HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF AND STAY MOTIVATED

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What motivates us to do the things that we do? Why do we think andbehave as we do? What influences people to do what they do? The word"motivation" means different things to different people.
One thing... What motivates us to do the things that we do? Why do we think andbehave as we do? What influences people to do what they do? The word"motivation" means different things to different people.
One thingfor sure is that you can't buy a jar of it: it has to come from withinyourself. A person's brain needs constant motivational input just asmuscles need exercise, engines need petrol and plants need water.I used to think that motivation was a slick American fad and that itwasn't for me.
After all, I was very motivated already!People are the product of their thoughts and the aim of motivationalmaterial is to improve the quality of your thoughts. Motivation isnothing more than encouragement and we all perform better for it.Friends of mine say that I am a good motivator, because I simplyencourage others."We become what we think about all day long." - Emerson"Most people think only what everybody else is doing." - EarlNightingaleThe road to achievement starts with a goal.
Implant that goal in yourmind and think about it all day long. I am doing that with thismanuscript and my goal is to have it published and be an author.
Ithink I have taken the right action steps so far, so that I eventuallyreach my target. Pay the price by making sacrifices.
Take smallsteps towards your goal every day, instead of occasional bursts ofactivity.The principal difference between the average person and the one who ishighly successful seems to be in the degree of his or her personalmotivation. Motivation is the hidden power in the successful person'sarsenal and is the key ingredient for success.
Most people, I believeare motivated or have the potential if they are aroused and interestedin the activity.However, one thing is for sure: It is not something someone else cangive you. It must be self-generated from within; it is not external"RA RA" hype.
In other words, motivation is an inner energy, ratherthan a fire lit by others.Strong motivation also stems from a deep rooted belief in what you aretrying to do; it is strongest when it comes from your inner values.This creates a feeling of ENTHUSIASM which is essential in order toremain motivated. Look at the zeal of a missionary or a Jehovah'sWitness.
The best salesmen are those who get very excited about andhave total faith in their products. They sell with a firm convictionthat their product is the best available.WHAT ARE THE MAIN SOURCES OF MOTIVATION?What influences people to do as they do? There are many diverseinfluences.
It is difficult to pin-point which one is most important,but some factors are as follows: different cultures, socialenvironment and biological influences (e.g..hunger, thirst) in workand in play. Other influences are our thoughts, our perceptions.Everyone is different and unique, so there are great individualdifferences in our drives.There are two main sources of motivation: What will happen if you do?What will happen if you don't? For example, your doctor advises youto give up smoking.
If you do, you will feel better and live longer;if you don't your health is going to deteriorate. Both sources (andimplications) are equally powerful.There is a strong correlation between motivation and achievement.Highly motivated people are nearly always achievers.
Thrillseekerslike sky-divers and stuntmen often need to do life threateningactivities to keep them motivated. Danger gives them pleasure andkeeps them motivated.Why do we work? Is it just for money or is money merely a short-termissue? I am personally not motivated by money.
I prefer interestingand exciting work that offers a challenge and the opportunity forpersonal growth. Others may feel the need for affiliation or tocontribute to society.
In the following chapter there is an exerciseon this.Understanding motivation gives us the power to accept our behaviourwhen we have strange reactions. It can also enable us to change whatwe think and do if we want to improve our behaviour or performance.So when going for a job it is critical to understand your motivations.What do you really want and expect from it?What do others expect of you? Our behaviour is directly affected byour needs.
If you are clear about the answers you will be happiest.THEORIES OF MOTIVATION:There are three main theories of motivation:1. Desire for achievement2.
Desire for power3. Desire for affiliation or sense of belonging.These theories are linked to the concept of extrinsic and intrinsicrewards.
Extrinsic motivation comes from outside, for example, theprospect of fame, recognition, monetary rewards, gaining power,respect or social approval/belonging (=sense of affiliation). Withintrinsic rewards, the task or situation is in itself motivating orcompelling.
Motivation is often defined in terms of our goals. Mariesays that contributing to society by daring to be different is whatmotivates me-strange! I think that I get bored easily without achallenge.
Enough about "little old me"!There are six main steps or elements in the process of motivation. 1.Desire: First, to be motivated you must have an intense burning desireto get where or what you want.2.
Decision: You must make a conscious decision on what to aim for.3. Determination: to climb mountains so that absolutely nothing willstop you.
You need to be able to repeat the habits which arenecessary to get there.4. Discipline: It is critical to pay the price whether you like it ornot.
Motivation is strongest when it is the internalisation of yourgoals and dreams, in other words, when you are headed on a clear pathin your life's direction.5. Focus6.
DirectionCertain people have the constant challenge to reach and sustain anoptimum level of motivation which overcomes problems and bringsresults. If there is no challenge in what you are doing, motivationwill soon wither and die.Always remember:The buck starts -and stops- with you.Self knowledge is the key to self-motivation:- why do we behave as we do?- what makes us tick?Also critical for motivation is the image or snapshot you have ofyourself.
This is based on your inner belief in yourself as well asyour attitude and views of your strengths and weaknesses. If youbelieve in yourself and expect success, you will act confidently andbe highly motivated.Key Points of this lesson:* We must define success for ourselves.* Be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses.* Your personal solutions lie within you.* To sustain motivation, do better than in the past.* Motivation often comes from a challenge.* It is necessary at times to make a positive out of a negative.* The most important thing for an achievement-orientated person is tohave a clear goal.What comes first? The chicken or the egg? Motivation or action? Theanswer surprisingly is Action.
First, we have to prime the pump andthe way is through action. People who tend to procrastinate confusemotivation and action.SO WHY NOT GET STARTED ON THAT NEXT ARTICLE OR EVEN BOOK? WHAT'SSTOPPING YOU? Article Tags: Comes From Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .