How to Maintain Your Motivation, Energy, and Positive Spirit

The mind is very powerful. By controlling what we think about, we can impact our own personal energy and self-motivation during these unique times.

Here are twelve specific ideas for increasing your energy and maintaining a positive spirit:

I’ve included a list at the end that you may want to take a screenshot of and keep in your phone so you can review it often.

1. Thinking (Imagine ideal wins and cool events in the future.)
   For years I’ve promoted planning experiences you can look forward to in order to keep yourself motivated. I believe it’s especially helpful now to plan a vacation or other future experiences that will bring you joy. Maybe it’s something as simple as looking forward to playing Monopoly with your kids or spending time with friends or family when the lockdown is lifted. Thinking really does matter.
2. Practicing Gratitude (Make a list and keep it in your phone.)
   We’re often guilty of looking at the challenges in our lives and disregarding the good we have all around us. Making a list of the things you’re grateful for and keeping it on your phone where you can review it often is an excellent way to move your focus to your blessings rather than looking at the “black dot.” (See the video I’ve attached at the end of this blog post to learn more about the “black dot” concept.)
3. Revisiting Positive Memories (Watch videos or look at pictures, old letters, cards, etc.)
   While I’ve been working from home, watching family videos and looking through old photographs has inspired me probably as much or more than anything else. Maybe you have old pictures, letters, cards, or notes you could derive inspiration from, or even old photographs on Facebook or other social media platforms.
4. Reading (Keep good reading material in front of you.)
   The reading material you put in front of you—on your nightstand, on your kitchen table, or wherever you keep it—should be of a positive substance that helps you manage your energy and your thoughts. Prepare ahead and place inspirational or thought-provoking reading materials all around you.
5. Laughing (Get with people who make you laugh, watch funny movies, etc.)
   With the craziness in the world today—or in spite of it—it’s important that we find things to make us laugh. I personally enjoy watching recorded segments of “America’s Funniest Videos.” Reminiscing on the phone with a friend about the fun times we’ve had in the past could probably generate a ton of laughter for most of us. We’re in a sobering time, of course, and the choice to laugh or not is yours to make. Just remember, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22).
6. Listening to Music (Leverage your Amazon Echo and your phone.)
   Almost everyone can relate to some kind of music, and most of us have Amazon Echoes (or a similar device) in our homes or playlists on our phones that allow quick and easy access to music. Music playing in the background can lift our spirits—whether we’re working out, getting ready for the day, or working at home.
7. Working Out (Get those endorphins flowing.)
   Many people don’t realize that working out induces certain hormones, like endorphins, that literally make you feel good. Working out is a great way to help you feel better and be more energetic.
8. Play Games You Love (Try playing the appreciation game.)
   Playing games can truly give you energy—whether it’s from the thrill of playing or from the thrill of winning. Or playing games could just be the vehicle that allows you to enjoy being with your friends or family. Either way, the resulting fun, laughter, and inspiration can spike your energy level.
9. Enjoying Your Environment (Take a walk in nature or ride a bike on a cool path.)
   Sometimes you can be inspired simply by walking outside and looking at the sky and the trees and listening to the birds, or by riding a bike or walking along a path that showcases nature. You can also surround yourself indoors with things that encourage you. I put special pictures in my closet that remind me of great times with my family so I can be inspired while I’m getting dressed. 
10. Praying (Pray for others and release grudges.)
    I think everyone can relate to the fact that we sometimes hold offenses inside that can actually pull our energy level down. Releasing those grudges, praying for forgiveness, and praying for those who hurt us to succeed can bring an incredible amount of freedom and energy.
11. Giving (Give your time, talent, and treasure, or even a small act of kindness.)
    Doing something for someone else often lifts our spirits, especially when the person we’re doing it for is appreciative. Sometimes it could be an unplanned act of kindness, or perhaps mailing someone a special gift that changes that person’s perspective or life. Or sometimes it might be just emailing a video to someone, knowing it will make their day. Think about what you can give today. 
12. Purging (This is a perfect time to become a river and stop being a reservoir.)
    “Be a river, not a reservoir” is something my mom has said to her family for years. I’m not sure if it originated with her or someone else; either way, it’s a powerful exhortation I’ve borrowed, and now I say it often to my team, my clients, and my readers. Sometimes we produce clutter when we accumulate too much “stuff,” and it drains our energy. By merging, organizing, and thinning out our closets, our cupboards, our living room, or any other space where we stockpile clutter, it stimulates our energy and produces a huge win. 

I hope some of these ideas have resonated with you and that you will implement them to increase your energy and lift your spirits during these difficult times. Remember to take a screenshot of the list below to keep in your phone for reviewing often.

Maintain your motivation, energy, and positive spirit by:

1. Thinking
2. Practicing Gratitude
3. Revisiting Positive Memories
4. Reading
5. Laughing
6. Listening to Music
7. Working out
8. Playing Games
9. Enjoying your environment
10. Praying
11. Giving
12. Purging

I recently came across this video that complements what I just shared and gives an interesting perspective on the power of the mind. Enjoy.