Staying motivated when you’ve got big dreams can be like trying to keep a beach ball underwater—it’s tough. You push, you pull, you fight… and then, BOOM, back to square one. But hey, here’s the kicker: you don’t have to be perfect at it. Let’s talk about how to actually stay motivated when life keeps throwing curveballs. Trust me, I’ve been there. And spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

Fast Forward Past Three Failed Attempts: Why Motivation is So Elusive

Let’s get the bad news out of the way: motivation can be a fickle thing. One minute you’re on fire, tackling goals like a pro. The next? You’re binge-watching Netflix and wondering why your To-Do list feels like a cruel joke.

Here’s what happens:

• Vague goals: If you’re not sure what you’re going after, it’s easy to lose steam. I learned this the hard way with my first attempt at learning French. Six months in, I could barely order a croissant.
• Burnout: My first month training for a half-marathon? I was a walking zombie. Guess who didn’t even make it to race day? Yeah. Me.
• Fear of failure: I’ve failed more times than I can count. But guess what? Those failures? They don’t define me. And they sure shouldn’t define you either.

Motivation comes and goes, and that’s alright. But there are ways to stay motivated when pursuing personal goals even when things get tough.

Set SMART Goals: No, Really. Do It.

Alright, let’s talk SMART goals. I know. It sounds like one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around in corporate meetings like a Frisbee, but stick with me.

What Are SMART Goals? Let’s Break It Down:

• S – Specific: Not “get in shape” (too vague), but “run 5K without stopping.”
• M – Measurable: Can you track it? If you can’t measure it, you won’t know when you’ve hit it.
• A – Achievable: No, you won’t be an Olympic athlete by next month. Set something realistic.
• R – Relevant: Does it matter to you? If it’s not tied to your core values, it’ll be hard to stay motivated.
• T – Time-bound: “Someday” isn’t on the calendar. “By the end of March” is.

I tried this approach with my goal of learning to cook (seriously, my pasta was once more of a ‘pasta soup’). Anyway, breaking it down into smaller, SMART pieces? Life-changer.

Break Big Goals into Bite-Sized Tasks

Okay, this one’s a game changer. You ever looked at a goal and thought, “Well, that’s a lot,” and then just… didn’t do it? Been there. It’s easy to freeze up when things feel overwhelming.

Here’s How I Made It Work:

• Small chunks: Take a goal, say, writing a book, and break it down into daily word counts. I mean, nobody wakes up and writes a 300-page masterpiece in a single sitting. (Trust me, I tried.)
• Celebrate progress: Every time I hit my daily word count, I treated myself to a nice iced coffee. Which, now that I think about it, might’ve been my real motivation. But hey, it worked.

The Power of Small Wins: Celebrate Those Baby Steps

If you’re not celebrating the small wins, you’re doing it wrong. Seriously. The wins are where the motivation lives. I’ve learned to get excited about little milestones. Like, really excited. Like, “I found a matching sock” excited.

• Keep track: I use a bullet journal to write down wins. And let me tell you, there’s nothing like crossing something off a list.
• Give yourself a pat on the back: Whether it’s a treat or a night off, rewards matter. My first herb garden? RIP Gary, my rosemary plant—but I treated myself to a fancy dinner for the attempt. (You can’t be too hard on yourself.)

Get Some Accountability: Trust Me, You Need It

Here’s the thing: when no one’s watching, it’s easy to drop the ball. Accountability is hands-down one of the most powerful ways to stay motivated when pursuing personal goals.

Who Can Hold You Accountable?

• A friend: My buddy Rob and I used to send daily updates on our workouts. I’m not saying we competed… but we totally did.
• A mentor: I once had a coach for a month to help me with a personal project. That weekly check-in? Brutal, but motivating.
• Apps: Yeah, I use habit-tracking apps now. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Every time I tick off a box, it’s like a mini-win.

Visualize Your Success (Yes, Really)

Okay, don’t roll your eyes at this one. Visualization sounds super woo-woo, but hear me out. When I started thinking about crossing the finish line in a race, it made me actually want to do the work to get there. Wild, right?

• Picture the goal: Imagine what it’ll feel like to cross that finish line—or whatever your version of success looks like. That mental picture can carry you through the tough days.
• Make it specific: I used to visualize the exact moment I hit my word count goal for the day. Sounds silly, but it kept me going.

Keep a Routine (Even When You Don’t Want To)

Motivation loves routine. It’s like that friend who drags you to the gym when you’d rather binge-watch another episode of Breaking Bad. The routine becomes the foundation you can rely on. Because when motivation dips? The routine keeps going.

A Few Things That Help:

• Morning ritual: A cup of tea, a quick planning session, and bam—I’m ready for the day.
• Daily check-ins: Review what you did the day before. It sounds like busywork, but it helps you stay on track. I review my goals first thing, so I’m not scrambling later.
• Wind-down routine: I’m not saying you need to be perfect, but winding down with reflection and gratitude helps your mind reset.

Surround Yourself with Positivity (And Maybe a Little Music)

Ever notice how the people around you can either lift you up or drag you down? If you’re not feeling good about your goals, maybe it’s time to adjust who’s in your circle. And yes, I’m talking about Facebook too.

Positive People = Positive Vibes:

• Supportive friends: My friend Tina? She’s a walking cheerleader. Every time I tell her about a goal, she’s like, “Yeah! You’re gonna crush it.” I needed that energy.
• Music: Okay, real talk: I have a playlist for every goal. There’s a ‘write like the wind’ playlist, a ‘move your butt’ playlist, and a ‘getting the laundry done’ playlist. (Don’t judge.)

Learn from Setbacks: Because There Will Be Setbacks

Oh, I’ve had setbacks. And not just small ones. Like, “I forgot to study for my final exam and now I’m in trouble” level setbacks. But here’s the thing: setbacks don’t have to ruin you. They’re lessons in disguise.

• Reframe it: That failure? It’s just feedback. And if you’re failing forward, you’re still moving.
• Learn from it: I messed up my fitness goals last year. Did I give up? Nah. I took a step back, adjusted my approach, and tried again.

Stay Healthy—Because Motivation Comes from the Body Too

You know that whole “health is wealth” thing? It’s real. If you’re not eating right, sleeping well, or exercising, it’s gonna be hard to stay motivated. Plain and simple.

• Get active: You don’t have to run a marathon—hell, even walking around the block helps.
• Sleep matters: I’ve learned this the hard way. A good night’s sleep? That’s the foundation for my best work. (Also, it’s the cure for grumpiness.)

Conclusion: Motivation Isn’t a One-Time Thing

In the end, the best ways to stay motivated when pursuing personal goals isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about building habits, staying consistent, and finding joy in the journey. Will there be bad days? Yep. Will you fail sometimes? Oh, absolutely. But keep going, and those small steps will eventually get you where you want to be.

30 Ways to Stay Motivated (And Have Fun Doing It)

Here’s a rundown of all the good stuff:

1. Set SMART goals.
2. Break things down into smaller tasks.
3. Celebrate the little wins.
4. Find someone to keep you accountable.
5. Visualize your success.
6. Create a routine you can rely on.
7. Surround yourself with positive energy.
8. Learn from every failure.
9. Take care of your body and mind.
10. Use tech to your advantage.
11. Keep your “why” close to your heart.
12. Ditch perfectionism.
13. Keep a progress tracker.
14. Set regular check-ins with yourself.
15. Build resilience through self-talk.
16. Celebrate the process, not just the end.
17. Focus on consistency, not intensity.
18. Find joy in your goal, not just the outcome.
19. Keep learning new techniques
20. Take breaks when needed.
21. Build a support system.
22. Create accountability groups.
23. Use affirmations to stay positive.
24. Watch motivational videos when needed.
25. Keep a gratitude journal.
26. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
27. Focus on progress, not perfection.
28. Push through the hard days.
29. Take ownership of your goals.
30. Have fun with the process.

And there you have it! Stick to these principles, and you’ll find the ways to stay motivated when pursuing personal goals become second nature. Good luck out there!