How to stay motivated in this day and age? Actually, what is it to be motivated?

Motivation comes in different forms. What motivates me does not necessarily motivate you. We are all motivated by different ‘agents’. Perhaps it was my early socialization but I am tremendously self-motivated.

“Self motivation – the ability to do what needs to be done without influence from other people or situations.”

Self Motivated People

People who are self-motivated can find a reason and strength to complete a task, even when it is very challenging. They do so without giving up or needing anyone to encourage them.

Years ago, my then 11-year-old son had the tendency to be very impatient completing his tasks, particularly school tasks. His proverbial bar was very high. He determined beforehand how long it should take to complete his tasks. Seldom did he consider the fact that there are things outside of his control. When those happened, he was demotivated and began questioning his abilities.

It is for this very reason why certain terms are NOT entertained in my household.  Terms such as, “Oh, I am no good,” “I am so stupid” or “I hate doing this.” I try to encourage, through positive reinforcement, values that lend themselves to self-motivation.  It may sound strange but we all have the ability to be self-motivated.

motivatedDriving Force

Motivation is a driving force.

For me, the word “Force” means strength or vigour, the exertion of extra energy to obtain a particular result. We frequently hear the saying, “If wishes were horses… .” Well, the reality is WISHES ARE NOT HORSES!

Motivation is complemented or accompanied by strength of character. On its own, motivation is aimless and therefore must be fueled by a desire to achieve a goal or target. Example: Needing to lose 20lbs in order to fit into a magnificent wardrobe for an upcoming cruise. The motivation here is to be able to fit into my magnificent wardrobe with the goal, to lose 20lbs.

“Motivation is the powerful engine that moves you toward success and accomplishment in every area of your life.” Remez Sasson

Highly Motivated Person

My ‘swag’ is that of a person who is seemingly highly motivated. Years ago during one of my “pep” sessions with some of my ‘mentees,’  I was asked about what motivates me.

So, Miss Brown, what motivates you? You are always so positive. You are always happy. Seems you are the one Pharrell meant when he sang HAPPY.” I chuckled and responded, without even taking a breath, “My motivation is intrinsic!”

I went on to explain that stage of my professional life, there was more gratification and satisfaction to me in being able to train, share my knowledge or be a positive role model to others. My experience and qualifications were more useful then rather than merely performing routine tasks. Unless I am motivating or teaching others, boredom sets in.

There are those who are motivated from working, purely because their earnings pay the bills. Then, there are those who derive enormous satisfaction and fulfilment without consideration for their salary.  Some are at one or the other end of the spectrum, while some are like me and are smack in the middle.  I work in order to earn money but at the same time find my day-to-day work life intrinsically rewarding and satisfying.

swagSwagging or Stumbling Through Your Challenges?

We all have a built-in desire to achieve. What we want to achieve is personal to each of us and may change several times throughout our lives. Change, it is said, is the only constant. What motivates us at any given point will change according to said desire to achieve.

Are you able to muster the strength to keep going as changes occur in your evolving life? Can you motivate yourself or do you require others to give you a push? Do you swag or stumble through your challenges?

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Have a great day Swagging!

Clara

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