5 Ways to Get Motivated

Find the Motivation

I get it. It is daunting to tackle something that seems so big, like a dissertation, manuscript, or dream project. You’re not alone in feeling stuck before you’ve even begun. The secret is that if you are waiting for motivation to strike, you might be waiting forever. Motivation often follows action, not before. So, how do you begin when you’re unsure, unmotivated, or uncertain? Here are five ways to help you start and to stay motivated along the way.

1. Surround Yourself with People Who’ve Done It Before

Take a look at the people you surround yourself with. Have you heard the saying “iron sharpens iron”? The energy around you matters. Prioritize relationships that enrich you personally and professionally. Seek out people who’ve walked a similar path,  whether completing a dissertation, publishing a manuscript, or launching a new initiative.

You can also join online communities or professional groups aligned with your goals. If you’re not already a member of a professional organization, now is the time to join one. These spaces often connect you with mentors and peers who share your aspirations. Positive energy is contagious. Let their momentum inspire your own.

2. Make It a Priority: Carve Out Time and Space

Treat your project as a commitment and not an afterthought. If finishing it brings you joy, fulfillment, or professional growth, then it deserves to be a priority in your life. Set boundaries with your time and the people around you. Designate a physical space that supports your focus and productivity. When you are intentional about when and where you work, the path forward becomes clearer and more manageable.

3. Say It Out Loud: Use Public Accountability

Speak your goals into existence! One way to do this is to declare your intentions out loud to friends, mentors, or even social media. Why? Because giving your goal a voice gives it weight. It brings others in to support you and keep you accountable. This may be a little uncomfortable, but being uncomfortable is what pushes you to grow and achieve your goals. That gentle pressure might be just what you need to stay consistent.

4. Set Dates and Mini-Goals (Not Just One Big Deadline)

Don’t just set one massive deadline and hope for the best. It’s important to break the project into palatable bite-sized steps with realistic timelines. This allows you to track your progress in increments and celebrate small wins along the way. Setting deadlines creates healthy pressure to continue progressing and keep the momentum alive. It’s not about rushing to the end. It’s about staying in motion and building confidence as you go.

5. Ditch Perfection — Embrace Progress and the Process

Let go of the idea that it has to be perfect from the start. That is why it is called a draft. With each revision comes a learning opportunity. Nobody expects you to get it all right the first time. Growth comes from imperfection. Reflect, revise, and refine as you go. Success lies in showing up, learning, and evolving. Shift your mindset to enjoy the process and not just the product.

Stay Motivated

The hardest part is starting. But once you do, momentum builds, and motivation follows. Stay consistent. Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Just start and keep going, and you will be done before you know it.

Start today, and I promise you that your future self will thank you.