A sense of despair can overcome anybody at anytime, and it can also be hard to get over it. Despondency creeps in when there is boredom, either while working or studying. If you are focused and have a generally positive attitude, this phase of complete disinterest cannot and does not last long. However, it can overwhelm certain people, and can end up demotivating them to a point of no return. Therefore, it is important to snap out of that state as soon as possible in order to continue leading a happy and fulfilling life. Techniques to Motivate Yourself Technique # 1 Note down your goals. A major mistake that many people make, is that they have the goals set in their "mind". What they fail to focus on, is that out of sight is often out of mind. If you note down all your goals, your "miles to go before you sleep" are right there in front of you. This will give you the drive to go on for the day (at the least). My suggestion, put up notes of your goals on your refrigerator, near your bed, on your workstation and in your diary. This way, whenever you are around any of these, you will be reminded of your goals. Technique # 2 One of the most basic mistakes that many people make, is that they focus on the "bad feeling" that a certain activity gives them. Don't focus on those feelings. Like the very popular saying goes, "Don't get mad, get even!" Use the bad feelings and focus on making them go away. Take it as a challenge. Let the lack of support, or external motivation be the fuel to your fire. Every time you feel like someone is putting your down, work twice as hard and prove them wrong! Technique # 3 Procrastination is like the kryptonite for your motivation. If you procrastinate over your work, rest assured that it will not get done. Even if you are not very fond of the activities that you need to perform, procrastination is not the way to go. Best thing would be to start and get done with the work at the first instance. This way it will be out of your way. The longer you "think over it", the more time you keep it around. So, every time you feel demotivated, start working right away. Technique # 4 Who would not like rewards and recognition? Well, it was rhetorical a question, everyone likes rewards for their hard work. So, every time you complete a project or a task, give yourself a treat. Be it an hour of shopping at the mall, or an hour long massage session, treat yourself. This technique goes a long way in keeping up the motivation. My niece gets a special gift every time she gets an 'A' at school. This is what makes her keep her grades up for the subjects she hates as well. Technique # 5 Be disciplined. The right amount of nutrition and sleep go a long way in keeping your mood and motivation in check. While it is important to focus on having fun, it is also important to keep up-to-date with your responsibilities. Like if it is your job to take out the trash, do it. If you don't, the nagging in your own head will come in the way of your motivation about other things. If you spend all your free time on partying, you will face lack of sleep and your errands will be undone. Follow the right mix of work and play really helps to keep a person motivated. Lately motivation has been taken very lightly. Hence, the best bet would be to keep yourself motivated. After all, it is YOUR success that you are working at, not someone else's.