How do you stay motivated while transitioning into tech?
Learn a universal principle that drives most people
How do you stay motivated while transitioning into tech? This a complex question because people are motivated by different things for different reasons. However, I believe there’s an underlying principle that keeps most people motivated no matter the pursuit or circumstance.
Use systems, resources, and tactics that will breed consistent success
The underlying principle that keeps most people motivated is this:
“If something works, people stay motivated and stick with it”
Someone who's consistently losing weight, will stick with their diet.
A sales person who's consistently closing deals with a certain tactic, will stick with that tactic.
An athlete who's consistently winning with a coach, will stick with that coach.
Are there exceptions to the examples I gave? Sure! But in general, each example proves that “effectiveness” breeds motivation and consistency.
How can you can apply this principle to stay motivated as you transition into tech?
Find the right education “diet”
Like the successful dieter, I mentioned earlier, who finds a diet that works for them, you should also find educational resources that will work for your needs and desires. Don’t force yourself to read a book or watch a video because all the “cool kids” are doing it. I encourage to vet educational resources to determine if it’s something you can start and finish.
When you find resources that work with your learning style and you find success with those resources, you’re more likely to stick with your goal of becoming a Software Developer.
Here’s a list of education providers I suggest you check out:
Set achievable goals
One of the barriers to staying motivated is setting goals that are extremely difficult to achieve in the beginning of your journey. This past year I lost over 50 pounds. One of the keys to my weight loss success was setting achievable goals in the beginning of my fitness journey.
Instead of trying to eat dry chicken breast with bland vegetables, I ate foods I enjoyed in a moderate way. Instead of trying to kill myself in the gym everyday, I found a routine I could stick with and gradually increased intensity.
I share my weight loss journey not to boast but to encourage you to set achievable goals as you transition into tech. When you set goals you can achieve and you actually achieve them, motivation stays high and consistency follows. On the other hand, when you try to master data structures and algorithms, while trying to master React, while trying to learn backend, you set yourself up to be overwhelmed and demotivated. If you want to read more about setting achievable goals, start here.
Find motivational resources
Even after you’ve applied the wisdom I shared above, you may still encounter tough times. In my life, I turn to my faith and verses like this to help me overcome. However, we all don’t share the same faith but we do share the same need to hear a good “pep talk” from time to time. And when that time comes, I encourage you find speeches that will meet your needs. Here are a couple that might come in handy during tough times:
Patrick Bet David - “Why not you”
Denzel Washington -”Talks about taking risk, being consistent,….”
My only caution against motivational speeches is don’t “live” off them. Relying on motivational speeches could teach you to rely on emotions, which come and go, rather than relying on wisdom, which is constant.
