How to Motivate Yourself in 5 Minutes

Not feeling motivated? No problem take five minutes to do the following.

(30 seconds) IDENTIFY THE TASK. Identify the actual thing you want to accomplish and write the task down in a short phrase. Here are some examples: to study for ___ exam, to complete my monthly financials, to finish a contract for ___, to go for a walk, to clean the house, to give someone feedback.

(3 minutes) WRITE THE PLAN. Write out what needs to happen in the order it needs to happen. For example, when I complete Kadima's monthly financials, I do the following: 
-collect all receipts from the month 
-align all receipts (digital and physical) with all statement charges 
-connect all client expenses to appropriate client
-calculate monthly mileage
-list all invoices to be created and sent

(30 seconds) SELECT A METRIC. This could be as simple as identifying how much of the above plan you need to accomplish today. It could be an amount of time you will work on this today. 

(30 seconds) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER. Fill up a whole cup and drink it. The hydration gives you focus and energy. You may not want to do it, but I promise you it will help... and it takes less than 30 seconds, so what is the harm in trying? 

(30 seconds) DO 5 STAR JUMPS. Yes, that is right. Five Star Jumps. And you HAVE to say "I am a star" every time you do it. It is required! 

Then START. You now know what you are working towards and what it looks like to do it. Start with the first item on your list and work our way down. There is no magic. There is choice. You have created clarity, you have prepared your mind and body. Now you choose to embark on this journey.