motivate yourself when you know that your are making a positive difference.

On Find the right fit

• Motivation is a result of engaging in work that suits you. Try discovering your strengths and weaknesses with tools like DISC profiling. They help you to find a job that fits your personality. This includes working in an environment that is conducive to work productivity. 

On Embrace challenges

• Take on adversity with a positive mindset. Overcoming challenges creates satisfaction, which in turn gives a person a surge of positive energy that spurs him or her to want to strive for greater things. 

On Disengage when you need to

• Spend time with your loved ones when not working. Your bonds with your loved ones are an effective antidote to stress and discouragements faced day to day. There will be days when you feel burned out. When that happens, spending quality time with your children and parents will remind you why you choose the path you are on. Their support and love can give you the positive energy that refreshes your motivation to keep going.

On Positive self image

• You deserve to look and feel good. For example, dressing professionally and presentably affects our mood positively and how people treat us at work, which adds to your motivation to perform. 
• When we feel motivated, other people will sense it and want to work with us. This recognition gives us a positive affirmation of our self worth. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big