Seeing your doctor regularly should be part of your plan to live well with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Daily self-care is also a must. Of course, it's one thing to know this and another to follow through. That's where motivation comes in. How to stay motivated? Building healthy habits and thinking positively help you feel more in control of your COPD. And the more confident you feel, the more you'll want to keep going.

Yes, you can have a positive attitude about living with COPD. One study found that people with COPD stayed positive by seeing their condition as a project to work on, not something that defined them. You might cultivate positivity by expressing gratitude, looking forward to spending time with friends or doing fun activities, and taking steps to improve your health. Positive thinking is a powerful skill that can help you maintain well-being.

Take time to write down what goals are most meaningful to you, from easier breathing, to playing with your grandkids, to being able to travel or do other things you love. This helps remind you of what managing your COPD can allow you to do. Share your vision with your health care team so they can help you make your goals a reality.

Exercise can make every aspect of living with COPD easier. It helps you stay fit, which, in turn, improves breathing. You'll gain more confidence in your ability to take care of yourself with every fitness goal you reach. And, because it eases stress, it's a great tool for coping with the stresses of managing COPD. Even if you've never exercised before, your care team can get you started. Tip: Exercise is easier to stick with if you enjoy the activity you're doing.

It's hard to feel motivated when you're tired. If breathing problems wake you during the night, ask your doctor about updating your COPD care plan. Also, adopt good sleep habits:

•  Go to bed and wake up around the same times each day.
•  Get regular exercise early in the day. 
• Avoid caffeine starting midafternoon.
• Wind down at least an hour before bed. Turn off all your devices and keep them out of your bedroom, which should be cool and dark.

Managing COPD isn't a one-size-fits-all deal, and rigid plans often fail. But when a plan is tailored to you, it's easier to follow until it becomes second nature. Stockpile motivation by tackling one new lifestyle habit at a time. Say you need to stop smoking. Go over various quitting methods with your doctor and pick the one (or ones) that best fit your lifestyle. Need to do breathing exercises? Figure out ways to make them a part of your daily routine.

Knowledge equals confidence equals motivation. Learn everything you can about COPD care. Focus on what you can do rather than on what you can't. The more you understand the ins and outs of the condition and the value of each part of your COPD care plan, the more you'll want to follow through.

It can be a vicious circle: Living with COPD causes stress, and stress can keep you from managing your condition well. Break the cycle by having a menu of coping tools. They might include deep breathing, journaling, watching funny pet videos, or just walking around the block. Not every relaxation technique works in every situation. Having many to choose from means that when one doesn't help, you can pivot to another.

Negative feelings sap your motivation. Problem is, the strain of COPD can put those emotions front and center. Though anxiety and depression are more common in people with COPD than in the general public, many resist asking their doctors for mental health help. Reach out if you're feeling down. Also, let loved ones support you. Strong relationships help you get over emotional rough patches and stay on track.

One of the best ways to build motivation is to connect with others who are successfully managing COPD. Ask your health care team to put you in touch with a support group. Or check out the American Lung Association's Better Breathers Club, which has both in-person and online meetings.

It's easier to prevent a flare than to manage one, so be consistent with your self-care. Of course, it's human nature to let things slide when you're feeling fine. But the way to keep feeling fine is to follow your daily plan. That includes sticking to your medication schedule and avoiding triggers.

Although your goal is to avoid flares, the thought of them can be stressful. That's why it's important to get familiar with the steps you should follow if your symptoms get worse. Know what medications and what dose to take based on your specific symptoms. Rehearse what to do for shortness of breath or a chronic cough. Know the signs that mean you should call 911, so you're less likely to panic if you actually have them.

A win is a win, no matter the size. You did your pursed-lip breathing every day this week? Give yourself a pat on the back. Attended pulmonary rehab classes? A huge round of applause. These successes build on each other, giving you the confidence you need to tackle bigger goals. People who have confidence in their ability to cope with COPD have a greater feeling of control over their lives. And that has a snowball effect on motivation.