You know the feeling. One day you’re super motivated; then the next, all you want to do is sleep in and watch movies in bed. This applies to all areas of life. Interest in work, school, home projects, and more tend to ebb and flow, depending on other things we have going on in our lives. There are some key things we can do all year long to help our kids, and ourselves, keep motivation high and maximize our happiness and productivity.
Here’s something for each month of the year:
JANUARY: Jump into something new. Seldom is motivation as high as when we’ve just joined a new club or started a new project. Think about taking on a new hobby, setting a new goal or just trying a new activity for the day.
FEBRUARY: Free your mind. Take on some mindfulness practices, and take time each day to focus on your mental health. You can also try something like yoga, pilates, or guided meditation.
MARCH: Mean it. Be genuine with people about your needs and your capabilities. Be consistent and follow through with commitments.
APRIL: Assign new tasks. This is your sign to delegate better! Enlist friends, co-workers, or family to help you with that to-do list.
MAY: Mix it up. Change things up in other ways too. Rearrange the furniture. Try a new process at work. Look for areas that could use a fresh look. It stimulates our brains more than we realize!
JUNE: Juggle your schedule effectively. It’s very demoralizing to feel overwhelmed and surrounded by chaos.
JULY: Join a community service project. Helping others is a great motivator and helps us gain valuable perspectives. Try volunteering a day a month. You can also do things like donating food or clothing to a shelter. Improving your community will instill new vigor and motivation throughout your life.
AUGUST: Award positive changes. Give yourself credit for the new habits you’ve adopted. Try to give praise to co-workers and employees this month, too.
SEPTEMBER: Share control. Let others help make decisions this month. This can mean friends, kids, or co-workers. You don’t have to decide everything!
OCTOBER: Oust negative thoughts. Focus on the positive rather than what’s difficult. See challenges as ways to grow rather than roadblocks.
NOVEMBER: Note what works. From study skills to housework to discipline, keep track of the strategies that work for your kids and your family and put them to good use in the future.
DECEMBER: Decide what’s next. Set goals for school, work, and home. Look forward and plan for the bright future that’s ahead!
Keep these tips handy all year long. We’re sure it’ll help you make positive change and stay motivated!
