When you have a goal, no matter the size, it can be surprisingly difficult to get started. At times, even the simple task of opening a word document can feel daunting. The problem is a lack of motivation, a lack of excitement to drive us forward. Here are some pro-tips to manifest motivation, or to get you moving when motivation is nowhere in sight:

• Start Small and Take it One Step at a Time
  If your goal is to write a book or a short story or maybe even just an article, but you find yourself coming up with any excuse to put it off, start with the easiest step: opening a word document. As mentioned above, even this can feel daunting, and the reason for that is because too much meaning and importance has been assigned to the task at hand. So, shake off that storyline that what you’re about to do is really important and that the stakes are really high--chances are it’s all in your head anyway--and click the Microsoft Word icon at the bottom of your screen. That’s it. Just click it. Step two can be looking at the blank page. 
  
  If you want to start working out but can’t find the motivation, start with buying a yoga mat or pair of running shoes you’re excited about. Motivation and willingness to move forward become stronger and stronger when you focus only on one tiny step at a time. Look two or three steps ahead, and you’ll go right back to feeling bogged down. 

• Remember Why You’re Doing This
  If you forget the original spark of motivation that set you working towards this goal, every step will feel like a struggle, and motivation will feel impossible. Again, if you want to write a book, keep in touch with the feelings that inspired you to want to write it in the first place. If you want to get in shape, remind yourself over and over again why this goal matters to you. Putting sentiment, significance, and the possibility of success behind the tasks will give you something to get excited about. 
   

• Reward Yourself Regularly
  You know those tiny steps mentioned above? When you complete one, no matter how tiny, use it as an excuse to celebrate. Reward yourself with congratulations every step of the way. Throw a small party on Friday after a week of taking tiny steps towards your goal. Some may ask: what’s the occasion for the party? And you will tell them: I’m celebrating progress. Mini rewards and celebrations act as positive reinforcements to your brain, making you more likely to feel naturally motivated when it’s time to get back to work. The brain responds well to rewards, and you deserve them! Nobody said working towards your goals needed to be all work and no play. 

There are many emotions that can act as motivators. We may be driven to act out of fear, anger, sadness, love, excitement, and pretty much anything else. Needless to say, push your negative motivators to the side and embrace the positive motivators like excitement and love. When you let yourself be motivated by excitement, the results will be exciting, delightful, and inspiring to those around you.
So, remember, all you have to do to keep yourself motivated by excitement is:

1. Start small 
2. Remember Why
3. Reward, reward, reward.