Any mother will tell you that raising a family, keeping a house, and sometimes working outside the home can make little things harder. It is often very difficult for a mom to stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Remembering why you do what you do day in and day out can help you stay motivated. Next time your motivation is lacking, think about these ten little tips to get you through the day.

Motivation determines what and how you do things. Many times, having a clear purpose in mind and keeping an open and good attitude can be great ways to stay motivated. For many moms, that is easier said than done. After staying up all night with the baby, organizing that closet may be at the bottom of the list. There are however, ways to keep yourself motivated so that you can accomplish more and get yourself through the long days of mothering.

Purpose: One important part of motivation is purpose. It does not matter what you need or want to do, you should understand why you are doing it. Purpose gives you a clear mental state and helps you look at your task in an objective manner. If something does not help you reach your end goal, then it should not be one of your goals.

List: Make a list of your goals, chores or jobs. This will help you stay focused during the day and know what you still need to accomplish. As you complete one task, mark it off. Seeing the list of things you have done, can help you feel like you have met your goals and motivate you for the next day.

Don't procrastinate: Avoiding a chore or job does not help you reach your goal. In order to stay motivated, you must work on your job to finish it. Many times, those who procrastinate will not get that job done at all or will feel rushed at the last minute.

Talk about it: Keeping your concerns or feelings inside can lead to reduced productivity. Talk about what is on your mind to a friend, a spouse or even in a journal. Many moms see the benefit of blogging or posting on community message boards as a way of expressing concerns with others.

Exercise: Exercise is a great way to help you reach your goals, even if it is a little amount each day. A good, brisk walk around the block or a quick swim in the pool can help clear your mind and think well during the day. Exercising can give you energy, too. You will feel better and be more motivated to get those chores done.

Eat right: Eating right can also help you stay motivated. Junk food can make you feel sluggish and instead of conquering those jobs, you will really want an afternoon nap. Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water. Vitamin supplements can also help keep you energized throughout the day.

Expect imperfections: You will not accomplish all of your goals everyday. You should expect some imperfections. In addition, no one should be "super mom". It is ok to buy store bought treats for the school party instead of stressing yourself out over detailed cookies. No one is perfect and if you expect perfection in yourself and in others, it will be near impossible to reach your goals. It is also ok to say no or to ask for help when you need to.

Do not stress: Stress can sometimes motivate us to do things. When the holidays are coming, everyone feels stressed enough to get out and get that holiday shopping completed. However, putting yourself under stress each and every day is not healthy, nor will it inspire you. Stress can put you in a greater danger for depression and other health issues.

Get adequate rest: All moms know that sometimes sleep is hard to come by, especially when you are taking care of infants or sick children. Sleep and adequate rest is important thought. With a good night's rest, you will feel more motivated during the day. If you cannot seem to make it to bed at a decent hour, try to rest during the day while the kids are napping or if you work, try to take a quick rest during your lunch break.

Reward yourself: Rewards can be a huge motivator for anyone. Even if you reward yourself with a new book or thirty minutes of quiet time, you will be more likely to reach your goals with rewards.