Motivation, where are you?

We've all been there: the to-do list is miles long, the huge mountain of work seems insurmountable and you just can't get going. Worse still, while you're struggling with your never-ending tasks, your motivation is happily walking across the meadow with a cocktail and giving you the middle finger.

First things first: you are not alone. Being able to motivate yourself is an art that needs to be learned. Not everyone succeeds without exception. But the power of our thoughts is the only success factor. We have picked out the four best tips for self-motivation for you. So that in future it will be you who walks across the meadow with a cocktail after successfully completing your work ...

The anticipation of the reward is a good motivator. Treat yourself to something when you have completed a difficult task. It doesn't have to be anything extraordinary. Even small things, such as a good cup of coffee, a piece of cake, a five-minute break on your favorite bench, etc., can be a perfect reward for a job well done. This not only gives you a motivational boost, but also provides a balance to your working day.

Are you most effective in the mornings? Or do things come most easily to you in the evening? Observe yourself and your rhythm and find out when you work best. Try to schedule your most important tasks for this time of day. Your effectiveness often depends on more than just the time of day. The better you know yourself and how you work, the better you can create working conditions in which you can best complete your tasks.

Visualization is the magic word. Do you have a task that you've been putting off for a while? Then simply imagine yourself completing it with joy and enthusiasm. Imagine the moment when you complete this tedious task and bring it to a successful conclusion. Imagine how good you feel, how proud you are of yourself and how relieved you are that you have finally completed it. Top athletes also use the power of visualization. Ski racers, for example, run through the race course in their minds before the start and imagine how they will win the race in the best time. And... what are you waiting for?

Planning is a good thing in principle. Planning outstanding tasks helps us to get an overview and manage our time well. But at some point you have to get into action. It doesn't help to constantly think "Now I'll do this and tomorrow I'll do that..." Do it. You live in the here and now. Don't keep thinking about the past or planning for the future. Start your task right here and now. Then you'll get your reward faster...