The Value Of Self-Motivation

LESSON 2.0

Context:

We’ve looked at a few reasons why we may lack self-motivation. We’ll review a few additional considerations before looking at ways we can counteract obstacles to self-motivation.

Intrinsic Motivation:

Have you ever noticed how some things you want to do because it makes you feel great? That's your internal engine revving up – we call it 'intrinsic motivation.' Intrinsic motivation is tied to positive emotions you know you will feel if you follow through. Emotions like feeling proud, a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, or just feeling happy.

Extrinsic Motivation:

External motivators, or extrinsic motivation, are all about rewards or punishment. Some people call this the carrot or the stick. Not all extrinsic motivation is negative. Sometimes extrinsic motivation holds us accountable.

The challenge lies in the fact that external motivations won't always be present. There will be instances when accomplishing tasks will depend on your personal choice and inner desire.

Questions for reflection

Can you usually get motivated to do something that you don’t particularly enjoy? If so, how do you do it?

Do you like the feeling of completing or finishing a task? Or are you usually more focused on the amount of work something will take?

Write down your answers and observations in your journal, or discuss them with others.

Using Both

Self-motivation comes from within, driven by your desires and rewards. Sometimes, you might use external factors to boost your self-motivation. So you might treat yourself to new clothes or a nice dinner out with friends if you accomplish a specific goal.

What external or extrinsic rewards might motivate you? Write a list of your top five.

Overcoming Obstacles

Spreading yourself too thin? Prioritize

If you feel overwhelmed because you are trying to do too much at one time, you need to learn how to prioritize. What are the three most important tasks that need to be done? Use the following factors to decide:

1) Which tasks have the biggest return or make the biggest difference?

2) Which needs to be done sooner than later?

3) Which are tied to a promise or commitment?

In addition, you could ask:

Which task is the easiest to start with?

Which task is one that I would actually enjoy?

The goal with these last two is to put you into a frame of mind where you want to get started.

Lack of Commitment: Will power and Personal Pride

A lack of commitment can involve a lack of willpower and personal pride. Willpower is usually related to having the strength not to do something, like eat that fifth donut, or cheat on a test. But willpower can also be used to push yourself to take action. So examine your willpower. Do you have any? If you do, you can use it to motivate yourself to take action.

When personal pride is absent, commitment weakens. Individuals don’t care about others' opinions or the consequences of inaction. In a professional environment, your reputation carries weight. Develop pride in your work and establish the habit of initiating and completing tasks with determination. This groundwork will prove invaluable in your future workplace.

You’re not in control of your physiology: Mindfulness

When emotions become overwhelming and immobilizing, mindfulness becomes a remedy. Mindfulness is essentially composed of two parts: 1) recognizing your emotions (sadness, fear, anger, anxiety), and 2) understanding the reasons behind them. Once you're conscious of both your emotions and their causes, you can start viewing the situation and your feelings from a more rational perspective.

Is this truly a significant issue? Will it hold relevance in five years? Is it genuinely as challenging as it seems? Identifying your emotions marks the initial step in gaining mastery over your responses, enabling you to transition to your tasks with greater composure.

Bad Attitude: Self- Reflection

If a negative attitude holds you back, you might be tempted to dismiss this suggestion. Nevertheless, consider the following: engage in self-reflection. Even individuals with negative attitudes can transition to a mindset of accountability, and find the inner drive to achieve remarkable accomplishments.

Exercise. Answer the following questions as you also visualize your answers.

1) What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now? What is your life like?

2) Where will you be living? Describe the area and your home.

3) What types of relationships will you have? Are they happy?

4) Visualize and describe the job you will have. Is it something you enjoy?

Understand that achieving the mentioned outcomes demands self-motivation, as they are your personal desires. These are not handouts; rather, they are aspirations you must actively pursue.

We'll address the final three self-motivation hurdles in the next session. In the meantime, during the rest of the week, consider whether the strategies from today's lesson could enhance your self-motivation. Keep in mind, your self-motivation will drive everything – from getting up and arriving to work on time to completing your tasks and aiding colleagues to complete theirs. To perform at the highest level in the workplace, self-motivation is essential.