How to motivate someone

A few practical strategies help generate and support motivation:

• Break goals into small, simple steps: Jim Kwik notes that people stall when a task feels too big or intimidating, so focusing on the tiniest possible action, like putting on your running shoes, reading one line, or flossing a single tooth, builds momentum and often carries you through 1.
• Remove demotivators: Robert Cialdini's point is that inaction is often driven by negatives like fear, pain, or worry about how you'll look to others. Rather than trying to crank up motivation, it is usually more effective to find and remove those demotivators first 2.
• Use imagery and reminders: Vanessa Van Edwards suggests visual reminders of success, like an inspiring photo or a clear picture of the goal, which trigger positive emotions like pride and lift your drive 3.
• Connect with purpose and future self: Emotions like compassion, gratitude, and healthy pride help you value your future self's needs, which builds a stronger motivational state, as does connecting the task to a clear purpose.