I believe that most people, if not all, want to feel motivated and try to fulfill their lifelong dreams and ambitions. For some of us, though, that sounds easier than it actually is. Many people feel like although they make an effort to change their lives for the better they always end up back at square zero. Naturally, that demotivates them even more, making them feel like they are stuck in a rut and they their lives will never satisfactorily improve.

Having observed the people whose drive comes almost intuitively pushing them to achieve great things in life, I have come to notice similar characteristics that define them. Highly motivated people do have things in common.

They wake up early. The most productive time of the day is the morning and that goes from work to exercise and many other activities. Early hours of the morning are the ones with the least distractions for many people and highly motivate individuals know that very well. While the rest of us are asleep, they get a lot of things done and feel much better in the end for not wasting valuable time of the day.

Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it. -Richard Whately

They set goals. Highly motivated people always look out for new ways to achieve what they want in life. Start setting some goals today; they don’t have to be big, long term or unrealistic. Start small and always remember to make them SMART:

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Most “impossible” goals can be met simply by breaking them down into bite size chunks, writing them down, believing them, and then going full speed ahead as if they were routine. – Don Lancaster

They take risks. Familiarity is safe. Routine is comfortable. It is also stagnant. Highly motivated people open their wings and mind to many new possibilities. Start a new hobby. Change your daily routine even by one new or different thing. Don’t just let life pass by doing the same things over and over again. If you don’t step out of your comfort zone, you will never truly live or fulfill your dreams.

“Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise.”

They are grateful. Gratefulness equals more happiness and peace of mind. It has also been shown to keep people grounded and highly motivated people are aware of this. Write down 2-3 things that you are grateful for every day – no matter how big or small. Besides, you should always remember that you, too, might be in a moment of need in your life and that there are more people in the world than just you!

We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. – John F. Kennedy

They move on. Highly motivated people don’t let their mistakes stop them from achieving their goals. They have learned to try and move on no matter what difficulty comes their way. They accept their failures, learn from them and move on to the next thing they are supposed to do.

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” – Johnny Cash

They are humble. They are not afraid to admit when they are wrong and they can laugh at themselves and have a more relaxed view of who they are. Their willingness to keep growing and evolving is what matters the most.

Do you wish people to think well of you? THEN speak well of yourself. – Blaise Pascal

They don’t set limits. ‘Highly motivated people never stop trying. They pursue their dreams without worry. Limits don’t exist in their minds. Take a second and imagine where you want to be in 5 years. Don’t worry about how impossible it sounds.

Remember, highly motivated people don’t set limits. Now write it down. A highly motivated person would hang that piece of paper up, read it every morning, and work towards it every day.What will you do?’ (LifeHack)

They read. The benefits of reading are a lot – it expands our vocabulary, makes us smarter, relaxes us and improves our communication skills. ‘Highly motivated people are always learning. Reading allows one to take in the knowledge of some of the smartest people who have ever lived. Highly motivated people don’t spend much time watching reality TV – they do, however, spend their time reading. ‘

“A book is the most effective weapon against intolerance and ignorance” – Lyndon Baines Johnson

They ask for help and advice. No matter how capable or skillful you are, there will come a point in your life that you just won’t be able to do it on your own. Highly motivated people know that very well. They overcome their stubbornness which might keep them from reaching their goal. There are many people out there that are willing and can help you – try it with the person closest to you. It’s simple.

When we feel weak, we drop our heads on the shoulders of others. Don’t get mad when someone does that. Be honored. For that person trusted you enough to, even if subtly, ask you for help. – Lori Goodwin

They plan. We can never control everything that is happening in our lives. However, some planning is always needed. You shouldn’t leave things up to chance. Try to plan your every day including things you would like to do allowing for time to also relax and take care of yourself. You will be surprised at how much more productive you will become.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Decide who you are, and what you want.Too many people suffer because their life completely lacks direction. If you know who you are, and what your goals are, then everything becomes manageable. Don’t forget to make kindness a way of life, in the process of finding your self and become more motivated, and insert love into everything you do.