Part 1 of 5
I decided to break this topic up into 5 parts to allow me to share some deeper thoughts that I have on each individual tip and to make it easier to digest for you, the reader. So let’s get started.
Now that you’ve decided to start something new, whether it is writing a blog, starting a new exercise routine, or eating better, you’re going to need help staying on track, staying motivated to continue doing those things on a regular basis. Here are 5 things that I find helpful to keep me motivated to accomplish the goals that I have set.
#1 – Have a regular morning AND evening routine
The way you start and end your day goes a long way toward you accomplishing your goals. Having a set routine that you do every morning takes the guesswork out of waking up! You know that you’ll be getting out of bed at the same time, having a healthy and nutritious breakfast, maybe spending a few minutes stretching or meditating and taking care of yourself before you step outside of your house to face the world. This in and of itself might take some extra motivation! It’s never an easy thing to get up an hour or so earlier than you have to (I for one feel the most comfortable and as though I’m getting the best rest just when that alarm goes off!), but sticking to this morning routine will eventually become your new normal and you won’t think of it as a chore.
For a little inspiration here, read the book by Robin Sharma, The 5 AM Club. His book is based on a morning routine that has helped his clients “maximize their productivity, activate their best health and bulletproof their serenity in this age of overwhelming complexity.”
I borrowed this book from my local library but it is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hard copy formats. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/the5amclub
Having an evening routine can help ensure your new morning routine is a success! Start by making sure you are eating a healthy dinner, and limit your alcohol intake! My wife and I both quit drinking several years ago and I can say from personal experience that we both sleep better and, most mornings, wake up feeling well rested and refreshed. It’s also a good idea to put a limit on your after dinner snacking. Try to not eat anything after 8:00 PM, and make sure if you are prone to snacking that you make good choices (no, a half a bag of chips is not a good choice!). This is an area where I struggle because I love to snack while catching up on YouTube channels that we follow, and my snack of choice? Cheese and crackers! Popcorn is a close second with a bowl of granola and oat milk coming in third.
Another thing you can do every evening is to stop looking at your phone or other mobile device about 30 minutes before you plan on going to sleep. This helps your brain to relax and will make falling asleep much easier. Think about all the things our brains absorb subconsciously – especially today! I’m writing this in the fall of 2020 and our social media and news feeds are filled with Covid-19 doom and gloom, cities across the nation holding protests (some in actual riot status) due to the BLM movement, there’s a heated political climate (on both sides) as we gear up for our presidential election in November …
Even though you think you can tune most of this our, your brain is constantly at work.
Filling your mind with such information moments before turning off the light to go to sleep does not allow enough of a break for your brain to say “OK. I can switch to rest mode now and put my energy into making sure this human I’m in charge of gets some good quality sleep”.
So unless you plan on falling asleep to some sound wave therapy, turn off your devices folks.
Having a set time to go to sleep every night is just as important as having a set time to get up every morning. This sets the stage for success and, I believe, is key to the whole process. Just like getting up early every morning might take a little motivation itself, making sure you are in bed and ready to go to sleep at the same time every day will take some self discipline and daily motivation as well. The distractions at bedtime can be numerous – you might really want to watch one more episode of that series you’re currently binge watching, the kids might be restless and need something, you’ve been sucked into your Facebook feed (put the phone down!), etc. Decide on a time for “lights out” and stick to it.
I hope you found some helpful information in today’s post. Be sure to come back on Wednesday for part #2 of our five part series “5 Ways to Motivate Yourself Daily”.
Thoughts shared by Kris
akaTheGirls 
Definitely some good tips ladies..
LikeLike
Thank you Kori.
LikeLike