Achieving our goals is seldom easy. It’s why knowing how to stay motivated is so incredibly important when it comes to getting what we want in the long term. And in a world with more distractions than ever before – from non-stop web access to constant texting – it can be all the harder to stay focused and productive and not just give in to what’s easier in the moment.

I’ve often struggled with motivation, whether it’s been related to my career, my health, or just getting better at a hobby I enjoy. I don’t want to be filled with regret at some point down the line because I didn’t follow through on something I really wanted, and I also don’t want to feel like I failed at achieving the things that are important to me, all because I couldn’t figure out how to stay motivated.

Because this is a topic that’s important to me, I did some research and coupled with the knowledge I gained from reading the Japanese book “Ikigai” I’ve been able to come up with the best ways to stay motivated in life.

1. Money Won’t Motivate You

Most people think money alone will be enough to motivate them, and whilst that may do so initially, it’s very hard to sustain financial motivation if the work you are doing actually drags. If you do that type of work for long enough you will find that no amount of money is worth swapping parts of your life in activities that aren’t aligned with who you are and what truly is your passion and mission in life.” So first things first, be true to yourself when it comes to setting goals!

2. Make Sure the goals you’ve set are yours truly

Do not set goals based on what you think the society expects you to do or become.

One of the biggest challenges in staying motivated and sticking to our goals is in making sure that the goals we have set our ones we really want to attain.” Sometimes we set goals based on what we think we ‘should’ do. Or we base them on what other people say.” Make sure you’re going after something that you want and that makes you happy – it can make all the difference.

3. Visualize The Results

Does the visuals in your mind make you feel fulfilled and accomplished? According to a piece featured on Forbes about staying motivated, it’s important to visualize the end result and what it will feel like when you’ve achieved your end goal. This means visualizing the sweat on your back, the feeling of relief, the utter excitement – this is what will fuel you on days when you don’t feel like working.

4. Break The Goal Down Into Smaller Pieces

Set SMART goals. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and time bound. Break your goals down into smaller, more task-oriented goals – and set target deadline for those tasks. For example. if your goal is “re-organize my entire closet,” start by saying, “First I’m going to tackle the shoes, then the belts, then the winter coats in the back,” etc. This method can make even the biggest task feel more manageable.

5. Sorround yourself with positive energy

It is very important to surround yourself with positive thinkers who emanate positive energy. “Do you have people in your life who can engage in stimulating conversation about business or the other things that you’re passionate about? As human beings we give and receive energy and inspiration. Make sure you are receiving as much, or more, than you are handing out.

6. Write out your plans and thoughts

The first step to actualising your goals and organising your thoughts is writing them down. This is one thing I always advice people to have is a journal. I also recommend taking time to sit down and organize your thoughts. Spend some alone time with yourself . “When I’m working on a big project, nothing zaps my energy more than an over-stimulated, cluttered mind,” So instead, sit down and move the process from your head to an actual organized list, or talk out what you’re thinking with a trusted friend (or both). Then schedule specific times to complete each task. This is key to getting what you want.

7. Always Keep your end goal In Mind

One of my favorite YouTube personalities, Tessa Violet, stressed the importance of keeping your “top tier” goal in mind at all times, even when doing the less pleasant, more menial tasks related to it. That way, she said, “If you’re having a week where you feel like [you’re’] not motivated to do the work, you remember, ‘My goal isn’t about finishing the work. My goal is about something bigger.’”

8. Don’t Worry About What You Can’t Control

Take control of what you can, and don’t worry about what you can’t.” So if you often find yourself paralyzed with the “what ifs” (as in, “What if I write this and no one reads it,” “What if I don’t get accepted into the program,” etc, etc) let it go and just focus on turning out quality work.

9. Seek Out Positive Information

Reading or listening to positive information every single day. “If you fill your mind with uplifting and inspiring information, it will keep you motivated. Go to the bookstore or library today and find at least one book on a positive topic that will give you a boost. You need constant reminders telling you that you are capable of achievement.

10. Constantly remind Yourself Why You Set The Goal

In a piece for Tiny Buddha, integrated channeler Maria Moraca said that when things feel overwhelming, just take a few moments to sit back and remind yourself why you chose your path in the first place. Was it to help people? Was it because you knew your end goal would lead to long term happiness, even if it was short term work? This can always help you find clarity in the worst moments.

11. Be Consistent

We can’t over emphasise the importance of being consistent with your work. “take consistent action every single day.” This means that even if you’re totally not in the mood, do one small proactive thing that will move you towards your ultimate goal.

12. Reconnect with Nature

The best things truly are free.

Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. When you spend time in the forest, the desert, or near the sea, you really notice that nature doesn’t seem to be in that much of a hurry.

13. Live in the moment

Stop regretting the past and fearing the future. You have everything today. Make the most of it. Make it worth remembering.

Staying motivated is often just about keeping your end goal in mind and breaking down the larger end result into manageable smaller steps.

Remember – you can do it!