How do you keep your motivation fired up when everything seems to go wrong?  How do you keep going when every bone in your body says it's time to quit?  How do you stay the course when you know you're doing everything you're supposed to do but you're just not seeing the results from your hard work?

The solution:  never, ever...ever! think of giving up.

Easier done than said, right?

Here are some key pointers that will help you fire up your motivation, and keep the fire burning.

1.  Immerse Yourself

Visualize yourself reaching your goal.  See yourself as you'll look, smell what you'll smell, imagine what you'll taste.  See the things that will surround you.  What do they feel like?  Imagine how other people will respond to you.  See the expressions on their faces, hear the words they say to you.  Finally, and most importantly, how will you FEEL knowing that you've accomplished that goal?  Let that feeling overwhelm you.  Let it sink in and savor it for a little while.  Absorb the impressions and let them become a part of you.

2.  Reward Yourself

Break down your major goals into smaller objectives and establish a specific reward you'll give yourself when you reach each objective.  Then give yourself the reward!  This does not have to be something major like a car or a trip; it can be something simple like dinner at your favorite steak-house.  Then when you hit those major goals, it's time for the major rewards.  Incentives help you maintain consistent motivation because the rewards reinforce  your desire to attain the goal.

3.  Surround Yourself

Most people have heard the expression "you become who you hang out with."  The easiest way to demonstrate the truth of that statement is to notice how many parents say, "She was fine until she started hanging out with those kids!"  Parents throughout the ages have recognized that people can be a "bad influence," but the opposite is also true.  If you want to be successful, surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you and who are like-minded in their pursuit of success.  Spend your time with people who lift you up, and be very careful that you do not drag anyone down in the process.  Being around anyone who discourages you or, even worse, ridicules your dream, can kill your motivation instantly.

4.  Take Care of Yourself

As simple as it sounds, staying motivated is immensely easier when you're healthy.  This is because you are able to stay focused on your goal rather than on a physical problem.  Be sure to get regular exercise, which improves your blood flow and feeds your brain enough oxygen to tackle your daily tasks with energy.  Establish a routine break schedule so that you work hard when it's time to do so and recharge regularly.  This includes getting enough sleep so that your brain can function at peak performance.  Eat a well-balanced diet so that your body is fueled properly and maintains proper hydration.  Finally, if a health problem pops up, take care of it immediately.  Failure to do so is not only dangerous, but even if the problem is not life-threatening, it will be a distraction.

5.  Empower Yourself

One of the most powerful motivational tools you can add to your arsenal is a coach.  Coaching is not like getting theraphy from a psychologist.  Coaching focuses on your present and future, helping you maintain focus on where you are going.  Not only will your coach spur you into action, he or she will also serve as your accountability partner, keeping you motivated at all times.

Staying motivated is often a challenge because, well, life happens.  Things come up, people need things, crises occur.  But no matter what is going on around you, you can keep your motivation fired up and continuously strive toward your goals.