Ever felt like you are stuck in the mud? Perhaps you are postponing some major work. Or maybe the fact is that you completely lack motivation. You are not the only one! But the secret is: you can’t download motivation. It’s more like growing up a plant. It thrives under certain conditions. This is how to find and grow your motivation-from changing your mind to rearranging environments. We’ll even find the work “get-up-and-go” for you.
The Internal Drive: Tapping Into Your Intrinsic Motivation
True motivation, above all else, comes from within. However, it isn’t so easy to seek out as well. It’s like treasure hunting: you get denied access, yet when you discover it. It will surely be a catalyst for nearly everything in your life. Let’s look at some ways of tapping into your intrinsic motivation.
Identifying Your Values and Passions
What’s most significant to you? Learn it as the first step towards motivation. The values are those things you consider most important- your creativity, helping other people, or learning. When you are doing things consistent with what you value, you become more motivated. It feels right!
Try this: grab a journal. Pen down your awesome moments. What were you doing? What value could it connect to?
Imagine a teacher who believes in helping others. The teacher would be really motivated to see students achieve their goals. His job dovetails with that he cares about.
Example: Let’s say you value learning. A value-aligned SMART goal could read, “Read one non-fiction book per month over the next six months to extend my education.” Such is specific and measurable; moreover, it goes with your values!
Develop Your Growth Mindset
Is it your belief that your skills would be more or less fixed in stone? That’s a fixed mindset. A growth mindset nurtures the belief that improvement can come through effort. This is huge motivation-wise. Trouble is a chance to learn.
For the purposes of example, here is a fixed mindset: “I’m just not good at math.” A growth mindset would say, “I haven’t mastered math yet. But I can get there.”
Try saying something like: This is difficult, but I believe I can learn to do it when faced with a hard work. Reframe it: “I can’t do this.” It becomes a more likely pattern of behavior: “I’ll be really motivated to see my students succeed in their pursuits.
External Resources: Leveraging Your Environment for Motivation
We sometimes need a little assistance from the outside. It matters how we surround ourselves with people; especially who we spend time with. Let’s see how to make your environment work to your advantage.
It is the influence of role models or mentors; it inspires us to show the world what’s possible and teaches us what and where we can reach. Meanwhile, mentor guides us; sharing wisdom, knowledge and life experiences with us. Both do impact and energize an individual.
Find a mentor. This is the connection you can find from someone’s work you truly admire. Ask for advice or insight from that person. Ask them anything!
Benjamin Franklin well known always sought the assistance of older experienced colleagues so that he could grow and accomplish his works.
Building an Affinity Community
Associate yourselves with glowingly positive people; let them be those who can believe in you. Not those dragging you down-the fall could be deep. Indeed, a supportive community raises you just in the times when it is hardest for you.
Your interests can take you into clubs and classes; or, find an online community. Again, share your intentions as you do others as well as motivating.
Optimizing Your Physical Environment
Your surroundings affect your mood and motivation. An organized space gives rise to enhanced focus and energy. A messy space gives rise to a confused mind.
Start small. Clear the clutter off your desk. Add some plants. Put on some of your favorite music. Make your arrival be to the place you wanted to be.
Digital Tools: Apps, Websites, and Content for Motivation
There is a lot in the digital world these days, apps, podcasts, and videos, to motivate you. There should be something for everyone. Let’s check out some of this.
Apps and Websites for Motivation
There are certain applications and websites which motivate people. Some keep track of some particular habit or habits, some contribute a daily affirmation, and some have tools for setting one’s goals.
Apps like Habitica gamify the act of building habits while websites like Goalify help you in setting things up and tracking the progress. Use such digital tools and stay on the track.
Podcasts and Audio Content
Listen to some motivational podcasts in the morning to be surcharged for a workout or get that last gasp in the day. Some audiobooks and speeches that also deliver great motivational effects.
Check out podcasts like “The Tony Robbins Podcast” or “The School of Greatness.” Listen to speeches by people you admire. Let their words fuel your drive.
Visual Content: Videos and Images
They are very strong. An inspiring, motivating movie or picture could sap all your creativity and motivation.
Final Verdict
Motivation isn’t something that gets downloaded. It is yours to cultivate, and it is an inside and outside job; you dig deep to find your values. Create the habitat that breathes inspiration for you. Use tools to stay on track.
