Monday Motivation: 3 Little Ways to Motivate Yourself By June 21

[source] this life is yours to live…where will you take yourself?

If you live in the New England area, you can relate to that sluggish feeling all the rain has brought on. If you’re anything like me, this monsoon-like weather does nothing but make me want to curl up in bed with a good movie, and sip hot coffee and tea like it’s my job. Not too shabby of a life, eh? Well I’d say the same if I could get that little thing called motivation back.

The end of May is an awkward time; it’s not quite yet summer, and students all over are graduating from college. (Depressing…has is really been two years?) So why not take this awkward, in-between seasons month to gain back that motivation. Here are 3 ways to start:

1. Plan a trip with your girlfriends sometime within the next couple of months, so that you have something to look forward to. Go see a play like West Side Story (coming to Boston soon). Rent a beach house and split the fare six ways. Take a lady’s night out trip to the casino. Be creative; you’ll come up with something! Then every time you get down on yourself or lose that motivation, you can remind yourself of the fun trip you have planned ahead. Mark it on your calendar. Make one of those count-down chains you used to make when you were a little kid. Leave weekly messages on your friends cellphones to pump them up too. Do whatever you have to do to stay positive and excited. THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. And it’s coming soon.

2. Sign Up for a Road Race. When I was training for my first half marathon in April, I was the most dedicated, motivated person I have ever been. I knew I had a big goal, and knew that I had to do whatever I could to reach that goal. Therefore, I ran. And I ran, and I ran, and I ran. I also lifted weights, practiced yoga and stayed on top of my game for the entire three months of training. And guess what? I did it. I took on those 13.1 miles like a champ. You can do the same! Whether it’s a half marathon, a 5K, a 10K, a triathlon or a full marathon, setting goals for yourself is extremely productive.

My roommate just signed up for her first 10K, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She said she doesn’t necessarily enjoy running, but she’s learning to like it at least, and loves having a challenge. Find your own challenge.

3. Make this next month the time to try something new. Remember all of those ideas you had for yourself that went down the drain because you thought, “I can’t possibly do that.” “I don’t have time.” “I’m content with where I am.” Well, guess what? This is the time to start! There’s no better time than now. Sign up for a pottery class, start up your passion for doing wedding photography, try an exotic cuisine, take ballroom dancing lessons. The possibilities are endless. Recently, I’m trying to launch my own inspirational greeting card line for women. It’s a little out there, but it’s something I’d really love to do. Wish me luck!

What are some little (big) ways you motivate yourself? What’s your advice for others?