The excitement simmers as you are crouched at a race, eager to begin the sprint, energy and strength built up in body and mind. When the starting shot is fired, the potential for victory is unlimited. Most would agree that when an idea for action sprouts in one’s mind, and a plan is then formulated to attain the results, that is perhaps the relatively easier part. The individual is excited about the novel situation, has zeal galore. Yes, motivation is bountiful at the start line.
The more difficult part is maintaining a sustainable pace, to consistently make wise use of resources to make it to the end, or to continue long term if your goal is such. Too often we fall into the cycle of depleting ourselves early on, subsequently giving up and then feeling like a failure mid-way.
Real victory is enjoying the run, running with little to no negativity, and making it to the finish line according to your initial plan in terms of your intention and your aims. Several tips can be kept in mind to maintain momentum and motivation once a goal has been formulated and is ready for action.
Set Attainable Goals: An important tip to maintain momentum is to make rational goals that are within your reach, keeping factors such as your resources, your talents, and your external circumstances in mind. We do not want to set ourselves up for failure by setting a goal that is unrealistic and thus overextending our efforts and stretching our resources. Since we have restricted time, limited physical strength, as well as constraints on every other resource we own and use, it should be evident that we have to aim for goals that are within our reach.
Being too harsh on yourself is harmful to your mental and emotional well-being as well as your outlook on life and should be avoided by never setting an unattainable goal — that only leads to demoralization and loss of motivation to continue setting and striving for goals.
Christopher Bergaland, a science writer and public health advocate writes, “’If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again!’ is drummed into our heads from a very young age. These types of pep talks may backfire if the goal is unachievable regardless of how much effort someone pours into his or her futile struggle to succeed.”
If, for example, a student decides that he wants to pursue astrophysics but dislikes mathematics, it would be irrational for him to declare a goal of becoming an astrophysicist. He might instead make a goal of becoming competent in math and overcoming his aversion to it. That would be a reasonable goal and if he accomplishes that, he then could consider astrophysics as an academic major and career path. Likewise, he can attempt to discover his talents and strengths and pursue studies within that realm. In fact, Islam encourages us to consistently and continuously take action, make effort, and strive toward attainable goals. The Prophet (pbuh) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allah?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, ‘Don’t take upon yourselves other than the deeds which are within your ability” (Bukhari).
Articulate a Good Intention: As Muslims, the start of any task taken toward any long- or short-term goal should begin with the intention. Islam teaches that every act can be an act of worship and is rewarded, if the right intention preceded it. The primary intention is to act for the sake of Allah. Further, the intention to please our Creator is key, whether it be through serving humanity, feeding your child, or simply caring for your own health. Since intentions are at the root of every action, they reflect the underlying motives of why we plan something or do what we do. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Indeed, deeds are by intention. Every man will be rewarded only for what they intended” (Bukhari and Muslim). Once we have articulated our intention, we should remind ourselves often of that intention as an added layer of wisdom.
When the going gets tough, a reminder of the original, noble intention gives us fuel to keep going.
Determine a Personal Reward: Helpful in keeping the spark of motivation alive is picturing what we will get out of it that is favorable to us. In 10 Psychological Tricks to Stay Motivated and Stick with Your Goals, Rick Wignall describes the concept of “artificial positive reinforcement.” He writes that it is “a fundamental principle of human psyche that a behavior is more likely to happen (and continue to happen) when it’s followed by something enjoyable or rewarding.” Allowing small rewards for ourselves after each completed task or level in working toward a goal will boost motivation further. If the goal is a long-term one, break up the timeline and gift yourself once a designated segment has been accomplished. Rewards can be small or large, anything that brings pleasure — a weekend trip after a substantial project or a coffee from your favorite cafe after achieving a workday’s slated agenda. Some may simply remind themselves of the ultimate goal — Allah’s pleasure. Don’t underestimate the power that rewards, even small ones, have on our motivation.
Keep in Mind that the Struggle Itself Is Rewarded: One of the Names of Allah is Al-Aleem (The All-Knowing, The Omniscient) so we have certainty that Allah sees, hears, and knows all things. The private pain one goes through, the silent struggles one endures, the internal jihad some must fight to accomplish certain things — all of this, the hidden, inner aspects, is known to Him alone. When we couple that with the teaching that every act is an act of worship if we so intend it that way, we realize that even if the task or the journey becomes difficult, presents obstacles, or even becomes a burden, that we will be rewarded for the struggle itself. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” (Bukhari).
A rough path then should not deter us from continuing on it, especially if we think of the problems as increasing our ultimate reward. We know He does not burden us beyond what we can bear, and we recognize that He knows everything taking place, and rewards us for our good intention, attitude, action, and struggle. This is a win-win situation. “…and it is not for man except what he strives for, and that his striving will soon be seen, and then he will be recompensed to the fullest” (Qur’an, 53:39-41).
Don’t Focus on the Result: While striving for a goal, refrain from putting the focus on the end point. The focus, instead, should be on the process, the journey. If our reward is for our good intention and sincere and dedicated efforts, then the outcome is secondary. There are times we have an end goal in our sight, but something definitively derails all our efforts. In fact, Allah knows what is best, and so we leave it in His Hands. We can’t control a multitude of factors that can affect our plans so we plan, take action, and we trust He will accept the effort. “And my success is not but through Allah. In Him I trust and to Him I turn” (Qur’an 11:88).
Think of the Bigger Picture: Integral to our deen is the meaning and purpose of our lives. Our purpose, as stated in the Qur’an, is worshipping Him and striving to establish His deen on earth as exemplified by our role models, the Prophet and his companions. We find meaning in seeking His pleasure as the main focus in our daily lives. Essentially, every act of ours is toward that end goal, and that may take many forms throughout the different walks and stages of our lives. Our scholars remind us, especially during calamities when we question why something is happening, that if we reflect on the bigger picture, we can find opportunity to deepen our faith and reorient our priorities, whether as an individual or as an ummah. Reminding ourselves of our final abode (which is an eternal abode) and emphasizing in our minds and hearts that the end goal is the pleasure of Allah, then we try to attain our goals in the most effective and competent way. “And do not weaken and do not grieve…” (Qur’an 3:139).
The Power of Du’a: The power of asking Allah for guidance and help in whatever we need and recognizing that we are weak and need the support of Al-Azeez, The All-Mighty, is so profound that it can even change qadar (destiny). Flawed humans are nothing without His help, and if du’a (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) accompany you in any task or effort, then you will have the most powerful protection, as well as a beacon illuminating your path and inspiring your quest. “…I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be led aright” (Qur’an 2:186).
So, we set our eyes on a reachable goal, articulate a pious intention, make a realistic and detailed plan, and begin our journey with “bismillah.” We ask for Divine help when needed and, with our eyes on the prize, we keep going. The above tips are some ways by which to nourish our motivation, to patiently keep going and persevere.
“Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience and perseverance” (Qur’an 103:2-3).
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