It’s that time of year when we need motivation for our goals and habits to try to live more intentionally and focused on what matters most to us.
But how do we stay motivated on these goals and habits that we know are important throughout the rest of the year? It doesn’t happen by default. Here are nine ways to increase your motivation in life:
9 Ways to Increase Motivation in Life
1. Plug into God
The greatest motivation source in all of life comes when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, and begin to walk with him. Paul spoke about the “energy of Christ which works so powerfully within me.” You gain a new excitement for life and your purpose when you are plugged in, in your faith.
We “plug into God” not just by claiming to be a Christian, but by actually walking closely with Christ each day.
We “plug into God” and walk closely with Christ by reading the Bible, turning from sin and obeying the Scriptures, spending time in prayer, worship and God’s Presence, and through community in our local church.
Walk with God every day, and you will plug into the power source that never runs dry.
2. Quit some things
Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Did you catch that? Throw off “every weight that slows us down,” and “the sin.” There are some weights in your life that may not be sin, but they keep you from everything God has for you. Of course, this is referring to “weights” in your life that slow you down spiritually, but nevertheless, the principle applies to all of life as well.
You can’t do everything. You only have a limited about of time and energy in life. Are you spending time on projects that are sapping your energy unnecessarily? Maybe it’s time to quit some things, so you can reserve your energy for what really matters to you, including the people and relationships in your life that matter most to you.
3. Recognize your limitations & your seasons
It’s ironic that I’m writing this article right now, because I feel I’ve been struggling with motivation the past few months. Partly because I’ve been in a busy season for too long, and partly because we have young kids and this stage of life reduces anyone’s capacity significantly.
But that’s OK. There are seasons when we won’t be able to get as much done, and that’s OK. It’s good for us to recognize the season we are in, and to embrace our limitations in life, and be OK with them.
4. Guard your margin & stay focused on the right things
Because you have limitations, and because you can’t do everything, it’s vital to guard your margin. Constantly re-assess your daily schedule to see if you are focusing on what is most important.
