Motivation and Staying Motivated

Motivation defined

I came across this interesting but rather lengthy definition of motivation on a website called geektonight.com:

“Inner burning passion caused by need, wants and desire, which propels an individual to exert his physical and mental energy to achieve desired objectives.”

Another, that I like for its sheer simplicity, can be found in the Cambridge Dictionary:

“Enthusiasm for doing something.”

In both cases, when I read the definition, I find myself thinking, “Okay, but what is the origin of the ‘burning passion’ or ‘enthusiasm’ that is spoken of?

Out there? Or in here?

Further research on the Internet can lead one to a rather academic discourse about motivation being either ‘intrinsic’ or ‘extrinsic’, depending on whether the motivation originates from within, or outside, the human body..

We are all familiar with what is referred to as extrinsic motivation. For example, the rewards and punishments that we get for our behaviours when growing up, exam grades and certificates for our studies, incentives, bonuses, promotions and demotions at work, and so on.

Insight #1: All motivation comes from within

I would argue that most of us are less familiar with so-called intrinsic motivation and how it works. And that’s a pity because a strong case can be made for the fact that all motivation comes from within.

Offer two people the exact same rewards or incentives for achieving something of value and it is likely that they may react very differently in terms of their behaviour and actions. That’s because external carrots (and sticks) are responded to differently, depending on the individual’s mindset, attitudes, beliefs, values and so on.

Staying motivated is a choice for which each individual carries personal responsibility.

Life coaches and motivational speakers, both of whom specialise in human motivation, will readily acknowledge that you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

In other words, you can share powerful motivational tips, tools and techniques in the most caring, inspiring and uplifting way but the choice as to whether to accept, adopt and embrace what you share, lies solely with your clients or audience.

In the same way, New Insights offers life coach training that incorporates a wealth of practical information that aims to promote leaps in self-awareness and self-motivation. But, no matter how good the training is, it can never be anything more than a catalyst for change. It can only produce the results intended, if embraced by a trainee who is prepared to take responsibility for that.

Next time you hear someone proclaim they are demotivated, ask them why? The chances are they will cite a reason outside of their control.

My job is boring,” “My boss is a control freak,” “My partner doesn’t stimulate me,” My friends don’t respect me,” “The government is so uncaring,” “The world has gone crazy!”

There is always an endless list of scapegoats if you need one!

This brings me to my second insight.

Insight #2: Change requires action

The solution to demotivation lies in taking action to bring about change. This requires one to take responsibility and make a deliberate choice to STOP blaming someone or something on the outside and START engaging the power within.

Motivation derives from one’s state of mind – and the mind is a complex and curious thing.

At the root of demotivation, there is usually a fear of change in some form.

“If I resign my job, I’ll have no money and be worthless.” “If I stand up to my boss, he might fire me.” “If I discuss my needs with my partner he/she might get angry with me.” “If I back off from pleasing my friends, I’ll end up lonely.”

Fear of the consequences of action leads to inaction and further perpetuates demotivation and listlessness.

It’s a vicious cycle.

The solution here is to reverse your focus – from the negative things that might happen if you take action to the far more negative state that will definitely result if you take no action.

Insight #3: The importance of momentum

The third insight I would like to share when it comes to keeping motivated, is the importance of momentum.

Momentum (or keeping moving) breeds motivation and excitement as positive change occurs and new accomplishments manifest. On the other hand, inertia (staying put, or not moving) breeds demotivation and discouragement.

As any scholar of physics will tell you, it takes far less effort to keep a moving body moving than it does to force a body that is at rest into motion!

So, once you have got the process of change underway with a little action, it’s essential to follow up with more and bigger actions. These will help deliver the achievements that will boost your internal motivation.

Take my example of trainee life coaches. The biggest challenge they have is simply to get started on the journey to certification. The next challenge is to keep up the momentum.

Studying and practising for just a few hours every week, consistently, is usually far more effective than busting a gut one week and then sitting back and doing nothing for the next six weeks.

That’s because inertia is allowed to set in in between!

Insight #4: Stay motivated by helping others

My final insight on keeping motivated relates to ‘sharing the love’.

By this I mean that you will find it easier to remain motivated if you make a habit out of helping to motivate others.

You see, nurturing self-motivation is all about nurturing self-awareness and self-belief.

If you feel good about yourself, your role in the world and the positive contribution you are making, you will feel motivated.

There is no better way to get to know, understand, and feel good about yourself, than by using what you know about staying motivated and inspired, to help others do the same.

After all, why do you think I write this Blog?