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:
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"!
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
and
N.B:
7. PURPOSE: because once you find your purpose, you WILL
be motivated. Purpose comes from enthusiam and is lit by our passions.
Certain people have the constant challenge to reach and sustain
an optimum level of motivation which overcomes problems and
bringsresults. 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-
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.craigloc
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
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