Gettin' Motivated

I think motivation is something we all struggle with to varying degrees. I'm an idealistic person with lots of great ideas, lofty goals, and usually a lot of energy (barring frequent nighttime feedings!). I can start out with a bang but, if I'm not careful to pace myself, I end in a heap of frustrated exhaustion! Having the motivation to start something is one thing; sticking with goals day in, day out, is quite another.


Here are some tips that work for me in keeping myself motivated. These can apply to everything from staying caught up on housework (as much as possible with 3 little ones!) to writing a book (which I've never done before, but I'm just sayin'). :o)


Make a to do list and keep it visible! For those of us who are extremely visual, the value of a list or chart cannot be over estimated! What I see in black-and-white becomes tangible in my mind. It's a fun challenge to mark off accomplishments for the day or week, gives a great sense of achievement, AND helps me to not forget things. ;o) I normally post my to do list on the fridge, or lay it on the kitchen counter with a pen nearby so I can glance at it frequently and scratch off what I've already gotten done.


Be accountable. A lot of times, simply sharing goals or plans with a friend or family member is enough to keep me going when I feel like throwing in the towel. If I know that someone is counting on me or may ask about my progress, I'm much less apt to slack off or call it quits. My husband is a huge source of encouragement to me in this department; he always gives me a boost just when I need it most!


Record your accomplishments and learn from your mistakes. When I first began developing Homemaker's Cottage over a year ago, I knew absolutely nothing about building a website or even how to really utilize the gazillion tools on the internet. I encountered MANY dead ends, got headaches from staring at a computer screen, and many times decided I was futily wasting my time and energy. I kept (and still keep) an "idea" notebook full of my website goals and aspirations. Some of my ideas are now a working part of Homemaker's Cottage. Others didn't work so well, and still others are nothing but a scribbled note waiting to be tried. I've discovered many of my weaknesses over the past 12 months (I still don't know a thing about HTML), but the challenges only make the handful of goals I've reached all the sweeter. :o)


Dream big but keep your dreams do-able. A pit fall of being an idealist is that I often expect near supernatural achievements from a mere pathetic mortal (me!). Yes, I'd love to organize, clean, and maintain a showcase home on a daily basis. Who wouldn't? But that's simply not realistic, and all the planning and motivation in the world can't make "perfect" happen! I can either sit around feeling like a miserable failure as a homemaker because my house isn't spotless and my meals aren't gourmet; OR, I can get up on my feet and get something done. Even if I can't do everything, I CAN do something.

If you've ever woke up feeling like a first class grump with no energy whatsoever to tackle the overwhelming tasks of the day, then you know what I mean. When those kind of days happen, don't try to conquer the world. As Martha Greene wisely advises, "Just do the next thing!"

Don't compare yourself with others. Nothing de-motivates me like comparing myself with someone who can out-do me in an area (or every area). I can look at my imperfect house and moan the blues because Missy-Poo down the road always seems to have her ducks in a row. Or I can feel sorry for myself because I can't play the piano like So-And-So or arrange flowers like Sister What's-Her-Name. You know what? I'm not good at everything, even some things I'd like to be good at. My nature is to recoil from trying my wings in front of someone who's an expert at flying; but if I let my insecurities hinder me, I'll never get off the ground.

I owe a lot to my mom for teaching me to push myself out of my comfort zone. I remember many times as an adolescent and teenager, singing a solo in church only to "mess up" and vow to never sing at church again. "Oh yes you are," my mom must have told me one hundred times. "You don't have to be THE best, you just have to be willing to be YOUR best." That lesson has stuck with me through the years and nudged me forward many times when I would have rather tucked tail and hid under a pew. :o)


Refuse to give up. A bit part of being motivated is simply persevering. Be stubborn, in a good way! So you've tried your hand at a sewing project ten times, and produced a tangled mess of thread and crooked seams ten times (don't I know about that!). Try again! If your garden flopped this year, check out a few helpful gardening books from the library, gather tips from a friend with a green thumb, and start over next year! So you've always been a little on the messy side and just can't get rid of all that household clutter; start with small changes, expect the best from yourself, and make every day count!

I used to think that people who had multiple talents and accomplished a lot were just "lucky" folks who were blessed with above average ability and intelligence. Not so. Most of the time these "lucky" people are simply individuals who refused to give up. They took risks, learned from their mistakes, overcame their weaknesses, and let God make up the difference where they fell short.

Look to God for strength. Regardless if you're one of those people with energy running out your ears, or one who has to pull herself up by the boot straps to even get dinner fixed, we ALL must rely on the Lord for strength. Strive to live so that your motivation comes from a Source deeper than your own ambition- let it be grounded in pleasing, serving and loving Jesus Christ alone. And remember what God's Word promises: "I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Staying motivated really isn't about my ability or my know-how. It's all about resting in the strength of One mightier than me, determining to do and be my very best, and leaving the rest with Him.


How do you stay motivated as a wife, mother, or even an aspiring homemaker? How do you overcome the fear of failure, comparing yourself with others, or just simply lacking the "get up and go" to get things done?

I would love to hear some thoughts from fellow sisters in the Lord- we have the privilege and duty of encouraging one another here!