How do you guys motivate yourselves to complete tasks? Like exercising, class, etc.

[TheSillyPuppy]

I agree with what folks have said beforehand. Motivation is the catalyst to productivity; discipline is what keeps it going.

For school, start with mapping out what times you don't have available (classes, tutorials, etc.) Then, with the available timeslots, you can then fill in work/study sessions. The Pomodoro technique worked wonders for me (there are browser extensions -- personally, I used Marinara in Chrome). I started out doing 25-minute work/study sessions and eventually found that 90-minute sessions worked optimally (my major was engineering). 30 to 45-minute sessions worked out when I was doing things like research and writing reports/essays. Once I enter a state of flow, I found that I no longer needed to rely on the browser extensions to block out distractions.

Break down work into smaller, more digestible chunks. For example, instead of thinking about the entire looming essay/report for a class, first figure out the structure of the deliverable -- what sections you need to include, your main points/arguments, etc. Then work a bit at a time -- one paragraph/section at a time.

When you take breaks, try to get away from your workspace. Do some jumping jacks, grab/make a snack and eat it on the couch (just an example), go on a walk around the block/neighbourhood, etc. Do something where you and your brain actually take a break from thinking about your studies -- the change in environment helps to fully dissociate from your work.

Sort of related to giving yourself breaks, do block out longer periods of time to do things you enjoy (e.g. catching up with friends, playing games, etc.) Working/studying is just a part of life, and it's important to remember to have fun!

Find an accountabilibuddy. For my studies, this was my super smart friend who basically acted as my friend group's private tutor. The thought of all that work and time that he put into making sure we knew our stuff going into midterm and final exams was enough to keep me in check and on top of my studies.
For working out, this is my S/O. Even though we're long-distance now, we have a Google Sheets going with our records of working out (Mondays through Fridays).

Finally, and probably most importantly, make sure you're meeting basic physiological needs (eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep). It's hard to maintain focus on work/studies when you're lethargic or your stomach is growling.

I hope this helps, and I wish you success! Feel free to DM me as well.

 

[Snowesque]

Reward myself with something afterwards, such as being lazy, a snack, etc.

 

[Kuroh]

Tips

Make tasks a bit more enjoyable! For example, playing music when cleaning around the house or finding a fun way to exercise (dancing, exercise game, etc.)
Get tasks done asap so you can enjoy the reward of having more free time to do whatever you want!
A regular good night's rest can help with having more energy to do stuff
Don't have any distractions around (games, apps, websites, texting)

 

[thatawkwardkid]

Discipline. I know that I'm a person of habit so if I try to do something the same way everyday then after a while it doesn't feel like I'm trying.

 

[itsmxuse]

Biggest one for me is definitely music, especially if it’s uplifting music or even relaxing. It helps massively for chores and things that are unbearable in silence, it gives you that extra boost of energy to do things

 

[visibleghost]

i try to just do it and when i do it several days in a row i feel accomplished and happy and don't want to break my streak. it's hard to get started though, sometimes i just don't do the things i need to do even though i know it will make me feel better or at least less guilty if i do. rewarding myself doesn't really work because i know i can just give myself the reward anyway lol. idk

 

[Ghost Of Mascevanje]

Two words: Pure will

 

[Fjoora]

It's my push towards self-improvement and the success I've had in the past. Success is contagious, and mounting one goal makes it easier to surmount the next hill. Remember that you're not in full control. You're in a perpetual battle with your instincts and desire to execute things as simply and lazily as possible. Think about how hard it is to say no to a sweet you don't want to eat. It's not easy, but get in the habit of convincing yourself otherwise. Say, 'I don't want that cookie' or 'I'm looking forward to going on this run' or 'I'm gonna nail this paper'. Say it with conviction and believe it. It can be a massive game changer.

 

[nightglow]

I too use music most of the time. But also, I find that if there is nice lighting outside taking a moment to enjoy that helps me get motivated to get some stuff done. I get overwhelmed easily. Not just an anxiety thing but a sensory overload kind of way. So even things like candles can help me get moving. I also think about the end result of getting whatever out of the way. For example... that pile of clean clothes out of the dryer being gone when they are put away on laundry day. I HATE clutter. (I feel like I can't escape clutter but that is another conversation for another day lol!)

 

[Mezzanine]

Deleted

 

[hakutaku]

I agree about just forcing yourself to do it, head empty. I tend to overthink a lot and I get trapped in a negative spiral if I contemplate things too much and end up doing nothing out of anxiety. Remind yourself of the reward you'll have after the task is done (a clean house, or an improved mood after exercising, free time to be lazy, or the fact that once it's done you don't have to worry about it anymore). Listening to the radio or a podcast is helpful when doing a task like cleaning too, it gives your mind something to focus on.

 

[deirdresgf]

i never have really any motivation to do literally anything but thinking ”my crush will hate me/think I’m gross if I don’t do this”
I know it sounds stupid but it’s the only way I can get myself to do anything, and also thinking about how “after I finish this, I can go eat the leftover ice cream in the fridge!” and stuff like that. also, i think “ I should finish my work early since my dad is drunk right now and I don’t want to get yelled at again and then lose more motivation”

 

[Dwayne Johnson]

the only motivation i need (school related) is the fact that i spent money to be in this course, so if i was to fail thats thousands of dollars down the drain and wasting money is never a good thing to do.

as for anything else i just usually just need a push or fear tactics lol, fear is my best motivator

 

[Rasha]

My only "motivation" is that I usually have very low energy so I have to hurry and finish said task before this energy is all used up otherwise I can't complete anything. It may sound like an excuse to be lazy but it's actually something I've been dealing with for years now maybe because I'm an introvert with a very demanding job an I only have one full day a week to charge my batteries. I'm also depressed which causes difficulties in sleeping at night and waking up in the morning to say the least.