Motivation can be hard to find. Motivating yourself to reach a goal, finish a project, or heck, get out of bed (highly underrated) can be a huge confidence drainer. You are not alone. I too have struggled with finding motivation on dark, dreary days, and in times where I thought maybe I should just give up on my dreams. But don’t! Motivation can come in many forms and can totally change your mood, attitude, and push you to do amazing things. I’m sharing 8 of my favorites with you.

When I was writing my book, there were days where I would sit inside, unable to write a cohesive paragraph, let alone a complete sentence.  Writers block would turn to anxiety, which lead to “This sucks, my work sucks, I’ll never get my words out to the world.” These thoughts got me nowhere. The motivation would come when I would search for it, and to my surprise, it was easy.

When I was in high school and college, I would find inspirational quotes and tear them from magazines. My dorm room had wallpaper that was actually a giant collage I created. I’d print out pictures of inspirational people and places I wanted to go to help me get motivated or back on track. Fast forward to the here and now, and we’ve got social media to help us with motivation.

In the past few years I’ve turned to the Internet and social media to help motivate me and push me out of a funky mood or depressing day. If I don’t watch the time, I could spend hours scouring Pintrest, Instagram and tumblr. I’ve found that the best way to continue feeling motivated is to pass it on. So if you find an awesome image that inspires and motivates you tag me on Instagram or twitter so I can share it too. Share it, post it on my wall if you want!  Take a pic and send it to a friend who is having a bad day, retweet it, or make it your screen saver to keep you motivated all week.

8 Motivation Quotes for Every Mood

What if others think I’m stupid?

Your confidence can take a nose dive when you are trying something new. It may feel like the whole word watching you. They’re not; that’s just your ego, your insecurity talking. If you want to reach your goals or dreams, you’ve got to standout from the crowd by being yourself and listening to your inner voice. If all your are staying out late and you’ve got an early midterm that you want to ace, then keep your dignity and your dreams alive by doing whats best for you.

Have you been dreaming for years about writing your memoir, taking that trip, or trying something new? How many goals did you have a few years ago that are still on your bucket list?  You’re not getting any younger. Maybe you should get started on that goal or dream today.

I don’t have enough time…

Fact. You make time for important things, and that includes dreams or goals you want to achieve. What’s more motivating than knowing you and Queen B have the same hours in the day, what you do with them matters. That also includes taking care of your body and mind, because if you don’t have that in balance, there is no way anything else will be.

It’s too hard…

Can’t get off the couch or out of bed to that appointment or meeting with your professor? Want to be in great shape but feel like it’s too much work. Well, nothing is easy.  But you’ll feel a hell of a lot better if you go.  Plus it sparks more motivation for you to continue with the rest of your day.

I’ll do it tomorrow…

Yeah right. Famous last words of a forgotten dream. One step in the right direction today can motivate you for tomorrow instead of waiting for tomorrow to be a magical day of motivation (highly unlikely). So if you want to take a class, go on a trip, or write your book do a little research right now. Don’t buy the plane ticket necessarily, but look at prices, places, and get a little motivation under you.

Okay fine, I’ll do it later…

Put it in your calendar, make a mental note, or minimize the screen (don’t worry this blog wont go away) and go search right now. I’ll still be here.  Motivating yourself to search for something you want or desire to achieve gets the positive energy flowing, keeping you more motivated.

This will never work…

You are never stuck. In fact some of the best ideas come from feeling frustrated.  When you motivate yourself to look at the big picture, alternative options, or a new idea, it can open your eyes to ideas you never dreamed possible. You are only stuck if you decide to be.

I’m afraid…

Here’s a secret: everyone is at some point.  I was shaking like a wet dog during my first presentation at local middle school.  What if they hate me? Judge me? What if I mess up?  Well, I didn’t die, nor did I make any obvious mistakes. I challenged my fear and felt freaking awesome afterwards. Do you want a life that you look back on and say, I wish would have, or a life that’s filled with stories about how you tried and achieved your goals? Your call.

Which quotes do you love? Which did you share? Don’t forget to tag me, email me, or share these with your friends.

Take Good Care,

xo Em

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Emily Roberts MA, LPC is The Guidance Girl. Her goal is to help YOU become the most confident person you know! Emily is an award-winning author Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Becoming Who You Are, Psychotherapist, TV & Media Contributor, Educational Speaker, and parenting consultant. She travels around the country educating girls, women, and parents. Express Yourself is available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon. To learn more about Emily click here.