11 Jaw-Droppingly Simple Ways to Get Motivated Right Now
7 Jul
Some people are masses of stone with flat bottoms. They’re not going anywhere, no matter how hard we push.
Some people are like you.
They’re on the brink, at the edge, so close to the tipping point that they can see it, taste it. But they’re not there yet. They need help. They need a nudge.
And with that nudge, the match is lit and ideas explode into action.
Here are 17 nudgers to help you stop thinking about something and, instead, DO.
1. Scary Math
Minus your age from 75, then multiply by 52. That’s how many Thank-God-It’s-Fridays you have left, on average. It’s easy to forget how quickly our days disappear, working so hard to stay distracted and all. For right now, at this moment, don’t distract yourself. Do the math.
2. It Can Happen Now
Different seems hard. It’s easy to do what you’ve done, get what you’ve gotten. But change? That’s an uphill climb, a battle against nature, an impossible fight. Or is it? (No, it’s not.) When you believe that change is a brick wall that climbs miles into the air–and that it takes forever–well, those are heavy obstacles to ignore. But it’s all a lie. Every second is a new start. Yes, that sounds rah-rah motivational (which I try to avoid at all costs), but it’s fact. You could stand up a new person. You could do something different in the next moment. Change doesn’t have to take a lifetime; it starts right now. So start.
3. Going, Going, Gone
Another warning. (Sorry, I don’t mean to be a downer, but the fact is that fear motivates. And if it motivates you to change your life for the better, it’s a good thing.) Many people (perhaps you?) could do something about the things you want to have or be or do. Yes, I know you’re scared. I know you have a thousand excuses. But, still, you COULD do something if you really wanted to, or had to. That’s true now, but it won’t always be. Opportunities come and go all the time and without notice. “I’ll do it later,” you tell yourself. Eventually, that won’t be an option. Eventually your chance will be gone. Take a stab while you still can.
4. Happy-Happy, Joy-Joy
Finally, a happy idea. Think of something you want–you want to get motivated, so you obviously want something, right? Now think of the strongest reason you want it. What will it give you? How will it change you? How will it make you feel? What will life be like when you move toward and finally make it real? There’s your motivation.
5. You are an Example
Are you a good one? Do you have children? Would they be proud to know you have a dream that you’re too afraid to enact? Is that the example you want to give them? You’re an example, perhaps not to sons or daughters, but to someone. A friend. A co-worker. A human. Be an example that inspires us to be better.
6. Get Psyched
Think about it: if you get good at this, if you learn the skills behind motivation, your life is whatever you want it to be. You get crayons and a bright sheet of blank paper. What are you going to draw? That’s totally up to you, and that’s incredible. Life is hard, life is short, but life is also yours to mold. You can live where you want to live, eat what you want to eat, see what you want to see, go where you want to go, be who you want to be. If you learn how to get motivated, you can make anything happen. That’s exciting.
7. Make Smart Comparisons
Want to kill your drive? Compare yourself to someone who isn’t as happy, motivated, charitable, creative…”Well, at least I’m better off than that guy.” At that moment, in that instant, the pressure to be better is released. You’re comfortable again. You feel good about where you are. “Yeah, things could be improved, but I can’t complain.” You need to complain. You know what you’re capable of. You know what you could do if you only had the guts. So don’t compare yourself to situations and people you don’t want to emulate. Compare yourself to someone or something bigger and better. Compare yourself to someone who isn’t afraid and who gives life to ideas. Are you that person yet? Then get to work.
8. It is Up to…
YOU. People may help. Opportunities may drop near your lap. Dumb luck might smack you in the face. But you–yes, you–are going to have to make it happen. If it’s going to be, it’s going to be through your hands, your courage, your heart.
9. What If?
What if you fail? What if you keep putting it off (whatever ‘it’ is) for years, decades, a lifetime? What is it going to cost you? How much worse is your life going to be? Who are you going to let down? How will it feel to let yourself down? Make it painful. Make it hurt. Then make sure it doesn’t happen.
10. Is It Going to Kill You?
I know you’re afraid. I am too. We’re all scared to do something new or to put ourselves out there for everyone to judge. But will it kill you? Will it kill you to stand up for an idea that everyone else laughs at? Will it kill you to sing or play piano, go back to school as a mom or dad, start a blog around your passion, dress in that snazzy hat you love, talk to a stranger? Uncomfortable? Sure. Make you feel sick to your stomach? Maybe. But that’s how you live. You don’t sit in your comfy chair, far removed from the activity of the world. You get up. You do things, new things. You put yourself into the mix and drink up everything earth has to offer. It’s scary, but it’s worth it.
11. I lied.
I only had ten ideas to share. But I made a promise, so I have to get to work on more tips and idea for you. It’s the power of a promise. Tell someone, today, that you’re going to do this or that. You’ll create something that wasn’t there before. You’ll create pressure–positive pressure–and you’ll create an obligation. Someone knows your plans now. She expects results. Don’t let her down. (Okay, that was a tip, so I didn’t really lie. But I did end this post with a twist to keep you guessing.)
Now it’s your turn: What is the greatest tip you have for getting motivated quickly? Let us know in the comments below.
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If you liked this post, why not share it with someone who could use a nudge? Maybe one of your friends is at the brink of doing something big. But, right now, he’s wavering. The idea could die. But not if you save it.
One of these tips, or a tip from the comments below, could be the nudge he or she needs to change everything. You could be the vehicle that creates a shift that alters their lives forever. Not a bad way to spend your Wednesday afternoon.
Thanks! This is a great way to start the day and I appreciate all the thought and effort you put into this.
You’ll have to excuse me though, my dreams are waiting!
Rex,
Thanks for posting. So happy to hear it helped you!
Jason
Titles of the comments need a little proofreading!
Should be “You’re” & “It’s”…
Great comments, but a little distracting for ME with the grammatical errors.
SG,
Thanks for noticing! Our blog software removed the apostrophes–I really do know how to spell! I’ve changed the titles to remove the mistakes.
Thanks again. If you take the time to read my words, I need to take the time to make sure they’re written right.
Jason
Jason:
I really appreciate your graciousness! You are such a sport! I have not seen you yet take things personally. You just take seem to take them as they are and nothing else, and then, you respond in such gracious manner.
This is really the way you develop trust with your customers, readers, followers, whatever you chose to call us.
Thank you for your comments and for your fabulous example!
Alex
Everyone seems to be a “cridit” but who care about “speling).
Great article, keep up the great work.
Harry,
Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate it.
If there’s any particular topic that you’d like to see talked about, just let me know.
Jason
There is always a moment of motivation in our lives everyday, but we are just precouccupied(with fear)to see it and connect with it so that the momentum could gather and we are on to high gear to achieve….
All the same this is a wonderful write up. keep it up
Bashir,
Thank you so much for posting.
You’re absolutely correct: we have the potential every day, but fear gets in the way.
We need to call the fear out, define it, and realize it’s not the monster we think it is.
Thanks again,
Jason
You are the best I have come across. You have the ability to cut right to the nitty-gritty. No BS. Thanks.
Caroll,
Wow. What a kind thing to say.
While I can’t agree with you–there are so many amazing people online sharing important ideas right now–I am grateful for the thought.
What really makes me happy, though, is that you see clearly my approach. I’m not an overwhelming fan of your typical motivational hype or inspirational rhetoric.
I’m about facts and truth and reality.
That’s what we need to change our lives.
Thank you for noticing.
Jason
Jason
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! The only people who never make a mistake are the ones not doing anything. People will forgive the occasional mess up if you are genuine and own your actions. I taught my kids the first sign of maturity is admitting when you are wrong, the second is letting it go when someone else is.
Lysa,
I don’t have the time to write how right you are.
I’ll simply say…you’re right. Absolutely.
The fear of making mistakes palpably changes people. It erases entire avenues from their lives, thousands of experiences wiped away by fear.
We’d live in a different world if people weren’t so terrified of messing up and being judged.
I’m so happy you’ve passed this message on to your kids. We need more parents and people like you.
Jason
Thank you for a wonderful, eye-opening post. Your children are very fortunate to grow up with your teaching. In the homes in which I grew up, admitting a mistake led to harsh, angry corporeal punishment and to shaming. For example, I’m dyslexic and made many errors in spelling and arithmetic because of the condition (which wasn’t identified until I was in college) and I was always made to feel ashamed of the “stupid” mistakes I made by my parents and most of my teachers. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to the inventor of spell check!
The rule was “Any job worth doing is worth doing right” which really meant: do it my way, do it perfectly, or do it over until you get it right to my satisfaction.
No surprise that I’m very afraid of messing up, or that I have a harsh inner critic which cripples any effort to draw, paint, write and I’ve been one of those “not doing anything” in those areas. And I’m troubled by procrastination in many areas.
I have a lot to let go of and I am very, very grateful to you for pointing me in the right direction and helping me to clearly see my stumbling blocks.
Thank you & best wishes on achieving whatever goals you are moving toward.
Dear Bee,
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
I’m sorry to hear that you grew up in that type of environment. But I’m very happy to know that you’re here, looking for answers.
You’re doing something about your roadblocks, something very few people have the courage or drive to do.
Maybe we should have a contest to see who can make the most mistakes? That would be a fun and valuable lesson, don’t you think?
Jason
This year is the cornerstone of change for me — I can’t escape it even if I tried, and each point you made is pin point precision of how I feel: scared, unsure yet happy I am here at this stage of my life. I know if I am to see my best potential, I have to keep moving forward. Keep these positive reinforcements coming…. they pave the way!!!!!
Dear Stacey,
You have the right attitude. Change is scary, uncertain, but it’s the way to live. We can’t get too comfy, too complacent. That isn’t living; it’s waiting to die.
Thanks for posting!
Jason
#7 rings bell, and far to often I hear that from my kids, other than “hey dad, all my friends earn 10 times more pocket money than I do”. So how do you instill in kids that they have to be motivated to get what they want when all their friends just get everything handed to them for nothing ?
Great points here to help get motivated, I have to work on #5.
Keep up the inspiration for all of us to look up to.
Ross,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
What a great question you’ve asked, a great and complex question.
I don’t know the answer, but I do know that you and I are right to believe hard work leads to fulfilling accomplishments.
“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”
–Thomas Paine
Perhaps mini-lessons could help? Set up projects through which they’ll realize personal effort makes the prize so much more satisfying.
Instead of buying something for them, make them work to earn the money and have them purchase the item themselves.
You are right to be thinking these questions. That’s the first step. Now we have to work to find possible solutions, test them, and build on what works.
Thank you for starting a great conversation.
Jason
I liked the “Get psyched” idea. I was playing with the kids yesterday and drew a picture with crayons and had the feeling you described.I reflected on being able to draw anything. I drew a waterfall into a pool of water with a sun reflecting and a worm hole to travel. It was fun and opened my mind to a better day. Thank you.
Rch,
What a great comment!
I love that you turned a written tip into a tangible result. Thank you for sharing that with the community.
I can see your picture, although the worm hole through me off a bit.
Jason
Well, when I figured out the number of Fridays on an average I have left, it just about freaked me out. It’s now or never to get motivated for some drastic changes I need to make in my life.
Never mind the grammatical errors–this was written to motivate us not teach us to spell properly.
Thanks for the presentation.
Juanita,
I didn’t mean to freak you out, but sometimes that’s what it takes to get us moving, right?
You got the spark, now build the fire. Don’t stop here. Define what you want to do and be, clearly, then create a plan to get there.
You’re heading in the right direction. You’re on the right path.
Jason
Fantastic motivational tips! This is exactly what it is all about. Overlook spelling errors and incorrect grammar and concentrate on the content that can eventually improve your life or your very being. Keep up the good work.
regards
Cill
Cill,
Thank you for your kind words. It’s people like you that make this career worthwhile.
There isn’t much interaction when you run an online organization, so posts such as yours are just what I need.
Hope you post again soon.
Jason
The ideas are greet. I now started using them to make more possible in my life.
Zafar,
Thank you for sharing and for taking these ideas to heart. It’s easy to read words, but it takes courage and initiative to act them out.
Congrats.
Jason
Inspirational music!
J.O.
Love your idea. I’ll be sure to add that to the next list.
What songs do you use in particular?
Jason
I received a nice & friendly email from Jason THANKING ME for the post about the errors. Apparently, his software won’t allow contractions in titles & he was unaware of that until I posted. Now he has changed the titles so they do not contain contractions.
I wasn’t being mean-spirited. I appreciate it when someone helps me proofread as I often make typos or errors & would like to correct them.
I admit I was a bit put-off when people started attacking me for pointing those out even though I did say I thought the actual content was helpful. I also have found Jason’s book to be excellent.
SG,
The corrections were more than welcome.
Everyone who knows me well knows that correct grammar and spelling and usage are as important to me as food and drink…oh, and air.
Trust me, I’m a hoot at parties!
Jason
Trust that..what is now, was once only imagined.!!
Our change journey started..!!
Maaz,
I love that…what is now, was once only imagined.
So true, too. Everything that is going to come into your life is only an idea right now. It’s up to us to make those intangible thoughts physical realities.
Thanks for the comment!
Jason
Dear Jason,
I don’t know whether it’s a right forum to appreciate you or not but i just want to convey a note of appreciation to you at this moment…
Firstly, i thank you so much for all the service that you are doing to the world by motivating and taking the world in the right path as much as possible with your inspirational thoughts.
I love reading your thoughts and messages. I eagerly wait for your message to start the day bright!!!
I wish you good luck with whatever you do and great journey ahead!!
Have a wonderful day!
With best regards,
Madhav
Madhav,
Thank you for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate the time and thought you’ve invested, and will do my best to live up to your words.
But I’m only a writer; it’s everyone here that’s actually making things happen. You are the examples to follow.
Jason
Appreciated, what motivate me is freedom,
- Free to work
- Free to perform
just give a task with time line and i will enjoy my cigarette after
accomplished ( Max 10 minutes )
this will make my day .
Zubair,
Freedom is the ultimate gift, joy, and motivator, isn’t it?
Without freedom, there is no hope. There is no motivation.
But with it, with the freedom to work and perform, we have at our disposal limitless possibilities and potential.
The world is ours.
Thank you so much for sharing and please, keep your thoughts and ideas coming.
Jason
Nice Article. Your articles are very helpful for me.
They recharge my motivation and spirit.
Thanks a lot…
Adi,
Thanks for your comment!
Jason
Hi ,
Thank you…so much…!
This been so helpful, not only this all of your other articles. thank you again.
Keep up your good work.
All the time when I read your article I feel like ” Even if everyone says you don’t stand a chance, don’t give up on your dreams”
thanks .. millions.
Poo
Poorni,
Thank you for sharing your comment. So happy to hear that you enjoy the tips and messages.
I’ll keep writing if you keep reading. : )
Jason
Hi Jason,
I love your tips, and I have put several to work for me. One of the issues I struggle with is transforming ideas into action. For example, I have been working on a book for some time now, and a website to go with the book. But when I have a few hours to spend on it, I find myself coming up with 20 other things (some important, some not) that I want to do right that second. I tell myself that if I just get the laundry / email / fence painting done, THEN I can devote time to what I feel called to do. I’d love to see more ways of turning ideas into actions!
Dear Kristen,
First, congratulations on having the courage to even consider writing a book and site. That sets you apart right there.
Now we have to get over the hump of inaction.
Though it might not be true for you, most people hesitate because they’re afraid. They’re afraid to fail, afraid to be judged, afraid to realize their big dream doesn’t fulfill as hoped.
You can’t let the fear win.
Right now the fear is loading your day with busywork. It’s tricking you.
Tomorrow, think of the first thing you need to get done. Then do it. Force yourself to do it, even if you have a tidy to-do list to take care of first.
Ignore the voice in your head that wants to hide and check e-mail or do laundry.
Remember, if you keep up the busywork long enough, your chance to write that book will be gone. Don’t let that happen.
Get to work on that first step and keep us updated.
Jason
Hi Jason
Not sure if you remember me – Have been your fan for some time now, esp after your personalized help in getting my purchase of the audio tracks go through!
Had been waiting for your motivational tips and here it comes. I certainly would want to share your tips with my friends and colleagues to boost their motivation!
thanks!
Victor,
Of course I remember you! If it weren’t for you and other members like you, I wouldn’t be able to have the dream job that I have. I owe everything I have to you guys.
Thank you for that support, Victor. I sincerely appreciate it.
Jason
The thing about becoming average scared me a little, so i guess that gave me power. Some of the other things i already knew.
Usually I motivate my self like: “Why not?” I am going to die?” “What do I loose?” “Death awaits me-there is no time.” And “I don’t give a fuck!”).
But still i know that though “motivation rah rah rah” talking a lot about stuff- the only way to beat your fear is by not reatreating…but in the other hand you can’t beat your fear if you dont have some amount of knowledge, preparation, power… so i guess this helps a lot to prepare yourself for the battle…
And sorry for my english i’m from Russia)
The first thing I do in the morning is opening my e-mails and waiting for my motivation letters from you! Thanks so much for bringing a positive message to all of us! You are amazing!