There are two types of people—the motivated and the unmotivated. 

I classify myself as an unmotivated person who experiences random bursts of motivation, and I find I rely on others to push me. 

On the other hand, my sister (Lulu) is a highly motivated person. I constantly walk in on her cleaning her already spotless room while I have piles of laundry that are screaming for my attention. Her homework is done before eight each night as I am finally starting mine. 

I had a conversation with her yesterday that sparked the idea behind this editorial; I mentioned that I was procrastinating something or other, and she just looked at me like I was an alien or some new animal never seen by mankind. I then explained that, unlike her, I could not make myself “just do” most things—it took a lot of mental concentration and convincing to sit down and write my story due the next morning. 

People who are motivated will see a task that needs completion and complete it. They don’t convince themselves that it can wait, and, in my sister’s case, she cannot fathom why I push anything off for even an hour. 

When I truly can find no motivation, I seek out others. I think, “what would my mom say if she saw this mess?” or imagine my mom coming in to tell me to complete whatever task I am putting off. I am unsure whether this applies to everyone, but I quickly find the motivation I lack when I am told to complete a task rather than solely telling myself. 

People who already hold motivation in themselves do not require others to push them to accomplish different tasks. My sister doesn’t find it necessary to be told to do her laundry or some other tedious chore. 

I find myself jealous of those with incessant motivation. I don’t struggle as much as others; yet, I wish it was easy to just pick up a chore. Some days are easier than others, and I’ll have a spontaneous impulse to vacuum and do the dishes. I always find it in me to complete the task, but find myself filled with the desire to not procrastinate as often as I do. 

I find that making a schedule makes it easier to get everything done if I know I might not complete the task in a timely manner. I even schedule when I take breaks—though they always last longer than expected. This helps me lay out what I need to get done and helps me accomplish almost everything on my list. 

That is an effective tool for me, but other people may need to set different goals for themselves. Personally setting long-term goals doesn’t work for me, but it may help others find the motivation they lack. This can help them review what they wish to accomplish and  learn to manage their time to attain their goal. 

Setting short-term goals is another method that might work for unmotivated people. Similar to my schedule, it gives people a time crunch which can help motivate people to get it done sooner rather than later. 

Naturally motivated people may not find themselves in need of those varying methods, but for the unmotivated, it can be extremely helpful. Whether you are motivated or unmotivated, it is important to find a successful way to execute all of your goals and work hard at everything, no matter how tiring or boring it may be.