October 2nd, 2007 by Phil

Most of my friends like me have projects outside of work, whether it is hobby related, voluntary work or personal projects. It’s so easy to get distracted and motivated especially when the last thing you want to do is more work after your regular day job.

What I’ve learned is that motivation is a habit. The more you do something, the more it becomes a habit. It’s hard to get the wheels turning initially, however once they begin moving, you just need to keep on it.

The key for me is discipline. It’s easy to be focused initially, with all the excitement of starting a project, however most people lose steam or give up from lack of results.

I used to make excuses, like ‘I’m so busy’ and ‘I don’t have time’ but now after living and working in Japan as a teacher, I feel ashamed of those thoughts.

Students in Junior High School are incredibly dedicated and hardworking. For example, one of my students is a member of the Student Council and he goes to the swimming club 5 days a week after school. He then goes to cram classes after, often getting home around 8 o’clock!!

When he gets home he has to start his homework. Bedtime is around 12am! Most students get to school by 7.30am in the morning for club activities!

On the weekend he has karate lessons and private English lessons. The guy is unstoppable!!! On top of that he is highly enthusiastic and motivated in everything he does.

I get pretty exhausted after work and then more work, teaching private English lessons in the evening and then my personal projects such as writing. However when I compare myself to my students, I’ve got it easy! So you see, I never complain of having no time and being too busy anymore.

My tip is to be disciplined and devote time to your projects everyday. I’ve made it a habit to do more after work, not just sit around watching TV (as much as I love lounging about!).

What I’ve found is, as I do more and continue to do more, the more it becomes a habit and the more I achieve.

I like this motto from a famous baseball player in Japan called Hideki Matsui:

 “If I change my mind, my behavior will be changed.

If my behavior is changed, my habit will be changed.

If my habit is changed, my character will be changed.

If my character is changed, my destiny will be changed.”