“You miss 100% of the shots you do not take” – Wayne Gretzky
What is Self Motivation?
Self-motivation is the force that keeps pushing us to go on – it is our internal drive to achieve, become a catalyst for change, deliver on our commitments without being micro-managed. Some of us would even describe it as our Mojo!
It is also one of the three common characteristics of successful people- the other two are having a positive mental attitude and being a proactive goal setter. Self motivation needs to be continually worked on and as the title suggests- you are the chief enabler.
Why is Self Motivation Important?
Motivation is very close to my heart and I would like to share some ideas with you. Thinking about doing something and motivating yourself to actually do it are two different things. So, what is the difference between those who never reach their goals, year after year, and those who achieve one goal after another? Often, it’s their self-motivation.
Here are some ideas to help you to enhance your self motivation levels:
Firstly, it is critical to identify your primary motivational driver(s). We are each motivated by different things. Life would be very boring if we all wanted the same things in life! A motivational audit would help to identify your primary motivators. We need to recognise our primary motivators and be true to them. On the other hand, we also need to be aware of the things in our lives that are not important to us as we could consume too much energy pursuing things of no value to us.
Take the audit here:
Secondly, be willing to leave your comfort zone. The greatest barrier to achieving our potential is our comfort zone (akin to a security blanket). Do not be afraid to make mistakes. See them as valuable learning opportunities. Practice positive affirmations as opposed to negative self-talk. Do not indulge in self-limiting thinking- this sets a glass ceiling. Think empowering thoughts and believe that you are a catalyst for change.
Thirdly, spend time each week on your growth and self-development- life is a journey of lifelong learning. Allocating even just sixty minutes per week on your self development will reap huge dividends to our motivational levels.
Fourthly, choose to be happy and empowered. Yes, it is a choice. Happy empowered people are easily motivated and most of us prefer associating with positive people. Negative people are akin to energy vampires and are bad for their own health and for any else that they come into contact with.
Lastly, never quit when you experience a setback or frustration. Always have a Plan B. Think about Edison- we would all have been in the darkness if he gave up on his dream!
Final Words:
Speaking of dreams- dare to dream big dreams- “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Brian Littrell
Motivation once established will not last unless you invest effort to maintain it. Do it as you are worth it!
Self motivation is a muscle that can be nurtured through coaching –https://motivaction.ie/services/coaching/