At the end of any speech, seminar or live event, like the fantastic Paradigm Shift seminar we just held in Los Angeles, California, there’s one question I’m asked over and over again: “How do I stay motivated?”

The fact is, getting motivated is easy. But maintaining enthusiasm, excitement and commitment over the long haul can be difficult, primarily because it doesn’t just happen.

People often use the expression “fired up” to describe how they feel after attending an inspiring seminar. It’s a perfect image in so many ways, not the least of which is that, like any fire, you have to keep adding fuel to it, or it will just burn away.

In other words, you have to make a conscious, active effort to stay motivated, and moreover, to transform that motivation into tangible results. No one can do it for you.

3 Simple Ways to Stay Motivated

Here are three simple yet highly effective ways to not just stay motivated, but actually increase your motivation level long after that initial burst of excitement has passed:

1) Carry a goal card

Do you have a goal card? If not, make one right now. Just grab a small piece of paper (half an index card is perfect). On one side, write down your current goal: the thing you want most at this moment in time, and are in the process of working to achieve. On the other side, write down a quote or phrase that never fails to stir your soul. You could also paste a picture of the thing you’re working towards, or of a person who inspires you — anything that will give you an instant jolt.

Put this card in your wallet and look at it as often as you can. You should pull it out several times a day at a minimum, and no number of times is too many. Once you accomplish it, create a new card.

I’ve been doing this for over 40 years now, with countless individual goals. As a result, I have never had a day that wasn’t infused with motivation, excitement and a very strong sense of purpose. Do not underestimate the power of this seemingly simple exercise. It is life-changing.

2) Create a support system

One of the wonderful things about a seminar or live event is that you’re surrounded by like-minded people. Everyone there “gets it”; everyone is feeling the same excitement you are. That environment of support and understanding is critical, and once you step out of it, you must try to recreate it in your “regular” life.

If you made contacts at past events you’ve attended, reach out to them. Like you, they want to stay motivated, and could be having a hard time doing so. Things like Skype and Google + make it easy to meet with people anywhere in the world. Schedule a set day and time to reconnect, discuss your challenges, share your triumphs and breakthroughs, and remind each other of your goals, dreams and infinite potential.

Your spouse, a close friend or a trusted colleague can also fill this role. Explain your excitement to them; tell them your goals. Share any material or ideas that were part of your initial inspiration. Get them on board and create a mini-mastermind you can touch base with whenever you need to.

3) Counter the flood

When you’re in the midst of a motivating experience, your mind is packed to the brim with positivity and possibility. The moment that experience ends, however, mental spaces open up and the world floods in. Negativity, discouragement, the old challenges and obstacles, all the forces telling you, in one way or another, that you can’t.

It’s up to you to fight that flood. Fortunately, there is a bottomless supply of tools available to help you do that.

Subscribe to a regular motivational online newsletter or club, like our 6 Minutes to Success. Install a phone app that will send you a motivating quote every day — there are dozens. Visit the personal development aisle at your local bookstore, or scan the Internet for information on the subject. Read the classics — As a Man Thinketh, The Science of Getting Rich, Think and Grow Rich — and then reread them. Commit to another seminar or event as soon as possible, circle the date on your calendar, and decide that you will have achieved X specific goals by the time you go.

If you really want to stay motivated, don’t just do one or two of these things… do them all! Make a concerted, daily effort to keep your thoughts, your conversations and your life filled with positive messages, ideas, and activity, and there won’t be room for anything BUT motivation!