“The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be” – Horace Bushnell.
One key to staying motivated on any project is staying positive, no matter the circumstances. The more positive you are, the better the chances of accomplishing your task.
A positive mindset benefits not only the success of any endeavour but also the individual, since people generally like being around positive-minded people.
There are several ways to maintain a positive mindset most of the time. Below are some simple recommendations anyone can follow to keep positive thoughts.
Focus The Mind
Perhaps the first recommendation is to focus your mind on the moment. Your mind is key to staying motivated and inspired.
Training your mind to recognise the positive elements in any situation is a good habit.
This is because the perception formed in the mind generally dictates the individual’s response. Your mood is also generally determined by what you are thinking of at that moment.
If you think you are happy, then you are happy. If you think you are motivated, then you are motivated. You are what you think.
Therefore, if your mind can process information positively, you have a better chance of facing potential problems successfully. See related articles: the power of thought and knowledge is key to success.
You want to keep your thoughts positive at any time. Remember you can process one thought at a time. You cannot be happy and sad at the same time.
Motivation is from within. “When you begin to perceive that the essence of the Universe is within yourself; is you; you begin to do things; you begin to feel your power; it is the fuel which fires the imagination; which lights the torch of inspiration; which gives vitality to thought; which enables you to connect with all the invisible forces of the Universe. It is this power which will enable you to plan fearlessly, to execute masterfully” – The master key.
The Company You Keep
Being around other positive-minded people also helps cultivate your own positive mindset. Just as sword sharpens sword, you benefit more from being around forward-thinking people.
Keeping negative-minded people from being a permanent fixture in one’s everyday life is a step in the right direction.
You must be mindful of the people you surround yourself with most of the time. The people we hang around with reflect who we are.
I believe everyone we meet has a bearing and a purpose in our lives. Not all of them are beneficial, though, so you need to know who will be your long-term friend and who will just be an acquaintance.
Try to evaluate all your mates and companions and see what each one brings and adds to your life.
I can tell you, I know amongst my peers who to approach when I am in need of assistance in a certain area, say financial, spiritual, etc.
At least I have an idea of the characters of most of my friends and those I normally associate with, and I know what I draw from their lives.
Improve Your Knowledge
Nothing can substitute knowledge, and knowledge comes through experience, hearing, and reading. The more knowledge you acquire, the better your thinking capacity develops.
Another interesting way to stay positive is to surround yourself with positive posters, quotes, audio, and visual media, and maybe even commit some helpful, positive abstracts or statements to memory.
Attending personal development, self-growth, and self-improvement workshops and/or seminars is another good way to stay motivated.
I have made it a point to read at least one book every month. This is in addition to my daily Bible reading.
I can attest that the Bible is probably the best book on motivation and inspiration. You can never go wrong reading the Bible every day.
Staying motivated also requires reading books that motivate you for at least thirty minutes a day. You must never get tired of reading. Knowledge is the pathway to life.
Exercise
Scientific research shows that regular exercise can help regulate the body’s chemical balance and create the positive energy needed to maintain a positive mindset.
Thus, following a regular exercise routine would be a definite advantage. Besides helping maintain your physical health, exercise also supports your mental health.
Meditation and yoga may also help you achieve the same positive mindset, as they are predominantly geared toward this end.
Mind exercises and games can also help you grow your mind. I personally play chess in addition to a weekly physical exercise schedule.
I prefer to exercise early in the day. This makes me feel very refreshed as I go about doing my daily business.
I usually feel very alert during the day after my morning run. The thing about exercising is doing what you are comfortable with.
Do not overstretch your body in the name of keeping fit. Just do what your body can handle. Start small and keep improving as your body adjusts.
That way, you will enjoy your outdoor or physical exercise. Also, find a time that fits into your schedule. I know some friends who usually go to the gym during lunchtime.
Conclusion
Inspiration and motivation are the art of imbibing, the art of self-realisation; the art of adjusting the individual mind to that of the Universal Mind; the art of attaching the proper mechanism to the source of all power; the art of differentiating the formless into form; the art of becoming a channel for the flow of Infinite Wisdom; the art of visualising perfection; the art of realising the Omnipresence of Omnipotence.
“Opportunity follows perception, action follows inspiration, growth follows knowledge, eminence flows progress. Always the spiritual first, then the transformation into the infinite and illimitable possibilities of achievement.” ~ the master key.