It’s so easy to stay motivated when things are going well. When school, college, university or work go according to our plans it seems easy get up early, to have a positive mentality, to exercise and read the bible.
But how long does it stay like that?
We will never always be motivated — we have to learn to be disciplined. Whether it’s eating healthy, revising for an exam, starting that blog you always wanted to do or studying a new book in the bible, ask God to help you to be motivated to get them done.
Quite recently I’ve been challenged with obstacles at work and have had to ask God for motivation each and every day because I just can’t do it in my own strength (especially on dark desk-bound winter days). There’s a beautiful bible verse which I find a real help when I’m struggling with strength, motivation, work or day-to-day, mundane tasks.
“Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energises those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind,” – Isaiah 40:28.
Motivation will help maintain your focus when you hit those bumps in the road that we all hit. Below are a few tips that I hope may help you to stay focused when life gets hard. And remember: God energises those who get tired, giving us fresh strength.
Strive for progress not perfection
Instead, strive for improvement, learning, growth and understanding. You won’t find yourself motivated every day — and that’s ok. How many of us start the year with new goals, plans and visions? It’s so easy to stick to them in the first week of January, but come February, when it’s still wet and cold, sticking to your resolutions is pretty hard. I love to make new achievable goals for each day. Why not try it too and you’ll find yourself more motivated as you strive for progression, not perfection.
Surround yourself with people who will encourage motivation
The bible talks about being careful about who you spend most of your time with. In Proverbs it says “become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Having encouraging and Godly friends is so important to help support one another and encourage motivation. Whether it’s a church friend, a family member or a neighbour, surround yourself with people who will challenge and uplift you on a daily basis.
Remove distractions
Yes, social media I mean you. In our super-fast digital climate, coming offline is harder than ever before. Messages pop up every minute, notification alerts light up our phones and we can’t help but check in online to see what’s new. As great as social media can be, it is one of our generation’s biggest distractions and an eater of our time and motivation. Keep social media a reward for when your tasks are complete. Trying to have a bible study or revise whilst replying to a group chat probably isn’t the best idea (I know for me especially!) Remove distractions and take some time offline to complete the things you need to get done first. I promise you’ll find yourself more productive and motivated.
Today’s reminder: Wherever you are reading this, I wanted to let you know that God has got you. He won’t leave you and he won’t forsake you. You are doing better than you think you are. Never forget that the best is yet to come.
