3 Tips for Staying Motivated in Tough Times
If you or someone you care about is struggling to stay motivated in tough times, then here are three tips to stay motivated courtesy of Dr. McBarron — an acclaimed and award-winning physician who championed the practice of non-surgical weight loss in the U.S., currently focusing on writing, consulting, public speaking, and engaging her global community through social media.
Dr. Jan McBarron states that often on the road to success we need more than wise words: we need pragmatic, down-to-earth methods that help us, when things get difficult.
Stay Productive
Many people who experience a major setback often need time to decompress and process. However, to stay motivated and persist it is imperative to stay productive. Dr. Jan McBarron shared that in her experience, productivity is a direct result of adhering to key priorities, and of sticking with a robust schedule. The structure and momentum of productivity can be surprisingly powerful and can pull an individual through the day when they do not feel or believe they can push forward.
Stay Focused
Even when things are positive and life is successful, it can be difficult to stay focused. However, when things take a turn for the worse and setbacks erupt, staying focused can seem like an impossible ideal instead of a practical possibility. That is where tools and techniques play a critical role, and in the big picture often makes the difference between staying motivated and aimlessly wandering around; or worse, falling down.
Dr. Jan McBarron explains that there are several smartphone and desktop apps that help people stay focused on important goals. I have also found that meditation, exercise and a nutritious diet significantly enhance the ability to sustain laser-like focus on what is important and prevent being distracted by what is not.
Don’t Take Life Too Seriously
This last piece of advice is arguably the most important in the trio yet is also likely the most difficult to put into practice. We all know the children’s playground rhyme that goes: “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, the fact is that words can and do indeed hurt; especially if they are uttered by those close to us.
Since it is impossible to fundamentally change others — the effort is exhaustive and futile — the alternative is to change oneself. People can say and do mean things; sometimes intentionally, and other times through ignorance or indifference. Dr. McBarron believes that the only way to deal with this is to develop a thick skin and avoid taking life too seriously.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Play the long game and take the high road. Guard and protect your motivation, and you will always triumph. What’s more, you will motivate others as well, which is its own reward.
Dr. Jan McBarron’s Final Thoughts
Staying motivated is easier said than done, but this should not deter you from achieving motivation. Develop productive habits that will work as healthy coping mechanisms to help you remain focused and motivated. Dr. Jan McBarron believes that if you take the time to set goals and work towards them you will motivate yourself and remain focused on achieving your goal. Finally, don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the little things in life, happiness will always lead to motivation.
