Motivate Yourself and Stay Motivated (Up-dated)
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."
- Emerson
"Most people think only what everybody else is doing."
- Earl Nightingale
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.
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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:
1. Desire for achievement (ie a sense of significance)
2. Desire for power.
3. Desire for affiliation or a sense of belonging.
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)
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"!
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