I often get asked how I stay motivated while juggling a full-time nursing gig, my side hustle in photography, and building my coaching business. Well, I’m spillin’ the beans right here, right now on how I keep the fire alive, and I’m sharing it all with you!
Sustaining motivation and maintaining high energy levels are pivotal in effectively managing my 3 jobs. It’s important to note that my photography business remains part-time, with busy seasons and not-so-busy seasons and my coaching career is in its early developmental phase, so most of my time is split between my nursing job and my coaching business.
I absolutely love entrepreneurship, building a business, and doing All. The. Things. But, my 2 businesses cannot financially support my family and lifestyle yet. So, I am committed to building my business until it can support us. But working 3 jobs can obviously lead to burnout.
In order to safeguard against the pitfalls of burnout, I’m well aware to not overload my client base. In fact, I needed to scale back somewhere in life, so I’ve scaled back my photography business. My past experience with burnout has been a profound lesson, and it’s an area I am commiteed to avoiding. I wouldn’t wish burnout on anyone.
When I went through that dark and lonely place of burnout, which led to severe anxiety and panic attacks, I was overwhelmed with life but didn’t realize it at the time. I was trying to be everything to everyone and I now know that that is impossible. There were red flags and warning signs leading up to my mental health crisis and I am now able to sense those things and can pull back when needed. I have come to realize that I am a multi-passionate person and I love to stay busy, fueling this is my drive and motivation.
Achieving success demands maintaining a high level of motivation and energy. Yet, it’s not about a constant state of hyperactivity, I don’t do jumping jacks all day long. Haha. However, I feel like I’ve cracked the code on avoiding those mid-afternoon slumps that I used to get. My daily routine is pretty straightforward: I ensure a bedtime of 10:30 p.m., rise at 7 a.m., and I regulate my caffeine and alcohol consumption. No caffeine after 3 p.m.! Since I deal with insomnia, this regimen ensures I start each day feeling rested and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Motivation ebbs and flows, but it is a powerful force that you can harness and use to check things off of your endless to-do list. One of the most powerful ways to keep your motivation up is to always be working on meeting your goals and achieving your dreams. If you don’t have a vision of what you want in life, it is time to start daydreaming and write down your dreams and vision. Then set goals and a step-by-step process of how you are going to get there. THIS will keep you motivated, I promise!
If you are finding this difficult or don’t know where to start, hiring a life coach is a great place to start. A life coach will help you figure out what you truly want out of life, and what you can create in your life to make you happy. They won’t be making the decisions for you, but helping guide you towards those decisions.
Motivation is the internal or external drive that initiates, guides, and maintains your behaviors and actions towards achieving a particular goal or outcome. It’s what propels you to take action, make efforts, and persevere despite challenges or obstacles. Motivation can stem from various sources, such as personal desires, goals, values, and rewards, or external factors like recognition or pressure. It plays a crucial role in shaping your behavior, helping you focus your energy on tasks, and influencing the level of effort you invest in pursuing your objectives.
Motivation is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Below are two major types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
1. Intrinsic Motivation: Think of intrinsic motivation as that fire within you. It’s the drive that comes from deep inside because you genuinely enjoy doing something. When you’re intrinsically motivated, the activity itself is rewarding. You’re doing it because you find it fulfilling, interesting, or even challenging. It’s like reading a book for personal reasons and the sheer joy of it, or working on a personal project because it excites you. Intrinsic motivation is all about the internal satisfaction and happiness you derive from the task, regardless of any external rewards. This is what my business is for me, I am intrinsically motivated because I absolutely love it and it fuels my soul!
2. Extrinsic Motivation: Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is all about external or outside factors. It’s when you’re motivated to do something for the sake of a reward or to avoid a punishment. These external factors can be tangible, like money or a prize, or intangible, like praise or recognition. For example, you might work overtime to earn a bonus or study hard to ace your test and please your parents. Extrinsic motivation can be useful in pushing you to accomplish tasks, but it might not provide the same lasting satisfaction as intrinsic motivation.
Understanding these two types of motivation can be a game-changer. Intrinsic motivation tends to be more sustainable and fulfilling because it’s rooted in your personal interests and values. You feel it in the depths of your soul. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation can be a helpful nudge or push, but it might not keep the fire burning long-term.
When it comes to achieving your goals and tackling your to-do list, a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be a powerful mix. Finding activities that genuinely resonate with you (intrinsic) and occasionally rewarding yourself for hitting milestones (extrinsic) can create a dynamic and effective motivation strategy. It’s all about striking that balance to keep you moving forward with purpose and passion.
Discovering and understanding your WHY is pivotal in maintaining unwavering motivation. Imagine you’re scaling the ladder in a corporate job that doesn’t particularly resonate with your passions, merely driven by a hefty paycheck. Over time, this could lead to a decline in your motivation levels. On the flip side, when you’re constructing a business that sustains both you and your family, granting the freedom to nurture and raise your children at home, your motivation is likely to stay high.
4 of my WHYS
So, what are your dreams and goals for your life? Do you want that promotion at work, to build your dream home, to have a safety net of an emergency fund? Do you want to work a corporate job, or stay home to raise your babies? What makes you happy, like truly happy? I recommend journaling about this to figure out your Why.
Where do you see yourself in 6 months, 5 years, and 10 years? Now ask yourself, where do you WANT to see yourself in 5 and 10 years? What are you doing today to make this vision come true?
I started my coaching business to help people with not only figuring out and managing their personal finances responsibly, but also to figure out how to create a life that they love, enjoy, and are fulfilled by. I also want to be able to do my coaching business full-time, set my own schedule, and be able to work from anywhere while being present for my 3 boys.
These are the reasons why I stay motivated and keep building my business. I also would love to one day retire my husband, who is a hardworking farmer, and purchase a lake house to enjoy with our family. More reasons to stay motivated and have high energy.
To ensure your journey towards success stays on course, it’s essential to establish SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – the foundation of effective goal-setting. Crafting and embracing SMART goals not only allows you to monitor your progress but also keeps your motivation fueled. Remember, you can always adjust your goals as needed along the way.
Next up, embracing a positive mindset will propel you towards your dreams and goals. It’s a key ingredient for success in all that you do. I’m a huge advocate for nurturing a positive outlook on life, career, and money. I know this can be difficult to do all the time. I challenge you to see how long you can go without having a negative thought. Let me know how long you make it. Don’t get down on yourself if it isn’t very long, just try to go another minute or two longer each time you have to restart. Those who hold a positive mindset tend to conquer more tasks in a single day, it’s a win-win!
Introducing strategies to overcome self-doubt, fear, and negative thoughts is crucial on the path to maintaining high motivation and achieving your goals. Self-doubt and fear can be powerful obstacles that hinder progress and drain your enthusiasm. BOO. By learning techniques to challenge and reframe these negative beliefs, you’ll be equipped to face challenges head-on and build confidence in your abilities.
I’ve always struggled with self-doubt and having negative thoughts about myself. I think we all have. Now, every time I have a negative thought, I try and reframe it and state something positive. For example, “I can’t do that, I don’t know how.” I say, “I am not sure how to do that yet, since I’ve never done it before, but I will learn.” I get irritated at times while driving and I do a lot of driving for my job. So, I turn this thought into something else, “That person just cut me off and almost crashed into me, jerk” into “I don’t know what they are dealing with but they need to get to their destination faster than I do”. I turn this “My nose is too large for my face” into, “I have the Springer nose and it reminds me of my amazing Dad.” One more, “People must not like me since my business isn’t taking off as fast as I wanted it to” into, “People need to know, like, and trust me before they commit to making changes to better their life. They also need to be in a place in their life where they are ready to take action. I will be here when they are ready.”
Stick your tongue out at your self-doubt and negative thoughts
Moreover, cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset helps counteract negative thoughts, enabling you to focus on your strengths and possibilities. These strategies, coupled with self-compassion and consistent practice, empower you to silence the mean girl in your head and create a supportive mental environment that fuels your motivation and paves the way for success.
The voice of self-doubt, often referred to as the “mean girl” in my head, can be relentless. I’ve found myself having to tell her to “shut up”, a word we aren’t allowed to say in our home. Self-limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome they are frequent visitors too. Yet, I’ve gradually honed the skill of reframing these negative thoughts. While I’m far from perfect in this pursuit, I’ve definitely made progress. What we allow into our minds is equally as influential as the words we say. Picture a scenario where only positivity about yourself fills your thoughts – the impact on your confidence would likely be profound.
Now imagine having a reliable person or a supportive group that’s committed to holding you accountable, keeping your motivation alive and on fire, and nudging you forward. Imagine the power of having a trusted friend, a family member, or even a dedicated coach in your corner, playing the role of your accountability partner. This partnership can be a catalyst for accelerated progress, ensuring that you move closer to your goals with unwavering determination.
Online communities, like a Facebook group, coaching groups or private 1:1 coaching, colleagues, local meetups, etc. are all great places to find yourself an accountability partner. Find someone who is at the place in their life and success where you want to be. They can help get you to your goals faster than if you were doing it alone.
Head on over to Jesswaynecoaching.com for more information on my 1:1 coaching program
I offer life coaching and money 1:1 coaching and I have clients who have made tremendous progress. Which I am so proud of them. Their desire to make changes and put in the work is amazing to watch and be a part of. You can also look into courses to help you along your journey as well. Find someone who you connect with and trust.
One way I keep my motivation and my client’s motivation up is by celebrating my small wins, and big wins of course. This can be done in many different ways. It can be as simple as enjoying your favorite treat, watching a movie, going for a walk or hike in a beautiful location, or spending quality time with a loved one. Rewarding yourself and celebrating your wins does not need to cost money, but it can.
I often reward myself with a boat ride in the summer months, a walk, or a lunch with a friend. I am not really a bubble bath person, but if I were, that would 100% be my celebration. How are you going to reward yourself and celebrate your wins? Come up with the reward now so you are prepared for when you get to cash in on it! It really doesn’t matter how big or small your victory is, all wins are wins in my eyes.
Now, remember, your motivation isn’t going to be 100% on fire all the time and that is okay. It is normal to have low energy and times of low motivation. You might even find a correlation with your menstrual cycle if you are a menstruating individual. Either way, give yourself time to rest, reflect, and just be present in your life.
Throughout my journey in life and career, I’ve encountered numerous setbacks and faced unexpected obstacles. There have been moments when I’ve had to pivot and embrace new directions. In the past, my goal was to transition from my “9-5” job to pursue photography full-time. However, my goals have evolved since then. I’ve come to realize that our desires and passions can shift as we navigate different seasons of life, and that’s perfectly okay.
Dealing with recurring obstacles can be incredibly challenging. It often feels like for every step forward, we’re met with two steps backward. I’ve personally experienced this frustrating dance, and truth be told, there are times when I still find myself caught in it. Yet, I’ve come to understand that encountering bumps on our journey is an inevitable part of life. What truly matters is our ability to navigate those bumps, ride over them, and continue moving forward.
Refocusing our perspective on negative experiences, setbacks, and obstacles can make all the difference. Learning to reframe these challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery is a powerful strategy to stay motivated. Rather than allowing these moments to hinder our progress, we can choose to view them as lessons that contribute to our personal and professional development. This shift in mindset empowers us to maintain our motivation even when faced with adversity.
Motivation isn’t a given – it’s a nurtured flame that YOU get to fuel. To stay motivated, follow your passions. But when faced with less-than-thrilling situations, cultivate positivity, build habits, and create routines that foster motivation. Discover what excites you, even in the mundane. Shape your mindset and habits to keep that fire alive. Don’t let life be dull; actively chase what brings you joy, personally and professionally. Fuel your drive to craft the life you desire.
Here are some practical tips for integrating motivational practices into your daily life:
1. Morning Routine: Start your day with positivity, wake up and say out loud what you are grateful for.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals that excite you. Break them down into smaller tasks to keep yourself motivated and focused.
3. Visual Reminders: Use visual cues like sticky notes or vision boards on your walls and devices to remind you of your goals and keep your motivation high.
4. Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute to a positive mindset and sustained energy levels.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This boosts your confidence and encourages you to keep going.
6. Time Management: Prioritize tasks, plan your day, and allocate time for your goals. Effective time management prevents overwhelm and boosts motivation. Time blocking and batching work are great to use!
7. Positive Affirmations: Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths, capabilities, and the progress you’ve made.
8. Surround Yourself: Engage with people who inspire and uplift you. Join groups or communities that share your interests and values. Find a coach or mentor to keep you motivated and to support you.
9. Continuous Learning: Read books, listen to podcasts, or take online courses in your field of interest. Learning keeps your passion alive and provides fresh perspectives. I will forever be a life long learner.
10. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your goals, progress, and challenges. Adjust your plans when necessary and learn from setbacks.
11. Limit Negativity: Minimize exposure to negative influences, whether they are people, news, or social media. Surround yourself with positivity. This helps with my anxiety.
12. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness, such as deep breathing or short meditation breaks, to stay grounded and focused throughout the day. You can even try EFT tapping. Not sure what that is, look it up, it is super neat and can be a powerful tool.
13. Gratitude Journaling: Write down things you’re grateful for daily. This practice shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
14. Break Tasks: Large tasks can be daunting. Break them into smaller steps and reward yourself after completing each step. This will help you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
15. Visualization: Spend a few moments each day visualizing yourself achieving your goals. This creates a strong mental image of success. Picture yourself 5 years from now and who you want to be, now act like you are already that person today and every day after.
16. Embrace Setbacks: Instead of getting discouraged by setbacks, view them as learning experiences that propel you forward.
17. Accountability Partner: Partner with someone who shares your goals. Having someone to share progress and challenges with can be motivating. Hire a life coach like me!
18. Flexibility: Be adaptable and open to adjusting your plans. Life is unpredictable, so the ability to adapt keeps you motivated.
19. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and doing things that make you happy.
20. Stay Inspired: Regularly expose yourself to inspiring content, whether it’s motivational quotes, success stories, or creative works.
There are many ways to keep yourself motivated and your energy high. Focus on what brings you happiness and do what you can to do more of that every single day. I challenge you to apply some of the above strategies to fuel your inner motivation. Remember, motivation ebbs and flows and it is on ongoing process. By nurturing your motivation you can achieve your dreams and aspirations!
