What’s your motivation quotient? Was it a great week full of accomplishments or were you struggling to get through the days? Did you take on too much as you started the new year?

For the sake of this topic, I would like to give the HOPEpreneur definition of the word motivation: the internal drive to carry out what is important to us. It is closely aligned to what motivates us and what we are passionate about. It is personal and will grow when shared with others who share our passion.

Here are seven creative ways to keep the motivational flame burning brightly to do keep moving forward toward success (For sake of a practical example, I will be talking about find the motivation to write the HOPEpreneur blog that you are reading):

1. Tap into your true motivation.

When we align our goals with what truly motivates us, we will find the stamina to follow through with them. For example, my passion is to make a difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs. As a result, I have found increased my motivation to write this blog as I hear back from readers who find it helpful. What motivates you?

2. Celebrate every step in the right direction.

Set small goals that keep you moving forward. I set a goal of ten blogs and you are reading the eleventh one.  Now I am going to write some blogs to have ready to go for when my travel schedule picks up next year. What’s a small goal you can set that you will celebrate when you accomplish it?

3. Accept setbacks as reality check points.

Initially, I set my goal to write three blogs a week to get me established and build up my mailing list. I still want to do that but am happy when I can get two blogs out there. If I re-frame the setback, I see that this is not a failure but rather a reality check depending on my schedule. What milestones have you set in place to mark your progress?

4. Acquire an accountability partner.

Find someone who will check back with you to see if you completed what you set out to do. This is the reason that organizations like Weight Watchers are so successful. Pick someone you trust and who will urge you to keep going if you get derailed. Who will you ask to celebrate your next accomplishment with you?

5. Get moving.

Literally, get up and walk around when ready to stop. Avoid the temptation to go online because you can burn up time very quickly in that venue. Set your timer and go for a walk around the block. Put some music on and dance to your favorite tune. Moving releases endorphins which help the creative process. What’s your plan when you want to stop? Where are you going to walk?

6. Believe you can.

This sounds like such a ‘no brainer’ doesn’t it? When it comes to our stretch goals, most of us talk ourselves out of what we want to accomplish long before we give it a chance to succeed. I meet people every day who tell me that they are terrible writers. Start small and persist. Follow through and improve your writing every day. The best way to do that is to write. What do you tell others about that stretch goal you’ve set for this year?

7. Have fun.

Read the comics or watch a funny movie. Go spend time with friends that share your sense of humor. The more you laugh, the more creative you will be. What helps you laugh? I, for one, have learned to laugh at myself and find many opportunities every day to laugh.

Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.

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Tags: accountability, accountability partner, fun, motivation, passion, reality check, step in the right direction, true motivation, women entrepreneurs