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How to Motivate Yourself and Stay Motivated
Another
Monday morning... oh, no!
What motivates us to do the things that we do? Why
do we think and behave as we do? What influences people
to do what they do? Is it all because of that one word MONEY, which
drives us to do what we do? I think not. The word "motivation" means different things to
different people. One thing for sure is that you can't
buy a jar of it: it has to come from within yourself.
A person's brain needs constant motivational input
just as muscles need exercise, engines need petrol
and plants need water. I used to think that motivation was a slick American
fad and that it wasn't for me. After all, I was very
motivated already! People are the product of their thoughts and the
aim of motivational material is to improve the quality
of your thoughts. Motivation is nothing more than
encouragement and we all perform better for it. Friends
of mine say that I am a good motivator, because I
simply encourage others. "We become what we think about all day long." "Most people think only what everybody else is doing."
The road to achievement starts with a goal. Implant
that goal in your mind and think about it all day
long. I am doing that with this manuscript and my
goal is to have it published and be an author. I think
I have taken the right action steps so far, so that
I eventually reach my target. Pay the price by making
sacrifices. Take small steps towards your goal every
day, instead of occasional bursts of activity. The principal difference between the average person
and the one who is highly successful seems to be in
the degree of his or her personal motivation. Motivation
is the hidden power in the successful person's arsenal
and is the key ingredient for success. Most people, I believe, are motivated or have the potential if they
are aroused and interested in the activity. However, one thing is for sure: It is not something
someone else can give you. It must be self-generated
from within; it is not external "RA RA" hype. In other
words, motivation is an inner energy, rather than
a fire lit by others. Perhaps it's enthusiasm??? Strong motivation also stems from a deep rooted
belief in what you are trying to do; it is strongest
when it comes from your inner values. This creates
a feeling of ENTHUSIASM which is essential in order
to remain motivated. Look at the zeal of a missionary
or a Jehovah's Witness. The best salesmen are those
who get very excited about and have total faith in
their products. They sell with a firm conviction that
their product is the best available. WHAT ARE THE MAIN SOURCES OF MOTIVATION? What influences people to do as they do? There are
many diverse influences. It is difficult to pin-point
which one is most important, but some factors are
as follows: different cultures, social environment
and biological influences (eg. hunger, thirst) in
work and in play. Other influences are our thoughts,
our perceptions. Everyone is different and unique,
so there are great individual differences in our drives. There are two main sources of motivation: What will
happen if you do? What will happen if you don't? For
example, your doctor advises you to give up smoking.
If you do, you will feel better and live longer; if
you don't your health is going to deteriorate. Both
sources (and implications) are equally powerful. There is a strong correlation between motivation
and achievement. Highly motivated people are nearly
always achievers. Thrillseekers like sky-divers and
stuntmen often need to do life threatening activities
to keep them motivated. Danger gives them pleasure
and keeps them motivated. Why do we work? Is it just for money or is money
merely a short-term issue? I am personally not motivated
by money. I prefer interesting and exciting work that
offers a challenge and the opportunity for personal
growth. Others may feel the need for affiliation or
to contribute to society. In the following chapter
there is an exercise on this. Understanding motivation gives us the power to accept
our behaviour when we have strange reactions. It can
also enable us to change what we think and do if we
want to improve our behaviour or performance. So when
going for a job it is critical to understand your
motivations. What do you really want and expect from
it? What do others expect of you? Our behaviour is directly
affected by our needs. If you are clear about the
answers you will be happiest. THEORIES OF MOTIVATION: There are three main theories of motivation: These theories are linked to the concept of extrinsic
and intrinsic rewards. Extrinsic motivation comes
from outside, for example, the prospect of fame, recognition,
monetary rewards, gaining power, respect or social
approval/belonging ( = a sense of affiliation). With
intrinsic rewards, the task or situation is in itself
motivating or compelling. Motivation is often defined
in terms of our goals. Marie says that contributing
to society by daring to be different is what motivates
me - strange! I think that I get bored easily without
a challenge. Enough about "little old me"! There are six main steps or elements in
the process of motivation. 1. Desire: First, to be motivated you must have
an intense burning desire to get where or what you
want. 2. Decision: You must make a conscious decision
on what to aim for. 3. Determination: to climb mountains so that absolutely
nothing will stop you. You need to be able to repeat
the habits which are necessary to get there. 4. Discipline: It is critical to pay the price whether
you like it or not. Motivation is strongest when it
is the internalisation of your goals and dreams, in
other words, when you are headed on a clear path in
your life's direction. 5. Focus 6. Direction N.B: Certain people have the constant challenge to reach
and sustain an optimum level of motivation which overcomes
problems and brings results. If there is no challenge
in what you are doing, motivation will soon wither
and die. Always remember: The buck starts - and stops - with
you. Self knowledge is the key to self-motivation: -
why do we behave as we do? What makes us "tick"? Also critical for motivation is the image or snapshot
you have of yourself. This is based on your inner
belief in yourself as well as your attitude and views
of your strengths and weaknesses. If you believe in
yourself and expect success, you will act confidently
and be highly motivated. Key Points of this lesson: * We must define success for ourselves. * Be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses. * Your personal solutions lie within you. * To sustain motivation, do better than in the past. * Motivation often comes from a challenge. * It is necessary at times to make a positive out
of a negative. * The most important thing for an achievement-orientated
person is to have a clear goal. and * I believe motivation is closely tied to purpose. What comes first? The chicken or the egg? Motivation
or action? The answer surprisingly is ACTION. First,
we have to prime the pump and the way is through action.
People who tend to procrastinate confuse motivation
and action. "Get fired with enthusiasm; otherwise your boss
may fire you with enthusiam!" FIND YOUR PURPOSE - what are you attempting to achieve?
NB: THINK and EXPECT SUCCESS, ie a favourable outcome
to your objectives... then you'll be very motivated
in all your endeavours. SO WHY NOT GET STARTED ON THAT NEXT ARTICLE,
TASK OR PROJECT... WHAT'S STOPPING YOU? Craig Lock ("Information and Inspiration Distributer")
http://www.craiglockbooks.com
About the author: Craig Lock has written extensively in the field
of self help. This extract is from his first published
book HANDBOOK TO SURVIVE - a collection of writings
on various subjects to help every man or woman survive
in a rapidly changing, uncertain world. Books* by Craig (including "Handbook to Survive") are available at: http://au.geocities.com/writingnz/ and http://members.tripod.com/~lock77 * Fiction and non-fiction books, self help, novels, travel, humour.
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