Staying motivated can be a continuous and difficult job, especially if you’re trying to make long-term changes in your life that require committed effort. As time passes, you may find yourself frustrated when you fall short or have been at it for a long time. This can make quite a few people give up eventually, even when they’re so close to reaching their goals!

How do you motivate yourself to stay motivated? I’ve struggled with my willpower at times, and I find that these are the simplest ways to keep myself going. Try these out and see for yourself how powerful they can be!

Think about what you find interesting about your goals and focus on those points

Our goals can be very rewarding, but the things we need to do to achieve them can also be boring. Liven up the uphill climb by reflecting on what you find fun or what you want to get out of your goals. Practicing the piano every day can be boring, but learning how to play your favorite songs well is a good motivator!

Sweeten the deal with rewards

It shouldn’t be ‘all work and no play’! Give yourself some treats for accomplishing certain milestones. If you’ve had a 10-day streak of daily exercise, get yourself that new game you’ve been looking at.

If you’ve been working hard for a few months, plan a dream vacation. Goals in themselves are already worthwhile, but this will make you more motivated to keep going.

Get some extra support from a group

Sometimes it’s easier when you see other people working on the same things and cheering you on. By talking about your struggles and encouraging each other to keep going, you can stay more motivated to accomplish your goals. Consider finding groups for what you’re trying to do, or talking to friends who can help you stay accountable.

Record your progress.

Recording your progress makes it feel more real! By keeping track, you’ll be able to see how far you’ve come, and that will help you keep going through moments when you feel tired or defeated!

Break your goals down into smaller, simpler tasks.

If you find yourself frustrated or intimidated by the scale of your goal, break it down into a series of goalposts! Just like in a game where your victory can be achieved through a series of tasks, you can simplify the process by breaking down your goal into more attainable, small things.

For example, if your final goal is to learn a new language, break it down into the task of learning several new words every day, or into finishing some worksheets that test your conversation skills. This will make the goal less intimidating, and help you build yourself up for more challenging things.

Motivating yourself can often be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be with these five easy tips! Whether you’re just about to start on a project, or you’re trying to get extra motivation for a constant goal, these will definitely give you a push when you need it the most. Remember: striving for your goal will always be a journey, and there’s no shame in taking a rest and looking for help whenever you need it!