Sometimes, all we need is something that can keep us motivated and get us back on track.  Maybe right now you are feeling like my story about “wet noodles” and need a little push.

Here are a few tips that I hope help you get back on track.

Appreciate failure - Many people find failure a bit too daunting. For them, failing – whether it’s a simple goal or a grand task – is enough to keep them from moving another finger. For successful people, failure is a teacher. It was difficult and demoralizing while they were at it.  But in retrospect, there is always something that can be gained from failing.

Don’t get used to failing, though.  Bounce back every time you fail and refrain from doing the things that had caused you to fail before, build a string of success out of the many failures you’ve had.

Always finish what you have started - Whether it’s a goal, a project, a book, a movie, a song, or a sentence…always finish what you have started.  Never quit on anything, no matter how insignificant the thing is. Quitting is a bad habit that supports procrastination and by extension, quenches the fire of motivation.

Give yourself some incentives - Accomplishments should always be rewarded. The reward could be anything from a 30-minute break from work or a one-week vacation in a tropical island.  No matter how small or big your accomplishments are, always try to give yourself some reward.  Having something to work for or to look forward to always work to spark the drive that is often dormant inside you.

I suggest cutting out photos from a magazine or something and posting them somewhere to keep the reward tangible and forefront in your mind.  Maybe tape them to your wall, or your bathroom mirror, somewhere you will reflect on them often.

Write down your ideas – No matter how stupid or nonsensical your ideas may seem, they are still ideas and they can inspire you to think further. When lacking in motivation, the simple act of scribbling can trigger a part in your brain to be creative, driven, and imaginative.

Be attuned with your emotions - Don’t be overwhelmed by negative emotions such as the feeling of hopelessness, defeat or struggle.  Try to channel your emotions to something more positive such as getting ahead with your work or finishing the task at hand.

Define your motivation - What motivates you? A better life?  An accomplished task?  A sense of achievement? People have different definitions for motivation. Define yours. Then, begin working for it.

Kick that avoidance attitude - A small percentage of people are allergic to doing something productive. They prefer to lie idle on the couch while killing their time over a movie marathon. That kind of existence is miserable. It lacks direction and definitely lacks that something that can make life a bit more exciting. Not that they have nothing better to do, but because they lack the drive not to avoid the things they need and must do. If you feel that you are leaning towards the avoidance attitude, immediately move yourself out of that rut.

Connect with people – Living in isolation? It is becoming more common nowadays to lose connection with the rest of the world because work is shifting from office setting to home setting. Even while social networking sites are doing their best to make you feel connected, nothing still beats the good old fashioned face-to-face interaction. So go out, talk to your pals, connect with people and be inspired.

Don’t know anyone?  Volunteer somewhere, after a couple weeks you will feel welcome and appreciated.  Why a couple weeks?  Many of those people need to see you show up more than once or twice to welcome you, they see tons of people with “good intentions” who never really dig in enough to make a difference.