Questions are very powerful in helping to point us towards our purpose, maintaining focus and influencing motivation.

Everyone has some triggers that help them maintain their motivation. As we are all different, the same strategies and tips may not work for everyone. That’s why it is so important to ask yourself questions and figure out what works for you.

 

1. What are my reasons for wanting to achieve my goal?

Taking a step back to think about what makes your goal important to you is a good place to start. It is important to remind yourself what matters to you. Our values are our motivators, so by exploring your values, you will be able to tap into your motivation.

 

2. What steps do I need to take to move closer to my goal?

Big goals can be overwhelming and decrease your motivation. Breaking your goal into small, manageable steps can help you focus, but also will help you take small actions towards your objectives. Seeing progression and results can also greatly boost your motivation.

 

3. What would be the consequences of not being motivated to achieve my goal?

Some people are more motivated by the consequences of not achieving something and the negative impact it may have on them, rather than the benefits of achieving it. If you are one of those people, this question may resonate with you very much.

 

4. What stops or reduces my motivation?

Building awareness about what helps and hinders your motivation is crucial. If you are aware of what it is you need to change, you can take action to make those changes.

 

5. What obstacles or barriers may I face that will sabotage my motivation?

You know yourself better than anyone else. You know the thoughts you are having, limiting beliefs that may creep up every now and again and sabotage your motivation. Recognise those obstacles and deal with them one by one.

 

6. How can I overcome those obstacles?

What can you do to overcome the barriers and obstacles standing in the way of your motivation? Being aware of what may stop your motivation will help you determine what you can do to avoid it.

 

7. What habits can I create to increase my motivation?

It is much harder to break old bad habits and negative patterns of thinking than it is to create new, positive habits.

For example, think of a big tree with strong and deep roots in the ground. That tree has been watered and conditioned for years. It will be impossible to pull the tree out without any additional support, no matter how hard you try. It is much easier though to plant new seeds and give your new tree plenty of water, sunlight and nutrition to ensure it grows healthy and strong. At the same time, if you starve the old tree from sunlight and water, eventually your old tree will become weak and its roots will dry out.

 

8. What tangible reminders do I need to see to stay motivated?

Having visual prompts, pictures and cues can really help in reminding you what it is that you want or don’t want. For example, sticking a picture on the fridge of yourself when you were heavier may help you stay motivated to keep weight off and continue your healthy eating. When you are most likely to give in to your impulses and cravings, tangible reminders can help to interrupt the impulse and keep you on track.

 

9. Who can support me?

Having a support network and being accountable to someone can increase your motivation. Being able to share your successes, ideas and concerns and talking things through can help you keep your enthusiasm and motivation up.

 

10. How will I reward myself?

Knowing that there is a reward or treat for your efforts can help you stay motivated.

Taking a relatively small amount of time to ask yourself and answer these simple questions could help you achieve your goals much more quickly and efficiently. You can head towards your objectives with your eyes open, ready to deal with any barriers that come along the way.