Are you motivated?
It is certainly no secret that life is tough. This is particularly true for those set on living a life of achievement and satisfaction. Probably the most important intrinsic factor responsible for rising above the rest of the population is motivation.
Positive motivation is the one variable that allows you to propel yourself to the finish line when others around you stop and seek out one unfinished challenge after another to conquer, or they just plain give up.
If you are currently experiencing a dry spell in the way of motivation or even if you have never thought of yourself as a driven individual, but would like to become one, this article should give you the stimulation you need.
Here you will find 5 helpful steps that, in no special order, are an effective way to magnify your overall motivation and drive to achieve the goals you have set for yourself!
Celebrate small wins
No matter how much (or little) motivation you have towards the fulfillment of a goal, failing to enjoy small successes in pursuit of the finish line is a sure-fire way to run out of steam before you get there.
While resting on your laurels and settling for less than what you want should be avoided, depriving yourself of feeling satisfaction along the way is also harmful. In pursuit of your goals, take some time to reward yourself when you accomplish one of the (often many) small steps to get there.
Focus and a bigger picture
Consider this fact: whatever large goal or achievement you are after most likely involves only one part of your life. Whether this goal is for career, athletic, or personally oriented, the rest of your life does not stop while you chase after it. What seems unavoidable is that much of your motivation and energy is focused on the bigger victory you want to reach.
However, let me assure you that your sense of fulfillment will be diminished upon crossing the finish line by the understanding that you have neglected every other facet of who you are to get there. Balance is always key. Do not allow the rest of your life to fall by the wayside while you chase one dream!
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you BECOME by achieving your goals.”
Have you a good reason?
While it may seem obvious, knowing your reasoning and passion behind anything you seek is critical. When you initially set out toward a goal or achievement, your “why” for doing so normally seems clear. However, somewhere in the drudgery of working towards this goal, this foundation can quickly become indistinct and you may even forget what that good reason was
Make no mistake; any time you are tirelessly working towards something worthwhile, no matter how important, there WILL be days in which you feel less motivated than others. Remaining conscious of why you started this in the first place serves as your second (or third, or fourth) wind to get you back up and moving forward.
Know where you want to go
Exaggerated motivation causes one to put their head down, work like a maniac, and ignore everything else. While there are times that this mindset is beneficial, some sense of direction must be maintained. Big goals rarely consist of point A and point B with nothing between them.
Instead, it is important to have a general outline in mind of each specific step towards your destination. So yes, while keeping your nose to the grindstone is a must, looking up now and then to adjust before you begin the next phase of your blueprint is necessary if you are to continue heading in the right direction!
You today versus you yesterday
This step is important and one that everyone needs to hear. Keep in mind that your goals are YOUR goals. Allowing other people’s pursuits to dictate what you strive for is a slippery slope at best. After all, how will you find the motivation required to achieve something great without the personal desire to do so?
You are not them; they are not you, and their lives will have been different than yours. Whatever it is you want, the only logical comparison to be made is to the person you were the day before.
My final thought
Many people will tell you that it is better to be internally motivated rather than externally motivated because it is more sustainable. I find that notion too cut and dried. Our motivation for a goal frequently shares both components. I feel a goal is successful when along with my result it brings me positivity and joy.
I hope you found this post valuable. I would welcome any discussion.