As military spouses, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of limited time and lack of motivation. We have dreams and goals, but sometimes it feels like there are constant obstacles in our way. In this episode, we explore the underlying factors that contribute to our lack of motivation and provide practical steps to reignite that spark within us.

Why We Struggle With Motivation

While there are many factors that can contribute to our lack of motivation (stress, overwhelm, anxiety, etc), motivation begins with belief. When we struggle with motivation, often it is because we don’t believe something is possible or achievable. 

Motivation, at its core, is about being able to imagine a better future. It requires us to believe that a different outcome is possible. If we believe that deployments, frequent moves, and the uncertainty of military life will keep us from being able to achieve our goals, we are unlikely to feel motivated to take action.

So What Can You Do to Ignite Your Motivation as a Military Spouse?

How to Ignite Motivation as a Military Spouse

1. Examine your beliefs about what’s possible

Our beliefs have a profound impact on our motivation levels. Limiting beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never succeed,” can hinder our progress. It’s crucial to identify and challenge these beliefs, replacing them with empowering thoughts that foster motivation and growth. By shifting our mindset and cultivating a belief in change and possibilities, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and find the motivation to pursue our dreams.

2. Set a Goal

Goals provide us with a sense of direction and purpose. When setting goals, it’s important to make them realistic and measurable. By choosing goals that align with our desires and values, we increase our motivation to achieve them. One effective approach is to use the Growth Wheel Life Assessment, which helps identify areas for growth and guides us in setting meaningful goals.

3. Tie Your Goal to a “Why”

Understanding our “why” is crucial for sustaining motivation. Discovering the reasons behind our goals and dreams gives them purpose and meaning. When we connect our goals to a deeper sense of fulfillment and impact, we tap into a wellspring of motivation. Take the time to reflect on your values, passions, and what truly matters to you. This introspection will help you uncover your “why” and fuel your motivation.

4. Create an Action Plan

Breaking down our goals into actionable steps is key to making progress. Establishing daily routines and habits that support our goals enables us to move forward consistently. While it’s important to keep the end result in mind, focusing on the process and the small steps we take each day allows us to maintain motivation and celebrate the progress we make along the way.

5. Review Your Goal Daily

To stay motivated, we need daily reminders of our goals. By writing them down and reviewing them regularly, we reinforce their importance in our minds. Visualizations and affirmations can also be powerful tools to keep our goals at the forefront of our thoughts. By aligning our thoughts and actions with our aspirations, we create a consistent and focused approach to achieving our dreams.

Bonus: Take Action

Taking action is where motivation transforms into tangible results. Embracing the courage to take the first step, even when faced with uncertainty, is crucial. It’s natural to encounter resistance and challenges along the way, but by persevering and pushing through, we build resilience and strengthen our motivation. Remember to celebrate each small victory as it brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal.

How to Accelerate Your Success

1. Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is a great way to see how far you’ve come, and puts the emphasis on your actions and habits, rather than results that might not appear for a long time. Did you take an action step that led you closer to your goal? Why or why not? What got in the way? Often big results come from small choices and decisions over time.

2. Find a support system

If you really want to get or stay motivated, surround yourself with others who are chasing after goals as well. Use their motivation and success, to fuel your own.

How Will You Re-Ignite Your Motivation as a Military Spouse?

Staying motivated as a military spouse can be challenging. Frequent moves, deployments, and the unpredictability of military life can discourage us from pursuing goals and making meaningful change in our lives. By focusing on your mindset, setting and pursuing goals, creating self-care routines, and finding support, we can overcome obstacles and regain motivation to go after our goals and dreams. The path to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life as a military spouse begins with a single decision. Take that first step today and embrace the extraordinary possibilities that await you.