You have a pile of work or a list of chores that needs to get done and you just cannot find the motivation to dig in and get busy. Here are some tricks to help motivate you:

Create mini-goals

Maybe you have a batch of memos to get done at work this week, or one large, but time-consuming project to finish before the end of the month. Rather than getting overwhelmed with your “to do” list, why not create mini-goals for yourself and experience a sense of accomplishment along the way? Consider each task as its own milestone. Identify the steps that will take your project through to completion and as you check off each one, note your progress as you go along.

Rewards

Let’s face it, we all enjoy rewards, and having a few in place that encourage progress and set you up for success is no sin. Maybe you’ve been trying to work out more. Why not record your favorite TV shows and only watch them when you’re on the treadmill? Been eyeing a new tool at the hardware store? Buy it, but only after you have completed that “honey-do” household chore list.

Negative consequences

If positive reinforcement isn’t what motivates you to get the job done, consider the alternative. Will your boss fire you? Your spouse be angry? Bills won’t get paid? It’s good to remind yourself of the consequences, and if you can’t think of any, create your own. Maybe you don’t get to watch the football game on Sunday unless you wash the car.

Do projects with others

Have a massive mailing, sorting or cleaning project looming? Invite some friends over or ask your co-workers for help. Get some snacks, turn on the tunes, and jump in. Doing things with others makes them more fun and a lot faster as a result.

Use one of the strategies above and get motivated to start your next project today!