A motivated girl enjoying the moment. | Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash
Have you experienced feeling drained and not wanting to move forward at all? If you experienced it, well, you’re demotivated. You need to find ways to keep you motivated. Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when obstacles arise or progress feels slow. However, success depends on persistence, discipline, and the right mindset. Whether you’re working on personal goals, career advancement, or self-improvement, maintaining motivation is essential. By identifying effective strategies, you can stay on track and push yourself beyond limits.
What can be the ways or strategies? Motivational books for overcoming difficulties can help in navigating these circumstances. A friend can help you and give you that push. But in this article, we will explore five ways to keep you motivated even in tough times.
These practical techniques will help you regain focus, build momentum, and stay committed to your goals. With the right approach, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones and continue progressing, no matter what challenges come your way.
Here are 5 Ways To Keep You Motivated
1. Set Clear Goals
One of the most effective ways to keep you motivated is to set clear, realistic goals. Again, it has to be realistic and doable on your end. When you know exactly what you want to achieve, it’s easier to stay focused and track progress. People no longer have the means to fix themselves. A self-help book can help, but listing goals can be better. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Having a roadmap keeps you moving forward with confidence.
Additionally, setting deadlines adds a sense of urgency. This can help prevent procrastination. Write down your goals and revisit them regularly to remind yourself why you started. When you visualize success and take small steps daily, motivation remains high, pushing you to stay on course despite challenges.
2. Surround Yourself with Positivity
Remember the line: You are the people you are surrounded by. Most of the time, it’s true. The people and environment around you play a significant role in your mindset. A powerful way to keep you motivated is to surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who uplift and inspire you. Avoid negative influences that drain your energy or discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Keep in mind that positivity is infectious. So, choose a positive circle.
In addition to supportive people, create an environment that fosters motivation. Keep inspiring quotes, vision boards, or reminders of your goals where you can see them daily. Listening to motivational podcasts or reading success stories can also reinforce a positive attitude and drive.
3. Reward Yourself for Progress

Most of the time, we reward ourselves only by the end of our goals. When we get the chance to check those to-dos and say it’s accomplished, we reward ourselves with what we think we deserve. However, you reward yourself even if you’re still making progress or along the process. Acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, is one of the most effective ways to keep you motivated.
Celebrating progress reinforces positive behavior and encourages consistency. Set up a reward system where you treat yourself after reaching milestones, such as finishing a project or hitting a fitness goal. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant—simple pleasures like a favorite snack, a break, or time spent on a hobby can boost morale. By recognizing accomplishments, you stay excited about the journey rather than feeling like success is always far away.
4. Stay Consistent with Good Habits
Consistency is key to long-term motivation. Developing a routine that supports your goals is one of the best ways to keep you motivated. Daily habits, such as exercising, reading, or practicing a skill, create momentum and prevent stagnation.
Instead of relying solely on inspiration, build habits that make progress automatic. When motivation fades, discipline takes over. Holding yourself accountable by tracking progress or using a habit tracker ensures that you stay committed to your aspirations, even on difficult days.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool
Failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone to success. One of the crucial ways to keep you motivated is to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to quit. This is where the power of mindset lies. Every failure teaches a valuable lesson, helping you refine strategies and improve over time.
Instead of dwelling on mistakes, analyze what went wrong and adjust your approach. Many successful individuals have faced failure before achieving greatness. Learning from setbacks builds resilience and strengthens your motivation to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges ahead.
Stay Motivated, Stay Committed
Remember, motivation isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create through action. When you push yourself to stay focused and committed, you gain the strength to keep going even when things get tough. Keep applying these ways to keep you motivated, and you’ll find that success is within your reach. Interested to read more about pushing yourself and overcoming challenges? Grab a copy of Hurdles: Surviving Difficult Times by Dr. Ric Vandett. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.