Motivation! It is the driving force that leads you into action. It’s your inner desire to achieve your goals, the energy that propels you forward and helps you to stay focused and on track. Being motivated is key to your personal, professional, and physical success!
During the winter months, it can be challenging to maintain that motivation. The days are shorter, and the weather is cold, wet, snowy, and gray. It can be hard to stay focused and motivated when the days seem to drag on without any sunshine, and your tasks seem to pile up. Many people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which makes it even more difficult to keep motivated.
The first step in staying motivated during the winter months is to make a plan. You may already have a plan, but now is an excellent time to reevaluate. Start by setting or resetting your SMART goals. You know the realistic goals that are achievable and broken down into smaller, manageable tasks. Track your progress and reward yourself for small accomplishments. Celebrate the small steps as they become significant achievements one by one.
Next, get organized. I am a fan of organizing my workspace to eliminate distractions. Prioritize tasks and take breaks when you need to. Try the Pomodoro technique of time management. In 25-minute stretches, focus on a task, then take a five-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a 15-30 minute break. Pomodoros help to keep the work manageable and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Plus, getting up and walking around for a stretch is always good for your physical and mental well-being.
Once you have an organized plan, you may need to identify what motivates you and keeps you in a positive frame of mind. Do you have a daily gratitude or meditation practice? These two things alone can help you manage Seasonal Affective Disorder. Does your motivation come from self-worth or the excitement of rewarding yourself? Perhaps it is a warm-weather vacation.
Having a support system, a coworker, family member, or coach, can help you stay on track. A coach can help you reflect on your progress, guide you forward, motivate and focus on achieving your goals.
The short day length and overcast days can affect your mood and motivation. Perhaps you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) like many people. Approximately 5% of the US population, which turns out to be about 16,715,300 people, struggle with SAD.
Since moving to Minnesota twenty years ago, I have experienced periods in the winter where I struggle with motivation, a positive mindset, and energy, or lack thereof. My husband struggles, too. We often travel to a sunny destination during the winter, but eventually, we must go home to Minnesota.
A few years ago, I bought a light box therapy for my office
A light therapy box mimics outdoor sunlight, which may cause chemical changes in the brain that lift your mood, increase your energy, and ease other symptoms of SAD. My energy levels and motivation dramatically increase when using light therapy.
Of course, you need to read the directions and use the light properly. Light boxes are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for SAD treatment, so it’s essential to understand your options. . Here is a link to the one I have. (I do not have an affiliation with this product, but it works for me.)
If you are having a tough time this winter, it may be worth visiting your doctor.
By following the steps outlined above, you will be able to stay motivated and on track this winter. Staying motivated in the dreariness of winter can be difficult, but the rewards of achieving your goals are worth the effort. Stay focused, stay organized, and stay motivated.
If you need support, I am here to guide you on your path to personal, professional, and physical success! Schedule a call with me here.
Meet Denise E. Stegall, the CEO and Curator of Living Healthy List.com. With 25 years of experience and study in nutrition, cooking, exercise, and coaching, she helps female entrepreneurs and businesswomen curate a healthy, happy, and productive life.
As an inspirational thought leader, Denise provides honest, research-backed information on health, wellness, personal development, and fun for real-life application. Her platform, Living Healthy List, is a go-to community for health and wellness resources, empowering positive changes and creating the life you want.
Denise’s background in nutrition and her philosophy of “Eat Real Food, Make Good Decisions, and Be Accountable” shaped her International Best Seller, “Healthy Living, Happy Life: A Practical Path to Finding the Healthy Lifestyle That Works for You!”
She goes beyond her book and Living Healthy List to offer “Forever Wellness Lifestyle ,” a groundbreaking group coaching model with individualized roadmaps for true health, balance, stress management, confidence, and an uplifting lifestyle. Denise E. Stegall is devoted to empowering individuals to embrace holistic well-being and fulfillment.
“Living a healthy lifestyle does not have to be hard! “