How to Stay Motivated Even When Life Gets Hard
Written By Salvatore Iacona
"Motivation is like a muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it gets."
Let’s face it: staying motivated is easy when everything is going well. But what about when life throws challenges your way? When things feel overwhelming, frustrating, or just too difficult?
This is where most people give up. But not you.
Because today, you’re going to learn how to stay motivated—no matter what.
Why Motivation Fades & How to Fight Back
Motivation disappears when:
- You don’t see progress fast enough
- You feel overwhelmed with too much to do
- You fear failure and hesitate to take action
- You get distracted by social media, TV, or other temptations
The good news? Motivation isn’t magic. It’s a skill—and you can build it with the right tools and exercises.
- EXERCISE 1: The "WHY" Reminder
- Write down your BIGGEST reason for wanting to change.
Is it for a better future?
Is it for financial freedom?
Is it to feel more confident?
- Whenever you feel unmotivated, STOP and read your WHY.
Say it out loud. Feel it. Let it drive you.
- Bonus: Write your "WHY" on a sticky note and put it where you see it every day—your mirror, phone, or workspace.
- EXERCISE 2: The 10-Minute Action Rule
When motivation is low, the hardest part is starting.
So use this trick: Tell yourself you’ll do it for just 5 minutes.
- Want to exercise? Do just 10 minutes.
- Want to study? Read for just 10 minutes.
- Want to start a project? Work on it for 10 minutes.
Most of the time, once you start, you’ll keep going!
- EXERCISE 3: The Energy Check-In
Your energy level affects your motivation. If you're constantly feeling drained, it's time for an energy reset.
- Ask yourself:
Am I sleeping enough?
Am I eating nutritious food?
Am I moving my body daily?
Am I surrounding myself with positive people?
-Fix your energy, and your motivation will naturally improve.
- EXERCISE 4: Make It a Game
If your goal feels boring, turn it into a challenge!
Set a goal and give yourself a deadline. Example:
“I will do 20 push-ups every day for the next 30 days.”
“I will read 10 books in the next 6 months.”
“I will wake up at 6 AM for 7 days straight.”
- Track your progress in a journal, calendar, or app. Seeing results will fuel your motivation!
- EXERCISE 5: The "Future You" Visualization
- Close your eyes and imagine the best version of yourself.
-Ask yourself:
How does my future self feel?
What habits does my future self have?
What choices did my future self make to get here?
- Now, take one action today that your future self would be proud of.
- Final Thought: Take Control of Your Motivation
Motivation isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create.
Every time you push through resistance, every time you take action despite feeling unmotivated, you train yourself to be stronger.
- Start NOW. No more waiting. No more excuses. Your future self is counting on you!