5 Ways to Get Motivated

I get it….it’s easy to sit back and go with the flow.  Everyone else is on “chill” mode and you know you’ve got work to do.  But for some reason, you can’t turn on your “go” button.  Have you been in this position?  Better yet, are you stuck in it right now?  If so, here are 5 ways to get motivated!

1. Expose yourself to someone you admire. There are few things that motivate us more than being exposed to people we admire.  When I was a kid, basketball was my thing.  I’d play all night long if my parents would have let me.  I was always a hard worker and was typically the last guy out of the gym.  Even still, there was always something, or should I say someone, that could push me the extra mile.  I remember watching recorded Michael Jordan games and highlights before I headed out to the courts.  By the time I got there, I was pumped to take on the world.  In my mind, MJ himself couldn’t have stopped me!  Nowadays, I pump myself up by listening to innovators of all backgrounds.  Who do you admire that can give you the energy to keep on pushing?
2. Imagine the worst-case scenario. One of two things tend to drive people; success or failure. In some situations, the fear of what comes with failure can be a stronger motivator that success.  And at times, it is helpful to consider the opposite of your dreams as possible realities.  Gary V is a well-known business man and media tycoon.  He often shares that one of his biggest motivators is imagining what life would be like if he lost his family.  That’s a little too much for me to consider, but I understand what he’s getting at.  Sometimes, to appreciate your opportunities, you need to consider what life would be like without them.
3. Imagine the best-case scenario.  Most of us have this one down!  We’d rather dream of the perfect circumstances an ideal lifestyle.  Just close your eyes and let your mind take you to that perfect little place. Think of something you want and allow the natural dopamine release to give you a little rush.  While this is a great exercise to do, it’s important not to get stuck dreaming.  The goal is to get a little teaser, so you’ll be motivated to work harder.  The dream can’t be enough for you.  You must wake up and go after the real thing!
4. Think about the people you’ll be helping. As healthcare professionals, we must remember that there’s always someone waiting for us to make it to the next level, so we can take care of them.  Although they don’t know it yet, there is a patient that I will take care of next week who will be happy that I made it through my premed years, med school years, residency, and fellowship!  This person has waited all these years for me to be their doctor and care for them when our paths cross.  I owe it to them to deliver the best healthcare I can.  The same is true for you.  Your future patients are waiting for you to impact their lives!  This should be motivation enough!
5. Listen to the right song. If you’re anything like me, no matter what type of mood you’re in, there’s always that one song that will get you pumped and ready to go.  I remember the morning of my MCAT, I woke up and prepared to head off to my exam.  Just before I got going, I played my MCAT song.  I know, it sounds corny, but ya…I had an MCAT song.  Sometimes you just need to hear the right words with the right melody to get you in the right mood!

Have you tried any of these tactics to get motivated?  What other strategies do you use to get going?  What’s your go to song?

Are you a premed? Join Diverse Medicine now. It's free!