Building Momentum: The Simple Habits of Highly Motivated Individuals

Peter Stefanyszyn
8 min readFeb 16, 2023

Photo by Alvin Mahmudov on Unsplash

We’ve all been there, feeling deflated and unmotivated. We have the best intentions to live our lives with ambition, but it’s easier said than done. But achieving momentum doesn’t have to be this impossible task, this towering mountain is full of uncomfortable climbs and bridgeless chasms. There are simple habits that highly motivated individuals adopt, which can give even the most unmotivated of us a for if you can learn to implement them into your life and do them consistently becoming highly motivated won’t seem so impossible.

I have always been fascinated with successful entrepreneurs and genuinely inspiring inspirational speakers like Vinh Giang that explores the impact and the power of effective communication with Les Brown who has been a mentor to millions of people around the world. I have seen many common habits that these highly motivated individuals share and if we can learn. Are there specific habits that one can develop to propel themselves into a new trajectory of life? If so, this article will provide insight and clarity on those behaviors. Read further to experience transformation as you strive for success!

One of the most powerful habits amongst highly motivated individuals is their ambitious outlook on life and how they are always looking for ways to improve. This often involves setting goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable bite-sized steps so that progress can be made over the course of time and doesn’t feel as if it is being forced down your thoughts like some nasty-tasting medicine. Even if it’s something small like reading one book a month or doing fifteen minutes of exercise every day, progressively build up, gradually increasing your personal momentum. Remember that you are capable of achieving your goals and buried inside of you is more powerful and stronger than can imagine. I often recall the quote from Steve Jobs says, “everything around you was created by people no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use”.

Your life in this very moment is a series of choices. Every decision you make tells a story, and the things that lead up to these choices create the narrative of your life. Highly motivated individuals are conscious of this fact and understand that their time on earth is precious. My time, your time, it’s all limited and should give you a zest to find your way, scream out the car window loud and proud, and make sure you are living the best life possible.

A great way to take control of your daily routine is by adopting one simple habit: waking up early in the morning. Every successful and highly motivated individual I have had the opportunity to read about, speak to, or watch always has that one unifying characteristic: the ability to establish a daily routine, and for them it starts with waking up early in the morning. That’s not to say that you need to wake up at 5 am every morning, but rather adopt a habit of allowing yourself some extra time upon rising so you can start your day off on the right foot.

I am simply here to showcase what is possible, the rest is up to you to dig deep and question what you really aim to achieve. My world started coming into focus the day I had my first kid. Little did I know this adorable tiny human that is part of me and part of my lovely wife(the best parts of her)continues to shape the very fabric of my being. That same day I made a promise to myself that every single moment of my life counts, not just for me but also for my growing family and his future. This was the start of reinventing my life today I share it with you in hopes that you too can reinvent yourself and become the highly motivated or inspired individual you have always wanted to be.

These habits are just a few of the tips that I have found to be effective in my own life and the lives of others. The best part about it is that you can start implementing them today. You do not need to sign up for anything, watch an instructional video or give up red meat (unless you want to). These tips are here for you to use and experience as you build up momentum and become a highly motivated individual and a master of one’s own destiny.

Ready?

Tip 1: The person in the mirror

Now that voice in your mental cockpit — the one that’s telling you to stay in bed and watch Netflix — is actually you. It’s important to understand that it may not be in your best interest at heart, so take a moment every morning when you wake up and remember who you are and what you stand for.

We all have times of doubts, and lazy days but the beauty is that this is not permanent and it’s in our power to turn it around.

Tip 2: Prioritize your day

I have to say one if not the best expense I did for myself was to buy a journal and agenda. It offers me to put everything I need to reach my goals in bite-size steps, down to every hour, so prioritize what you have to do and make sure you get the important stuff done first. Make a list and try to be as specific as possible about each task. You don’t want to find yourself aimlessly drifting into one task after another without actually getting anything accomplished.

On this same note, journalling and expressing what I am grateful for allows me to shift my perspective and focus on the abundance and potential that exists in my life. keep in mind that behind every action is a reason, so take the time to remind yourself of your why — what motivates you to take action and succeed? I love the following quote by the Great Bruce Lee that goes “Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own”.

Without a goal or clear vision, motivation is hard to come by as we’re more likely to give up if there isn’t something tangible to work towards.

Once you have this figured out, write it down someplace. Preferably place your view often(also known as a planner) or on a post where you can see it — like the mirror or your journal — so when those negative thoughts creep into your mind, you can combat them with positivity.

Tip 3: Get moving

One of the best ways to build momentum is by doing something physical that allows you to release endorphins and gain energy for the rest of the day. Put on some headphones and listen to the beat of a podcast that lights a hypothetical fire of determination under your ass. It can be similar to that feeling when you’re in the zone, working on something that matters.

A great way to get your creative juices flowing and stay motivated is by going for a walk outside, breathing some of that “fresh air” everyone is talking about, and taking in some good old sunshine so people don’t think you are one of the palest vampires ever.

Tip 4: Smile and Laugh Often

You have probably realized that it is essential to focus on the positive. Give yourself a little bit of self-love and a pep talk and talk to yourself. Studies show that by speaking positively to yourself your subconscious will take in that, and it is a long-term effect.

Laughter really is the best medicine and has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A hearty laugh can go a long way in improving your mental health, and ultimately helping you stay motivated. If that’s something you’re looking for, why not check out HumorBagel to watch some funny fart videos or fail montages? They will surely give you the chuckle boost you need before bedtime!

Plus it gives you an excuse to watch as many cat videos as you want — a bonus!

Tip 5: Celebrate victories no matter how small

It’s essential to recognize wins and remind yourself of all the milestones you’ve accomplished — no matter how small they are. Think of celebrating the small milestones as the seasoning, the pepper if you will to the overall progress. It simply makes it more enjoyable, savor each win, it’s part of the journey and it allows you to keep moving forward.

It’s important to remember that there are times when we fail, but also times when we succeed, even if it is just a small victory. Celebrate every little accomplishment — because they all add up and you my friend are second to one and only as good as the work you put in.

Give yourself a chance. You devote yourself to finishing elementary, learning to wipe your ass, getting a job, and possibly learning to drive. Raise the bar a bit further and I am sure you can surprise yourself and don’t listen to the naysayers. Those people that tell you that you are not good enough, ignore them and do it anyway. Create a whole new reality one day, one step, one action at a time, and when you look back at this year(and you will) you will be proud of what you personally accomplished.

Look Mom & Dad, no training wheels 🚴‍♀️ 🤓😉

So whatever your goal may be, know that it is achievable with the right attitude, consistency, and determination. Building momentum is not an overnight task — it’s a process that requires patience and dedication. But if you take the necessary steps to stay focused on your goals and set yourself up for success, you will be able to unlock your true potential and turn your dreams into reality. 🔓👊

Just remember: One small step can lead to big changes! Got it? Good. Now go out there and kick some ass and set a positive impact on those around you 🦸‍♀️💪😎. Share this article to help someone in your circles, together we all achieve more.

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Thanks for reading. Until next time!

Peter

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Peter Stefanyszyn
Peter Stefanyszyn

Written by Peter Stefanyszyn

Welcome to Gibberish & Gold—where words get broken down, flipped around, and served up with a side of wit.

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