“Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes.”
~ Ben Franklin
WHAT’S MY MOTIVATION?
Once you decide what you really, really, really, really, really want in life, you may want to ask why.
“What’s my motivation?” the actor ponders.
Motivation isn’t something some of us have and others don’t. We’re all motivated by something specific-money, recognition, power, desire, comfort, self-improvement, independence, revenge.
When motivation is dependent on something outside of you (known in psychology as extrinsic motivation) you may find your willingness to persevere wane. Once the attention, approval or financial rewards stop or fail to increase, so might you. Whereas, when your desire to achieve something stems from an internal desire (known as intrinsic motivation) you’re more likely to persevere based on the personal satisfaction, fulfillment and pleasure you’re experiencing.
If you lack motivation, resist jumping on the “I’m just lazy” bandwagon. Ask yourself, “Do I really want this or am I doing it for something or someone else?” If you decide that you do, in fact, want to achieve a specific goal, get very clear about why. How will it change, improve, or affect your life?
Your motivation stems from your desire. If you truly want what you say you want and can figure out specific actions to take, ain’t nothing gonna stop you.
RECIPE FOR MOTIVATION
We avoid that which makes us feel bad and move toward that which is familiar or feels good.
Choose a goal you want to develop motivation for. Identify any negative thoughts associated with it. “It’s too hard”, “I’ll never be able to do it”, “People will judge me”.
Now, focus exclusively on the outcome. What are the personal rewards of achieving this goal? How will you feel physically, mentally and emotionally? Imagine yourself receiving the benefits of your accomplishment, finding a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.
Next, consciously create a daily habit that will lead you toward your goal. Then, “just do it”. Don’t exert a ton of energy thinking about doing it; consciously choose to do it.
Finally, practice daily…
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing-that’s why we recommend it every day.” ~Zig Ziglar
