“We know nothing about motivation. All we can do is write books about it.”
– Peter F. Drucker
Motivation, as a concept, has intrigued experts for ages. The above quote by Drucker succinctly defines all that we know about motivation. New books on the subject, however, keep coming out every year, and each of these books sells quite well because, each one of them claims to take the level of your motivation to a new high. But, does that really happen?
If you are anything like me, it does.
But, after a few days the motivation levels fall back to normal again. It is only a select few who manage to keep their motivation levels high continuously. How do they do it?
Like most things concerning our daily lives, motivation too is no rocket science. Here are five steps that I am sure can help you stay motivated longer:
1. External motivation Vs Internal motivation. When someone says something good about what you have done, you get motivated to do the thing again, and hopefully do it even better. This is an example of external motivation. In short, when you get motivated by things that are beyond your control, you are externally motivated. A comment on the blog, for example, goes a long way in motivating a blogger. There is nothing wrong with being motivated due to external factors, but what happens when these factors are removed?
The motivation goes away, and in fact you may even feel demotivated. Internal motivation, on the other hand, is due to internal factors – factors which you can control to a great extent, if not entirely.
Why should I be motivated to write? Because I enjoy doing it, and not because I enjoy reading your comments (though, truth be told, I love to read your comments on the blog).
2. Goal Setting. Often and again, you are bound to hear this piece of advice from someone, “Do your best, and that is all that you can do.”
The trouble with that advice is that defining what your best is, is never easy. Most people are not aware of what they are capable of, and so they accept things at face value. Average results are acceptable because that is the “best” they can do.
It is better to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic,Timely) goals for yourself that can help you stay on track and achieve your goals. Doing your best will not be enough anymore, as you will know what you have achieved, and what you have missed out on.
3. Larger Picture. Goals are merely short term means to achieve your larger purpose in life. This necessitates having a larger purpose – a WHY for doing WHAT you do. Once you have figured out what your aim in life is – and it is not an easy thing to do – you have to try and ensure that your short term goals and activities are in line with your purpose in life. Once you can see that your actions today will make your dreams come true in the long run, you will find it mush easier to stay motivated.
4. Motivated People. A man, they say, is known by the company he keeps. This, I am sure, holds for women too. Like it or not, we are affected by people who we interact with on a daily basis. If we surround ourselves with people who are optimistic about things, work hard to achieve what they desire, and are motivated, we are bound to develop some of these traits ourselves. A very good example of such a coming together of people is the Bloomsbury group, about which Wikipedia has this to say:
“A remarkable historical feature of these friends and relations is that their close relationships all predated their fame as writers, artists, and thinkers.”
5. Do it daily. Staying motivated, if it does not come naturally, should be deliberately practiced. Identify your own personal motivators – things that motivate you – and keep them around. Whenever you feel the cup of motivation draining, refill it anew. This quote by Zig Ziglar emphasises the need to make getting motivated a deliberate and a daily practice:
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
What do you do to stay motivated?
Image courtesy: eocs from sxc.hu
nice post..
yup..we should stay away from pessimism and negativity..
I get demotivated easily but I always motivate others..:)
yet another blog on motivation 😉
well said mr peter.
The biggest incentive for a persistent motivation is your GOAL. Once you are clear with your goals the dedication and motivation automatically comes along!!Of course leaving no scope for pessimism!!
thanks for sharing these pointers 🙂 i write for self, but a comment here and there does keep one going
For me the greatest source of motivation is the “belief” my loved ones have on me..their beliefs and confidence gives me an amazing power to tackle any kind of tasks or situations, also their belief in turn gives me the power to have faith on myself and i think for anyone that can be the greatest motivating factor. External factors keep you motivated and make you feel good only for a while..and you never know that whether they mean what they say..people can just praise you for the sake of doing so. So to keep oneself motivated for long “self belief” and faith are the most important factors.
And needless to say, again a very meaningful and sensible topic for writing and wonderful points..very practical and apt…great research work..simply awesome stuff..kudos to you 🙂