Micro Habits that Fuel Motivation
This year, I’m continuing to practice a few simple habits that delivered results in 2023.
So many of you responded to the first three habits shared here because as business people, individuals, parents and creatives, we clearly all share an interest in making small changes that have a big impact. Today, I’m sharing three more. All of them relate to motivation. Why? Because motivation drives change. Plus, it’s mid-January. When so many people lose motivation to reach their goals, here are three ways I keep going:
1. Use Time Intentionally.
Time is the most valuable resource. We also all have the same amount of it. Accordingly, I am thoughtful about how I use it. This means that I determine the optimal way to spend my time in any given situation, and I spend time that way — not that way and doing something else – but just doing that intended thing.
For example, if I am walking from one appointment to the next, I decide to spend that time listening to a business podcast (here’s a good one), and I just listen to that podcast, absorbing the lessons, and not also writing emails on my phone.
If I am stuck in traffic and need to decompress, I listen to music and just decompress, unconcerned that I “should” be getting something else done.
While making dinner with my kids, I am being present with them and not also checking emails.
As I put together a client presentation, I just do that presentation, not talk on the phone while trying to source art.
Being intentional about how to spend your time enables you to optimize your day. It also requires some preparation, so have your Air Pods, a notebook and whatever else you need to get done what you want to accomplish.
A Westhampton Beach Office, featuring work by Guillermo Garcia Cruz and Mila Libman
2. Take cold showers.
Yes, I am on board with this trend, and it’s not just to help my skin. Taking a cold shower is part of my morning routine because it gives me energy and helps me practice being committed to something that’s hard at the beginning of every single day. This puts me in the best mindset to handle every day challenges.
Here’s how I do it: I start my shower hot and then before I soap off, I turn the water cold and count very slowly as I soap off.
…ONE Mississippi, TWO Mississippi….
When I reach 10, I turn it colder. When I reach 20, it goes colder. When I reach 30, it’s very chilly and not too pleasant but I keep going and hop out at 40.
3. consume inspiring content.
When I need a break from what I am doing, I absorb inspiring content instead of mindless scrolling. This content does not always relate to my direct work - that wouldn’t provide me with the needed break - but it does teach me something new, which stretches my brain and prompts curiosity, creativity and growth. A favorite example of this content is the daily TED talks delivered to my inbox, or even my favorite Stylist’s Instagram, where she links the way you dress to the way you feel, to the identity you want to embrace. As a side note, learning about industries outside of my own has been paramount for countless business ideas that I have had and the way I approach my work.
There’s no right way to do a morning routine or go about your day, and even with a clear daily plan, the unexpected happens. I have found, however, that practicing these habits sets me up for success and has helped me achieve my next-level self.