1 - Set goals - Write out a set of goals that you can strive to hit. A set of goals will keep you motivated. When you have goals you wake up everyday with a mission. You have something clearly defined that you want to do. You should have your own goals because if you do not someone else will have a set of goals that they want you hit.

You feel much more motivated to go after your own goals than you do when someone else pressures you into accomplishing their goals. A good example is of this is your boss threatening you to hit a quota at work or else. It is temporary motivation to avoid being fired whereas if you set the goal for your own reasons you can maintain it longer without feeling pressured.

2 - Develop a Plan - When you follow a plan you take the urge to procrastinate out of the equation. It is easier to maintain motivation when you follow a step by step plan. You are simply striking tasks off of your to - do list as you move along towards the accomplishment of your goal.

3 - Take Action - When you take action you create energy and forward momentum. If you continue to put off doing what needs to be done then you only make it harder to get started. It is best to get started and then continue taking action. That way you create forward momentum. This makes it easier to maintain motivation.

4 - Give Incentives - Reward yourself when you hit milestones along the way. This helps you to have fun. And when you are having fun it is easier to stay motivated. Far too often we wait until the goal is achieved before we celebrate. This actually drains your motivation over time.

Give yourself an incentive for reaching a milestone and you will be motivated to hit the next one. After putting a string of accomplishments and rewards together you feel as though you have hit your goal rather quickly. And you will have done so while maintaining a high level of motivation along the way.

5 - Get Inspired - You can read inspiring books to maintain motivation. Biographies of famous or successful people are good. When you read about the struggles and victories that these people experienced it gives you hope. You will find that you relate to them. Their stories will make you believe that you can succeed in much the same way that they did.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your free access to my special report "Motivation Keys" by going to http://www.motivationkeys.com

From Anthony D. Carter - a leading expert on motivation.