Mind tricks to help you keep going on a goal

[rei]

As the title says, I am interested in little mental tricks that a person can use, to keep themselves motivated to pursue a goal even when they aren't yet seeing results.

How to satisfy the mind that prefers instant results, or how to just create space in your head to continue being motivated. Especially if you're dealing with minutiae.

I've made tons of progress on this type of thing, but curious to hear about any little tricks that can keep me on the right track. Thanks!

[Mounds]

I set up passive barriers to keep myself in line. For instance, I wanted to start using cash exclusively. So I took my debit card and credit card (which I used constantly) and put them in my dresser on the other side of the house.
I would be sitting at the computer, looking at a book and ready to buy. When I realized the card was a thirty-second walk, I just said, "Eh... don't need it that bad".
My debit card just kinda faded into oblivion. I use it a few times a month now, as oppose to ten times a week. I actually used it on Saturday. Felt pretty unnatural and clunky. Goal achieved!

[Angela]

You know the pink ring you're wearing? Add "motivation" to it or make a separate Motivation Ring.

Go back to a time when you felt totally motivated, or imagine how you'd feel if you had all the motivation you could ever need. Use the control knobs to adjust all the settings (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) so that it's TOTALLY desirable and ULTRA-real and wonderful feeling. Feel the feeling spinning in your body, notice what color/texture it is, shrink it down to ring-size and slip it onto your finger for using whenever you want it.

[rei]

Cool idea, Mounds. Glad it's working for you. Will think about how I might apply the principle of passive barriers to my goals.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Angela

You know the pink ring you're wearing? Add "motivation" to it or make a separate Motivation Ring.

Go back to a time when you felt totally motivated, or imagine how you'd feel if you had all the motivation you could ever need. Use the control knobs to adjust all the settings (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) so that it's TOTALLY desirable and ULTRA-real and wonderful feeling. Feel the feeling spinning in your body, notice what color/texture it is, shrink it down to ring-size and slip it onto your finger for using whenever you want it.

Aha! Of course I actually anchored in a clear-and-motivated feeling state, a few weeks back. I just have trouble remembering I can trigger the anchor.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by rei

Aha! Of course I actually anchored in a clear-and-motivated feeling state, a few weeks back. I just have trouble remembering I can trigger the anchor.

You may want to load it into an actual physical ring, then -- everytime you see that ring on your finger, you'll be reminded.

[Mounds]

Originally Posted by rei

Cool idea, Mounds. Glad it's working for you. Will think about how I might apply the principle of passive barriers to my goals.

It's the same thing I do at work to avoid making mistakes. Part of creating a framework that supports your goal.

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by Angela

You know the pink ring you're wearing? Add "motivation" to it or make a separate Motivation Ring.

Go back to a time when you felt totally motivated, or imagine how you'd feel if you had all the motivation you could ever need. Use the control knobs to adjust all the settings (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) so that it's TOTALLY desirable and ULTRA-real and wonderful feeling. Feel the feeling spinning in your body, notice what color/texture it is, shrink it down to ring-size and slip it onto your finger for using whenever you want it.

Wow, I *love* that.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Angela

You may want to load it into an actual physical ring, then -- everytime you see that ring on your finger, you'll be reminded.

That's a good idea. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mounds

It's the same thing I do at work to avoid making mistakes. Part of creating a framework that supports your goal.

Very cool, I can see how it would work well.

Trying to think of how I might apply something like that when it's less about reducing action counter to the goal and more about continuing action that supports the goal. But this would still come in handy, for sure, thanks Mounds!

[AlmostGodess]

Speaking about rings, I installed this tradition of buying one ring for each big event of my life. I have a ring that reminds me of finishing the first year of university, the second etc and a ring which I bought when I got my first job. When I wear these rings, I tend to recall days when I had to put in a considerable amount of effort to get certain things done. But these rings also remind me of the joy to have accomplished things I wanted. And, yes, wearing them motivates me to move on.

Music. Music has proved to be a very strong motivator for me. I have identified the songs that put my spirit in movement and I abuse those songs when my motivation is down and I have to submit a project.

[ssandra]

You can make tiny tiny little baby steps?

Such as you have start writing an article. Part one is turning on the computer. YES, I DID IT!!!

Part two is starting up the right profile. YES, I DID IT!!

etc. etc.

That helps me at least....

[rei]

Originally Posted by AlmostGodess

Speaking about rings, I installed this tradition of buying one ring for each big event of my life. I have a ring that reminds me of finishing the first year of university, the second etc and a ring which I bought when I got my first job. When I wear these rings, I tend to recall days when I had to put in a considerable amount of effort to get certain things done. But these rings also remind me of the joy to have accomplished things I wanted. And, yes, wearing them motivates me to move on.

Music. Music has proved to be a very strong motivator for me. I have identified the songs that put my spirit in movement and I abuse those songs when my motivation is down and I have to submit a project.

What a lovely tradition, AlmostGoddess. I agree music can be very motivating

I have a ring with seven stones, I might make anchors for each of the stones. Well, maybe not, since I'm not sure I could keep straight which one was which. But I like the overall idea of this.

Originally Posted by ssandra

You can make tiny tiny little baby steps?

Such as you have start writing an article. Part one is turning on the computer. YES, I DID IT!!!

Part two is starting up the right profile. YES, I DID IT!!

etc. etc.

That helps me at least....

Heehee I actually like that idea, Sandra

Today I have done a large number of tasks that were not naturally very appealing but still mesh with my goals, which are appealing, so I have been taking care to reward myself for doing them.

[Angela]

I use songs as anchors for motivation. For awhile I've been using two big ones: "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire; and "Surprise" by Gnarls Barkley. Just now, hearing them in my mind's ear, has me feeling all bouncy and clear and happy and ready!

[rei]

Originally Posted by Angela

I use songs as anchors for motivation. For awhile I've been using two big ones: "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire; and "Surprise" by Gnarls Barkley. Just now, hearing them in my mind's ear, has me feeling all bouncy and clear and happy and ready!

Those are great choices! I have a few anchor songs too

Oh, and I think I've accomplished much much more today thanks to our session!

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by ssandra

You can make tiny tiny little baby steps?

Such as you have start writing an article. Part one is turning on the computer. YES, I DID IT!!!

Part two is starting up the right profile. YES, I DID IT!!

etc. etc.

That helps me at least....

This is what I did when I started exercising a couple of years ago.
Put on my shoes--YES!
Go out the door--YES!
Etc, etc...

[Angela]

Originally Posted by rei

Those are great choices! I have a few anchor songs too

Oh, and I think I've accomplished much much more today thanks to our session!

That's so nice to hear! What songs do you use to totally motivate yourself and light a fire under your butt?

[secrets0stolen]

Rei, some times I use a chakra visualization. I focus my attention on my third chakra and feel and visualize bright yellow power energy building up. Then I imagine that fueling me as I get up and start on my task.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Angela

That's so nice to hear! What songs do you use to totally motivate yourself and light a fire under your butt?

Daft Punk "Around the World," Tupac "California Love," P.O.D. "Alive," KC and the Sunshine Band "Boogie Shoes" (usually accompanied by dancing around like a crazy person ), P. Funkadelic "Flashlight"

I have eclectic taste
(And neat trick, Angela, answering you helped me call those feelings up to me )

Oh yeah, and "Who's That Lady" is a great motivating tune too...

[Angela]

Originally Posted by rei

(And neat trick, Angela, answering you helped me call those feelings up to me )

You saw right through me.

Oh yeah, and "Who's That Lady" is a great motivating tune too...

Me, too -- I love that song! Also "It's Your Thing."

[rei]

Originally Posted by secrets0stolen

Rei, some times I use a chakra visualization. I focus my attention on my third chakra and feel and visualize bright yellow power energy building up. Then I imagine that fueling me as I get up and start on my task.

This is a good idea too, thanks s0s. This is probably, in effect, what I do when I listen to an 'angry' song to tap into power. I prefer to listen to a non-angry song but this works in a pinch.

Chakra visualization can be really effective too, though, thanks for the tip!

Originally Posted by Angela

You saw right through me.

It worked really well, though, thank you!

Originally Posted by Angela

Me, too -- I love that song! Also "It's Your Thing."

That's a great song too! Staple Singers, O'Jays, I love that whole era.

[Tanja]

Ha! Thanks rei, just the kind of thread I need right now too.
And I'm soooo stealing Angela's ring idea..*insert my favourite green smiley here* since Mounds posted in this thread I can't use that one..now can I? /J/K/

I also use 15 minute time blocks.
As far as songs go, the rhythm in this one gives me a kick in the butt *grins*
YouTube - Manu Chao - mano negra -"Mala Vida"

I'll try to think of some more ideas..and I'll definitely steal any ideas you guys post

[secrets0stolen]

Originally Posted by rei

This is a good idea too, thanks s0s. This is probably, in effect, what I do when I listen to an 'angry' song to tap into power. I prefer to listen to a non-angry song but this works in a pinch.

Chakra visualization can be really effective too, though, thanks for the tip!
It worked really well, though, thank you!

Hehe...that's why I like Greenday...

And your welcome!

[rei]

Originally Posted by Tanja

Ha! Thanks rei, just the kind of thread I need right now too.
And I'm soooo stealing Angela's ring idea..*insert my favourite green smiley here* since Mounds posted in this thread I can't use that one..now can I?

I also use 15 minute time blocks.
As far as songs go, the rhythm in this one gives me a kick in the butt *grins*
YouTube - Manu Chao - mano negra -"Mala Vida"

I'll try to think of some more ideas..and I'll definitely steal any ideas you guys post

I haven't mastered the 15 minute time blocks yet. I tend to jump in, in get-stuff-done mode, and at the first sign of needing a break I give that to myself. I guess I am concerned I wouldn't keep coming back to it, or would feel like a yo-yo, but maybe this is a sign that it would be good to revisit this method myself

And yes, I am big on rhythm too. If I need to tap into motivation while I'm doing work instead of just to start, I pick songs that are heavy on rhythm and have fewer words, like stuff by Thievery Corporation or ragga (reggae and jungle, a form of techno, mixed together).

Oh, and steal away, Tanja!

[Tanja]

Originally Posted by rei

I haven't mastered the 15 minute time blocks yet. I tend to jump in, in get-stuff-done mode, and at the first sign of needing a break I give that to myself. I guess I am concerned I wouldn't keep coming back to it, or would feel like a yo-yo, but maybe this is a sign that it would be good to revisit this method myself
Oh, and steal away, Tanja!

I guess different things work for different people.

Another thing I try to do is to focus on how much I have already completed and not on how much work I still have ahead of me...but I tend to forget this one from time to time.
Ah, yes, similar to what others have suggested..the I did it technique..what I used to make myself exercise in the morning..say in my head..''I'm going to get up now, I'm going to put on my tennis shoes, I'm going to..etc'', it's like preventing my mind to think of other things, apparently I can hold one thought at a time

Edit: Just remembered... I'm not sure what type of goal you're working on. However, would it be possible to ''partner up'' with someone to keep each other motivated? You don't have to have similar goals, but each of you can decide what or how much they want to get done (To-do-list?) the next day and then check in with each other? If that would be possible ?
I've seen it helps because I'm trying to get back on track with waking up at 5 am and I started a thread with other people, so we keep each other motivated..
Ah, sorry for the long explanation.....:/

[vladimirsan]

Originally Posted by AlmostGodess

Speaking about rings, I installed this tradition of buying one ring for each big event of my life. I have a ring that reminds me of finishing the first year of university, the second etc and a ring which I bought when I got my first job. When I wear these rings, I tend to recall days when I had to put in a considerable amount of effort to get certain things done. But these rings also remind me of the joy to have accomplished things I wanted. And, yes, wearing them motivates me to move on.

I really like that idea...I'm going to try that...not with rings though....I don't really like them

Anyway for motivation I usually meditate for about 10-20 minutes...then I listen to some carefully picked songs that are 100% aligned with my goals ...one of them is this one:

The Prelude

I'm not a PNL expert....I didn't do anything special to anchor the song to the motivational feelings...I didn't even try (although I'm learning PNL and plan to do it soon...O__O I have some videos of the PNL practitioner and master practitioner...it's a shame that in my country we dont have a PNL group )

anyway X_X that's what I do

[Federer]

Originally Posted by Angela

You know the pink ring you're wearing? Add "motivation" to it or make a separate Motivation Ring.

Go back to a time when you felt totally motivated, or imagine how you'd feel if you had all the motivation you could ever need. Use the control knobs to adjust all the settings (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic) so that it's TOTALLY desirable and ULTRA-real and wonderful feeling. Feel the feeling spinning in your body, notice what color/texture it is, shrink it down to ring-size and slip it onto your finger for using whenever you want it.

Well this idea makes me feel that i will do it and i am moving myself towards my goal. It's the feeling of being powerpuff man. A faith in myself. I can create it.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by vladimirsan

it's a shame that in my country we dont have a PNL group )

Your country being a Spanish speaking country? I know that in Mexico there is at least 1 NLP (PNL) group and course....

[Sharlotta]

Ha-ha, my goal is - to live without any motivation After I read Eckhart Tolle's book. Just do, without expectations and thoughts. It works now!

[vladimirsan]

Originally Posted by ssandra

Your country being a Spanish speaking country? I know that in Mexico there is at least 1 NLP (PNL) group and course....

Yep! EL salvador...we are kind of close..but not close enough hahaha