What is the difference between surviving and thriving in a difficult situation? The answer is the ability to keep motivated. Being motivated helps you keep going no matter what roadblocks you encounter along the way.

Set Clear Goals for Yourself. Setting clear and realistic goals will become your own personal GPS navigational system and will help keep you motivated and headed in the right direction. As with any navigational system, you first have to program in your final destination plans. So take the time to ask yourself what you want your life to be like after divorce. Come up with a plan and write it down. Once you have committed your plan to paper, break down each of your goals into small, manageable pieces so you can accomplish them without getting overwhelmed. There is no better feeling than checking items off of your To Do List.

Be Proactive Instead of Reactive and Plan Ahead. I read somewhere that for every hour of planning you do, you will save four hours of work. So, plan ahead!  Ask yourself what you really need to do to achieve the goals you have set. Then, begin to schedule what needs to be done and how you are going to accomplish it. If you take the time today to plan what you are going to do, it will help you stay focused tomorrow.

Believe in Yourself and Your Successes. An important ingredient in staying motivated is to truly believe in yourself, what you have accomplished, and what you plan to accomplish down the road. Nothing will motivate you or make you feel more in control than being successful. The more successful you are, the more motivated you will be. Make sure you take time every day to remind yourself just how strong and successful you are. Remember, there is nobody who can be a better friend to you than yourself.

Lose Those Toxic People. You will likely be more motivated if you spend time with positive and inspiring people. If you have people in your life that only bring you down, it is probably time for you to eliminate or limit contact with them. You don’t need to be around people who are negative about your ability to find success and happiness in your life. You would be surprised at how many people don’t even realize they are doing this. Share with them how you feel about their negativity. Unfortunately, if they are unable to make an effort to become a more positive part of your life, you probably should move on.

The more motivated you are, the easier it will be for you to create what you want in all the areas of your life so that life after divorce will be better than ever!