The secret behind 'Motivation'

Over the last weeks, I have received numerous emails from some of you guys, concerning the topic your motivation and feeling uninspired to go on. I promised I would address it, as the topic of motivation is imperative to our success. Andrew Carnegie, often regarded as the second richest man in history, implied that "People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents". [Mediocrity is not our thing]

According to Goodman (1974), many of us link the notion of work and exercise with pain. Going to work, doing homework, in-fact washing the dishes was also included in this writing. Goodman’s writing proves very important in understanding why motivation and its practices are significant.

Have you ever wondered why every sporting champion or athlete receives a pep talk, listens to an uplifting audiotape or stares intensely at a family or loved ones picture before an activity or event is carried out? Their reasons are simple. They are aware of something most of us are not. They understand a secret!. They are aware that 'motivation' is temporary. They are conscious that for high levels of performance, they require a regular 'jab/dose' of pure unadulterated motivation.

When was your last dose of motivation?

Zig Ziglar hit the nail on the head, when he quoted "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."

I dare say, many of us are still running on last year’s dosage or even a spurt of motivation from 5/6/10 years ago. Yet you wonder why things are not how they should be. Follow my lead!

As humans beings, we all have reasons for doing anything, a notion we rightfully refer to as motive.

Tony Dorsett mentioned "To succeed...You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you". Ask yourself today, 'What is motivating me? What is my motive?'

Are you a student in your final academic year, who feels lethargic and uninspired. Then, re-asses your source of motivation. Believe me, you cannot just choose to be motivated. Real motivation must be drawn from an inner emotion, which arouses an action [motivation]. Reynolds (1963) suggested that 'motivation can be compared to a storage tank. You hold reservoirs of emotions, desires, wants, ect, and when it is needed, it is released and causes you to move in a certain direction.

After a number of attempts to find evidence to substantiate my understanding of the motivational theory. I came across this definition, which implied that. "...Motivation is the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the [your] action; that which gives purpose and direction to behaviour'.

Motivation is the [your] reason for action. It produces a sense of purpose and direction. Therefore, this is why your goals and desires are so important. They hold the emotional hall pass to the fulfilment of your destiny. You must understand that without motivation [motive], you will struggle to find the empowerment to carry out the necessary action to succeed (Bentley-Woode).

As I mentioned earlier, you must find ways of constantly topping up your motivational tank. For example, if you have a dream car, go an test drive that car, sit in it, take pictures of it and create an emotional attachment to it, this will be serve to inspire you when the need a burst of motivation when working towards attaining your car, etc.

Motivation must be drawn out of your desires. Spend today, writing down your desires and goals.

A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning (Pat Riley). Are you a champion?

Have a brilliant week