5 Ways to Keep the Momentum Going

Here are 5 ways to keep the momentum going in your quest for a simplified and minimalist lifestyle.

So you got all excited about this new thing that seems to be the answer to your predicament and everything seems to be going smoothly, you have tossed out some garbage, you have organized a few drawers and closets, you've even donated a few things. You were off to a good start, and then things got a little hectic. The Summer got hot and life got busy and things just got in the way of your plans. The momentum slows, and so what do you do to keep up the momentum and avoid the frustration that comes with slow progress?

The problem could be that the task seems to overwhelming or you just don't know where to start next. Or we see the results of our work so far and it is so pleasing that we are tempted to set up camp and enjoy the view. Only problem is, we are only half way up the mountain. Settling for less than the best is so tempting when there is a long hike ahead of us. The view from the top of the mountain is way better, so grab those rubber gloves and garbage bag and let us keep moving.

1. TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT YOUR PROGRESS

If you are feeling frustrated because you seem to be slowing down in your progress, take heart. Go back and remember just how many items you have donated, cleaned up or tossed. It is easy to forget. Make a list of all the things that you have improved, donated or tossed. When you feel discouraged, bring out the list to remind yourself of how far you have come.

2. KEEP YOUR PERSPECTIVE POSITIVE

A few days ago I saw a photo of a snail on top of a tortoise, and the snail was yelling "Wheeeeee!"  I chuckled as I got what the photo was trying to say. It was illustrating the idea that perspective is everything. Celebrate whatever small victories that may arise.  What seems to you to be slow progress, is progress nonetheless.

3. TELL OTHERS ABOUT WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO

This is where you put yourself out there and are held accountable for what you said you would do. People will ask you soon enough, "So, did you get rid of that box of faux flowers you said you wanted to donate?" What will your answer be? Using this tactic is almost like blackmailing yourself into getting a task done. If you are someone who values being a person of their word, this works well. It motivated you to do what you said you would do. (It works for workouts too by the way.)

4. TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS

Everybody loves those makeover shows where someone gets a new look, or when a team come in and makeover a space. You have the opportunity to have your own little "Show and Tell" and share with others the progress you have made. The contrast between the before and after shots will keep you motivated and excited. In addition to this, photos give a different perspective of the space, so you may look at the "after" photo and suddenly notice where further improvements can be made.

5. BE REALISTIC

Be realistic with your time, energy and goals. As they say Rome wasn't built in a day and so your project will not be completed in a week either. You are in it for the long haul, so pace yourself and enjoy the journey. Resist trying to tackle too much at once, you do not want to exhaust yourself producing counterproductive consequences. If you have time and energy constraints, just do one drawer or one area a day. Pick a project that is manageable in the time you have available, and just keep on doing it. Take this process one step at a time and relish each step and each phase.

You are worth the effort to pursue your desire for a simpler life, and a clearer mind. That means making room for the meaningful things in life. Pick one thing from the list and start there.

Report back in the comments section of this blog, we would love to hear from you. Keep up the momentum and you will see that each little step of progress will amount to a more noticeable change.

Soon you'll be looking around beaming at the progress you have made, the momentum will have kicked up a few notches and you will be on your way.

I'd love to hear how it goes, post in the comments section.

By Melony Teague
www.melonyteague.com
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