New Year’s resolutions looking a little rusty?  This year, as New Years approached, I thought about ways to help myself stay motivated to keep my resolutions going.  So far, these ideas have really helped stay on track, so I thought I would share them with you all today.  So, here are my 3 simple ways to stay motivated (or get motivated!) this year.  Hope they inspire you to stick with your resolutions and make this a great year of change.

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1. Read inspirational books

I tend to read a lot of fiction. I love how easy it is to read and how entertaining it is. . Even though fiction is fun, it rarely inspires me to live differently or think deeply. But lately I’ve been working to be intentional about reading different types of books (besides fiction). I’ve found I really enjoy inspirational books and biographies – who knew?! It is way easier to get motivated when you read about someone else who went after something and actually did it.

I’ll share the last couple books that I read and the ones I’m currently reading in case you need ideas.

Handcrafted
Such a fun, inspirational story! This is written by Clint Harp (used to be on Fixer Upper). He had a rough childhood, so it sheds new light on everything he is doing now. It was an easy read and a great, feel good book.

The Go-Getter: A Story That Tells You How To Be One
This is a quick novella of sorts. Yes, it’s fiction, but it is an old book (from the 1920s I think?) that Dave Ramsey has republished because he thinks it is so helpful to teach determination and follow through. I appreciated the story simple as it was. It is short and to the point.

Start
Jon Acuff delivers and blast of motivation in this quick read. He gives you every tool you need to go out and start something, anything! This book is written more in blog style – as in, more conversational in nature. It does make you think, “What am I doing?” “Am I living the life/way I want to?” Not super deep, but it is thought provoking.
Not saying you need to read these books specifically (although Handcrafted was really good!), but you can go find books that you identify with and read them. Expanding your world always helps!

2. Follow someone on social media

Find someone that appears to have a full life and is living in way that emphasis the qualities you are working on.

Ok, I am not saying you should put someone on a pedestal or anything. But what I am saying is that if you can find someone who is living a full authentic, intentional life and catch a glimpse into their life, it could be really helpful. Often we know the end result we want to accomplish, but have no idea of how to actually get there.
For example, I’ve found a couple women online that I consider live very intentional lives. Since it is something I struggle with, I find what they share very motivating. It’s nice to see someone who has been where I am and made changes for the better. Plus, they tend to give concrete examples of things to implement in my life to help me be more disciplined, etc.
One more word of caution though. Don’t find that person and then compare yourself to them. They have had a long journey to get to where they are. You won’t be able to do the things they do overnight. If you fall into the comparison trap, it won’t be worth it.

3. Connect with your Faith

Having something deeper that you are living for gives our lives purpose. If you succeed at getting motivated but aren’t living for a higher purpose then what is the point? Having a deep and abiding Faith will give you even more to live for and inspire you to be motivated. Enough said.

I hope your New Year’s journey is going strong! If not, I hope these ideas inspire you to keep trying – don’t give up!

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