“How to easily discover your motivation” was an article I originally wrote in January 2013. It was posted on a women’s community support website where I published monthly articles. I thought it was worth sharing and re-reading now. Let’s begin …
Welcome to this seven-part series dedicated to motivation, which is an introduction. I’ve written articles and blogs on the topic, so I am sure you are wondering why a seven-part series now. And the question is valid.
The inspiration behind this seven-part series is a personal one. Recently I welcomed my second child into the world and I was afforded the time to reflect and ponder how my life was changing and changing for the better. More specifically, I realized I was spending time on what truly motivates me in what I do for a living.
As well as my family and me as an individual. As a result, this seven-part series on motivation. I intend to support you in finding motivation in what you are passionate about. To provide tools to empower you to take the following steps to reach your goals. As well as moving out of surviving and into thriving.
What is Motivation?
The word motivation is a hot topic, buzz word and Twitter trend. It is a word that, when you break it down, can give you a guide to finding your fuel to achieving your goals. The simple definition is found in any dictionary. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines motivation as “the act or process of motivating.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motivation) This definition only opens up more questions. So, let’s move to the root word of motivation – motive. Motive is defined as “something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motive) Ah – ha! Now, we are getting somewhere.
Fuel Your Motivation
We know motivation is the fuel that supports people in taking the necessary actions to achieve their goals. When people have a strong desire to take action or are willing to take chances, think outside the box, or blaze their path, we recognize they have a strong sense of motivation. Yet when individuals have less than a strong desire to take action, they make little progress. Then we know these people as slackers or lacking motivation.
Outside of these two perspectives, is there another way to learn how to measure motivation? Simply put … yes. This is done by examining and recognizing the type or quality of action steps the highly motivated individuals take versus those who lack the motivation to reach their goals.
We also know a goal has no power on its own. But combine the passion and strong desire of the individual who seeks to achieve the goal, and then you begin to recognize the strength of their motivation and the power behind the goal.
Gain Clarity
The more precise an individual’s goal is, the more they desire to achieve it. Then, their motivation will be more significant. With a greater sense of motivation, an individual finds more courage to take more substantial risks to step outside of their comfort zone and the perseverance to continue even when things are not going as planned.
Observers will question why the individual continues down a path that seems to be leading them nowhere, but the individual sees the goal in their sights and only sees opportunities before them.
When individuals set goals but do not clearly define them, they often encounter even the smallest challenge that takes them off course. This sets them back and possibly even causes them to give up on achieving the goal.
These individuals lack the strength to embrace the risks necessary and, as a result, are unmotivated to continue striving for goals that take them out of their comfort zones.
Questions to Ask
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to check in to see what your motivational level is right now. Think of a goal you’ve established for yourself and put a mental check mark beside the statements that are true for you at this time:
- Is the goal clearly defined?
- Are there markers or guide posts along the way for me to know that I am on course to achieving the goal?
- Do I know without question when I’ve arrived or completed the goal?
- When I think of the attaining the goal it feels comfortable to me – like an old well worn sweater?
- Have I shared my goal with anyone else in my life either personally or professionally?
- Am I okay with not seeing a return on my investment – both time and money if I don’t achieve the goal?
- When I hit a road bump do I stop taking steps necessary to achieve my goal?
- Is there anything that I may lose if I don’t achieve the goal?
- Has my sleep pattern been disrupted due to trying to achieve my goal?
How many did you answer yes to? Greater than 5?
If you answer yes to 5 or more, then you have the motivation to achieve your goal.
If you answer yes to 3 – 5 of the questions, then you have a moderate level of motivation. Were you answering yes to less than 3?
Then, you may want to reconsider the goal. Get clarity on how this goal supports your overall journey in life. What will it bring to enhance your life?
Now, please know there are a few questions if you are highly motivated, you will respond no to. Use these few questions to help bring clarity to your goal. You can better define it and outline your plan for achievement.
What's Next?
Next month, I’ll continue to delve further into motivation.
When we witness an individual doing everything within their power to attain their goals and face challenges without doubt or hesitation, we know that we are looking at someone with an inspiration and desire to succeed.
As I stated in the beginning, motivation is the fuel that empowers people to take action. If people are not in action, then they are not motivated enough. If you or someone you know seems to lack motivation, then it would be a great idea to clearly decide or define the goals you would like to reach.
Motivation comes from your inner desire, and your inner desire comes from knowing clearly and truthfully what you want to achieve. If you are unsure of what you want, then it is worth the time to decide, define, and articulate clearly what you want. As you know, people with a high level of motivation achieve the greatest success.
