The past few weeks I’ve had something happen that has not happened in years…
I’ve felt content.
Contentment is not usually a bad thing. In fact, it can be a very healthy emotion.
But not for me. I need to stay hungry, stay motivated.
Here’s what’s been working for me to stay motivated even when things are going well.
Things That Keep Me Motivated
1. Music
For me, it’s rap music. I’m a middle class raised white kid from the suburbs…but there is something about certain rap songs that really get me going. For others maybe it’s classical or hard metal.
Put on some music that motivates you.
2. Coffee/Red Bull
For better or worse, coffee makes me want to work to take over the world. It really puts a fire in me to keep reaching for higher goals.
It’s also a drug, so be careful and use it wisely.
3. My Family
Think you’re sitting pretty because you have a $1000 emergency fund?
That’s not good enough. What about your kid’s college fund? Or what about that vacation you and your wife really need?
For me…if I think I’m doing good enough and can chill for the day…I think of my mother and how much I still owe her, and how even if I pay her back tomorrow, she will need my support the rest of my life.
4. Bling
A new car. A new house. A new phone. Whatever motivates you to work harder and stash away your cash can be a good motivator. For me it’s the thought, “Could I buy a house for cash right now? No? OK, back to work…”
5. Being Debt Free
Millions of people live under the dark cloud of debt. For me, I can’t wait until the day I have my debt free party. Let the sparkling cider flow!
What do you think?
What motivates you to keep grinding even if things are going well?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
haters. haters motivate me the most. when someone tells you that you can’t or your stupid, that’s what drives me. but when things ARE going well, haters disappear. so when that happens, i become my own hater. haha
Excellent article, and I can certainly relate to some of your points.
One thing that is always needed for me when I do work is music, but its not rap, unfortunately. It is all about trance, house and sometimes classic euro from the 90’s. I like to mix it up sometimes and play rap, reggae, pop and just about anything that sounds good to me.
I think one huge factor for me in recent months has been that I have goals set for what i want to achieve. I want to save up for my emergency needs, and move out. In order to move out, i need to make more income. And then once I am out on my own I can look to buying a car, some other toys, so it all changes as i progress.
I don’t actually drink coffee, I am a morning person, instead what gets me going is for example yesterday, I got up early (7am) and started to clean the house so I have less to do for the next day plus to ease some of the chores for my mom. I also did laundry, so that feeling was amazing because it kept the momentum going for the rest of the day and even into today.
Music is a huge motivator/mood changer for me. I’m older than you two youngun’s………….so I have a much more vast library to choose from (neener neener)! I usually pick the music based on what mood I’m looking for, not what mood I’m in. Cleaning house, it’s good ol’ classic rock. Sitting down to creative work, it’s old blues & jazz. Pushing paper around it’s modern alternative music. Having a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day is also motivating. But I’m generally a pretty motivated person, there are probably more things that can de-motivate me……like TV on during the day. Kills me. I hate it.
Nice candid article! Music is a great motivator. I like lots of stuff, but for motivation specifically, certain dance/house/hip-hop is great. I go for Starbucks coffee, but never Red Bull. And I hear you about wanting to pay back your parents. I too would like to treat my parents well for all they have been able to provide for me…
Congrats on feeling content!!
Another thing that keeps me motivated for me is exercise. Staying in shape, strong, and healthy are not only great for you health of course, but great motivators and self esteem boosters in general.
My motivators:
Long term – family
Medium term – opportunity
Short term – music