Teen Talk With Tara - The Secrets to Staying Motivated

Now you are in high school and you are busier than ever before. Your after-school job takes up a lot of time. Sports practices occuralmost every day and you joined a few clubs at school that are very time consuming. Not to mention the homework load is demanding. While it may seem a bit overwhelming to participate in so many activities, with a few simple tips, it is possible to stay motivated while accomplishing your new goals.

Be Positive
Though this may seem pretty simple, positive thinking reduces stress. Instead of thinking, “I just can’t do this” tell yourself, “There is a lot to do, and I will complete it all!” Positive energy will help you build willpower, especially when you’d rather play
a video game than finish your homework. Turn those occasional negative thoughts into positive ideas and before you know it, you will be on your way to reaching your new goals!

Create Manageable Steps
Having high expectations is great, but good planning is an important way for you to achieve your goals. Try to imagine the best way to begin. Break your task into simple steps. Organize your thinking and how much time you need for each project.
This might be as easy as planning an extra hour on your calendar to practice your sport. A friend might be available to brainstorm ways to best secure the leadership
position in your after-school club. No matter what the simple steps are, creating these steps will make you feel relaxed and give you a road map to success!

Surround Yourself With Trusted Support
It is always nice to spend time with others who care about you and value your accomplishments — no matter what. People who encourage you to reach your goals and give you needed support when a challenge comes your way are an important part of staying motivated. Look for support at home from parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. At school, coaches, counselors and teachers can help us reach our goals!

Be Flexible
Goals change and evolve into other goals as our needs change. Knowing how to adapt
to change is very important. Keep the end goal in mind, but be willing to take a detour if necessary. New and exciting experiences reap wonderful rewards. You’ll gain confidence with each new experience, and learn to handle unplanned situations, which is a necessary life skill. With these tips, your goals can be accomplished successfully while staying motivated!