Motivation is a key component to success. We need to be motivated to achieve our goals and dreams. But what is motivation, exactly? And why do we feel it sometimes and not others?
This article explores everything you need to know about motivation- what it is, why we need it, how to get it, and how to keep it; from getting motivation posters to exercising, we’ve got all the tips you can try!
What is motivation?
Motivation is defined as "the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way". In other words, it is what drives us to do something. We are motivated by our desires and goals- we want to achieve something, so we take action towards it.
But motivation is more than just a desire or goal. It also includes the drive or energy to take action. This is what sets motivation apart from simply having a desire- that much-needed push that is essential for us to do something.
We can be motivated by different things at different times. For example, we may be motivated by money, fame, power, or other external factors. Or, we may be internally motivated by our principles. There are two types of motivation- extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation means motivation that comes from external factors. This type of motivation is often driven by rewards or punishments unrelated to the task itself.
For example, if you are offered a bonus at work for meeting a sales goal, this is extrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic motivation can also come in the form of punishments. If you know that you will be fired if you do not meet your sales goals, this is also extrinsic motivation.
While extrinsic motivation can be effective in the short term, it is often not sustainable in the long term. Our behavior is driven by external factors that we cannot always control.
Intrinsic motivation
On the other hand, intrinsic motivation comes from within ourselves. It is driven by our values, beliefs, and interests.
For example, if you love your job and are passionate about your work, this is intrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation is often more sustainable in the long term because it is not reliant on external factors. We are motivated to do something because we want to, not because we have to.
Why do we need to be motivated?
Motivation is crucial because it gives us the drive to take action. Without motivation, we would not be able to achieve our goals.
Think about it- if you want to lose weight, you need to be motivated to exercise and eat healthily. If you want to start your own business, you need to be motivated to work hard and take risks.
Without motivation, doing the necessary daily tasks to achieve our goals would be incredibly difficult.
Why do we sometimes lack motivation?
Here comes the tricky part- understanding why we sometimes lack motivation, even when we have a strong desire to achieve something.
There are many different reasons why we may lose motivation. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Being overwhelmed
Sometimes, our goals can seem so big and unattainable that we feel overwhelmed before starting. This is because we're trying to do too much at once or not breaking our goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
When we feel overwhelmed, it's challenging to find the motivation to take action.
Negative thinking
Negative thinking is the killer of motivation. If we are constantly telling ourselves that we can't do something, then it's no wonder we lack the motivation to try.
Comparing ourselves with others
We've been repeatedly told that comparison is the thief of joy, and this is especially true when it comes to motivation.
When we compare ourselves to others, we often focus on their successes and downplay our accomplishments. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and ultimately a lack of motivation.
Expecting immediate results
In today's instant gratification society, it's easy to expect immediate results. But the truth is, most things worth achieving take time and effort.
If we are not willing to put in the work or be patient, it's unlikely that we will find the motivation to take action.
Tips for getting and staying motivated
Now that we understand some of the reasons we may lack motivation, let's move on to tips on staying motivated.
Find your why.
The first step to staying motivated is understanding your why. Why do you want to achieve this goal? What is the purpose behind it? When you connect with your why, it will be easier to find the motivation to take action.
Break it down.
Many of our goals seem unattainable and overwhelming; break them into smaller pieces. List down the steps you have to take one by one. This will make it seem more achievable and less daunting.
Focus on your progress, not your comparison.
Remember that you are doing the best you can in this journey. Comparison is the thief of joy, so focus on your progress and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they seem.
Read motivational books.
If you need a little extra inspiration, try reading some motivational books or articles that can alter your mindset. Check out growth mindset books for great books that will inspire you.
Get an accountability partner.
It can be helpful to have someone to help keep you accountable. This could be a friend, family member, or professional coach.
Fill your space with motivational and inspiring decor.
Get into the right mindset by surrounding yourself with things that inspire you. This could be anything from quotes to motivational posters to your favorite trinkets. When you look around and see things that motivate you, it will be easier to stay motivated.
Create a support network.
It's essential to have people around you who will support you and your goals. These people can provide encouragement and motivation when you need it.
Set realistic goals.
Set realistic goals. If your goals are too big or unrealistic, it will be hard to find the motivation to take them one step at a time.
Set a deadline.
If you're a person that works best with pressure, set a deadline for yourself. Having a timeline for your goal will help you stay on track and motivated to achieve it.
Be persistent.
There will be times when you feel like giving up, but it's important to be persistent. Remember why you started and keep going even when it gets tricky.
Find an inspiration board or blog.
If you need some extra motivation, try creating an inspiration board or blog. This is a great way to collect quotes, pictures, and other things that inspire you. You can refer to it when you need a little pick-me-up.
Exercise.
It might seem unrelated, but exercise can be a great way to boost your motivation. When you get your heart rate up and release endorphins, you'll feel more energized and inspired to take action.
Keep up the momentum.
Don't let your motivation fizzle out by taking consistent action. Even when you don't feel like it, try to do something every day to work towards your goal. The more momentum you have, the easier it will be to keep your motivation.
Reward yourself.
Last but not least, don't forget to pat yourself on the back (or a real reward) once in a while. Every win should be celebrated, no matter how small, so don't be too hard on yourself!
Final Thoughts
As people, it's natural to get in a slump every once in a while. But it would help if you didn't let it take over. These tips should help you get and stay motivated to achieve your dreams. Just remember to be patient, and take things one step at a time. Good luck!