You want something. Everybody does. Even if that something is to lay in bed all day. Still a want.

What stops you from getting what you want?

Permission? Fear? Somebody else? The right moment? Right mood?

Unfortunately, the mind can conjure up different excuses to hold you back. Or it can use the same excuse because it knows that’s the one to keep you locked in the same patterns of inaction everyday.

While I understand this is a motivational post, I assure you that motivation is the last thing you need to achieve goals.

What I do want to convey is for you to see past the illusion of every excuse and every feeling that your mind and body conjures up for you not to achieve your goals. To look beyond those fears and excuses and see the path light up in front of you.

This is easier said than done. I won’t sugar coat it, it takes practice. Moving from inaction to action everyday has to become a habit if you want to achieve your goals.

These are the two methods I use to get out of bed and get my work done for the day.

Cut on some music. How do you want to feel when you wake up in the morning? Happy? Overjoyed? Carefree? Relaxed? Create a playlist through Spotify, iTunes, or whatever your favorite music streaming service is and play it when you wake up in the morning. Whether it’s while taking a shower or during your morning routine, have it going in the background. I find that nine times out of ten, it gets me in the mood I want to begin tackling my day. Here’s my main Spotify playlist I cut on nearly every morning. It works for me, and I hope it works for you. Watch yourself from third person. Okay, this tactic might take a little practice but it’s incredibly effective. Whenever I feel stuck knowing I should be doing something, I envision myself somewhere in the room (like a video camera) watching me like a third party. I usually pretend I’m my “higher self” watching from above me like a guardian angel of sorts. What you’ll notice when watching is that you’ll see yourself just sitting or laying there lost in paralysis by analysis or feeling of sorry for yourself or (insert excuse for inaction). It’s like hiring somebody to sit there and the discomfort of it is enough to get you into action. You can also ask yourself “what should I be doing” or “why am I stalling” for an even greater kick into gear. This tactic takes you from a thinking you should be doing something to a realization you need to be doing something.

Of course, these are two of my favorite tactics for jumping out of bed for the day and getting things done but there are plenty more like doing the same routine at the same time everyday (automating), exercising willpower, and being held accountable by a partner, friend, or coach.

Taking action can seem insurmountable at times but with practice and set goals, it can become far easier than you think. Pick what works for you and throw away what doesn’t and keep moving.