How to Stay Motivated.

What is Motivation?
                       
           
                    
"Motivation is an ongoing process" (Goudas, Biddle, & Fox, 2011).

"Motivation is defined as a cognitive process" (Osborn, Irwin, Skogsberg, &Feltz, 2012).

"Motivation is a desire for change" (Hong, Cheng, Hwang, Lee, & Chang, 2009).

"Motivation is a desire to do something" (Kim, & Lee, 2008).

"Motivation is an abstract concept" (Sass, 1989).

Here are quite a few definitions of motivation, by famous scholars. This word has different meanings depending upon your standpoint. As different human beings have a varied opinion and surrounding, so the ways for staying motivated could be different for everyone depending upon their circumstances.

Here are three ways that boost my motivation level, hopefully, they can help you as well.

1. Harness the Power of Optimism.

In order to be positive, you need to have a practical approach to life. And for that matter, you should learn to acknowledge negative, so that it will not hinder you in the long run. Optimism can be detrimental if you are in denial about your current reality, but this doesn't mean that you should stop looking after the bright side.
Instead of daydreaming about a lucrative job or fairytale relationship, start addressing your problems that are hindering your goals. Optimism with the combination of a realistic approach helps you navigate through life.
You can also make a gratitude journal for yourself and jot down the things you are grateful for, every morning. So that it will give you good vibes for the rest of the day.
Also, stop worrying about the things you can't take control of, as it will only make you anxious. Because as long as you are okay at this moment, you are sorted.
Try to Workout for at least 10 mins a day, as it helps to clear your mind and also improve your mental health. It improves your thinking, learning and judgement skills. Benefits of working out are endless.

2. Control Overthinking.

Thinking before making any decision is appreciable but continuously thinking about something in endless circles is exhausting.
While everyone thinks over a certain point of time, but "What if and should" dominates the thinking of chronic overthinkers which is mentally draining and can put your health and total well-being at risk.
Rather than getting lost in the thoughts of what you could have, would have and should have done differently, try to become self-aware and connect to your immediate world.
There is no point of building a castle of situations inside your head unless you work for it. And for that, you need to connect and observe things in your surrounding.
Be self-aware of your potential and accept your short-comings, which is very helpful for enhancing confidence level.
Be ambitious but never run after perfection.
Because the idea of being perfect all the time will somehow make you fall into the vicious cycle of overthinking.

3. Develop a healthy routine.

Developing a healthy routine during this tough time is quite challenging but there is way out of everything if you are determined enough.
Try to wake up early in the morning every single day. Waking up early refreshes your mind and gives you some time to spend on yourself before involving into the hustle and bustle of daily activities.
Make a proper to do list for things you want to accomplish everyday. So that it will keep you on track.
And most importantly try to avoid or minimise the intake of junk food and make your diet protein and fibre rich.
"Healthy mind lies in a healthy body."
I admit it though, it isn't always easy to create good habits, but at least u can give it a try.
Map out your activities for the day and break it into chunks in order to be efficient. Having a daily routine not only makes you more efficient, but it also eliminates your need to waste time deciding what to do next.

Always remember one thing that everything starts within your own mind. It is you who has to decide which road you should choose.