I recently attended a business conference that reignited my motivation, and I recorded a short video sharing practical steps to stay motivated and consistent while working toward your goals. Below I expand on those ideas and offer insight into how I keep going even when motivation fades.
How do I stay motivated + consistent?
At the conference I was asked to share my story with hundreds of attendees. I said yes right away, and then immediately wondered what useful advice I could offer. I’m not a finished product: I haven’t hit a six-figure income, I juggle organization challenges, I get stressed, and I still want to give up sometimes. But standing there, I realized how far I’ve come in three years and how essential motivation has been to staying in the game.
Motivation isn’t an inborn trait for me, and I’m not motivated every day. There are multiple times each day when I genuinely forget my goal and feel lost or discouraged. Yet I’ve developed ways to pick myself back up and keep moving forward. A quote that resonates with me is: “Success is assured if you can change your stopping point.” In other words, success often arrives later than we expect—and if you don’t let a missed deadline be your stopping point, you stay in the race.
Having a dream, a goal, and a sense of purpose matters. Everyone deserves to pursue their desires, but the path rarely feels easy. Staying motivated, showing up consistently, and giving your best effort are the real keys. There are no magic shortcuts; you must believe in yourself and in your worthiness of the outcome you seek—whether that’s a thriving business, a loving relationship, or a healthy body.
To stay motivated you should
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Have a clear intention.
Be specific about what you want. Visualize the end result and how it will feel. For example, I picture myself hosting a popular cooking show and use that image to guide daily decisions. A clear intention helps you choose actions that move you toward that vision.
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Make it enjoyable.
Meaningful goals require effort, but you can make the process enjoyable. If getting fit is your aim, try different activities until you find exercise you actually enjoy. Hard work becomes easier when it’s paired with something you like doing.
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Do it with a friend.
Change is easier when shared. Bringing a friend or family member along creates mutual support and accountability. Shared goals make the journey more motivating and less isolating.
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Have unwavering support.
Friends are valuable, but they may not always provide focused accountability. Consider adding a coach, mentor, or a dedicated group that’s committed to your success. Strong, consistent support helps sustain momentum when your own motivation wavers.
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Celebrate the successes you have along the way.
Recognize and celebrate small wins. These incremental successes show that your efforts are paying off and reinforce the habits that lead to your larger goal.
One of the most important drivers of motivation is commitment to your own success and the belief that you deserve it. Motivation research highlights three core needs: autonomy (responsibility for your choices), mastery (growing skill and competence), and purpose (a meaningful reason to persist). When these elements are present, motivation is more reliable.
I’m not motivated all the time, but I’ve removed my stopping point. I may stop strategies that aren’t working, but I never stop pursuing my core goals. If you can do the same—keep your main objectives alive even when tactics change—you’ll be much more likely to reach them.
I hope this post inspires you. Share your thoughts and tips for staying motivated and consistent in the comments below—your experience can help others stay on track.
photo of me at top by Jens Ingvarsson for Refinery 29//TJ Maxx