The Motivating Power of a Fresh Start

By, Nikki Martinez, Psy.D., LCPC

I think the most important building block to motivation are how you start and end your day. This means, no waking up at the last second and rushing around, as this starts the day on a terrible note. You feel rushed, disorganized, and that you are already behind on things. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to ease into a well-planned day. . Start by doing something just for you, whether it is reading the paper with a cup of coffee, listening to the radio, or hearing your favorite podcast. Many people find that the morning is a great time for them to exercise and get their heads clear. Any of these things can help you start with a clean slate each morning. Maybe a few great morning mantras to really set the mood.

The Motivating Power of a Fresh Start

Then set a plan for the day written in order of priorities. Don’t be unrealistic about how much you are adding to this list. Also, be honest and realistic about what needs to be done today. If you have time to get ahead, fantastic, but do not create constant situations to fall behind. Make room for the last second projects and problems that are sure to be thrown into the mix. A key here is organization. You should know what needs to be done on a regular basis, what days, and at what times. You should also have an organized schedule of more long term projects, and what due dates are for its milestones. When we break large projects into small and manageable steps, it is amazing the progress that we are able to make towards them.

Know what you want

For the workday, keep your original list in mind, finish items, and cross things off the list, no matter what comes your way. While things may get thrown in that move other
things down the list, keep your eye on the prize. The important thing is to not get anxious or stressed, to really know that you can handle whatever comes your way because you started with a solid plan, and that plan is going to pay off in your ability to get things done. One of the greatest things that is overlooked in our ability to motivate ourselves and be successful each day, is our ability to remain calm, and to have a constant faith in ourselves and our abilities.

Finish what you start

As you move through your day and finish your list, make sure that you are also paying special attention to return every call and email before you leave for the day. There is no greater motivator and feeling of accomplishment than a clean slate to start fresh with tomorrow! Imagine the feeling of calm, and the sense of accomplishment that you get to have each and every day by walking out the door with nothing hanging over your head that was left undone. Now you have the chance to go home and spend quality time with your significant others, spend time with friends, or take part in an activity that you enjoy. You can now do all of this without work or any thoughts of unfinished business hanging over your head. You can truly allow yourself to relax and recharge, and really, what is more motivating than creating quality time in your life?

Opening Doors

Now think about the additional time that you have opened up for yourself to set new goals and projects that you would like to work towards? Things that you would never have the time to dream of, much less work on, if you did not have a clean slate to work with. We have so many ideas, so many things that we want to do, and the reason that we never seem to be able to find the time to start and accomplish them is the fact that we never feel like we can get ahead. While the idea of the clean slate may feel like a lot of work at first, once you start making it a part of your daily routine at the start and end of your day, it will become a welcome habit.

Your clean slate

Embrace the idea, and the lifestyle of the clean slate. Learn to live without the burdens of unfinished tasks. Learn to wake with a calm at the possibilities of the day, and a sense of ease into your day vs a sense of being rushed. Walk away from your workday unencumbered by things left undone, as there are no items left for you to worry about. Open the time and space you have been longing for to have quality time for yourself, or time to plan your next great project. All of this can be done, and all of this is entirely possible, if you embrace the motivating power of the clean slate!