Motivation…Hype or Real?
April 18th, 2007
The word motivation usually has a positive connotation! However, there are some individuals that feel the word motivation denotes negativity. Some individuals believe that motivation is a great concept but is short lived and temporary. In some instances this is true and they are right. Motivation is a unique concept defined only by the individuals who address it!
When we are motivated to action, our adrenaline flows and the “fire in the belly” gets turned up, inspiring us to take aggressive and immediate actions toward the achievement of our goals! We are the sum total of the decisions we have made, and when we make a decision, we are doing something which can alter the course of our life!
The degree to which an individual strives to achieve greater things, is determined by the direction and intensity of his motivation. Direction is determined by the quality of decisions made and actions taken. Intensity is determined by passion and how we approach our tasks.
People with positive direction and high intensity of motivation are self-starters. They don’t look to others to “motivate them.” They internalize their motivation and hold themselves accountable for their own results.
Self-starters know how to get to the source of their internal power and they use it effectively. This is the means by which people successfully internalize their motivation!
P.T. Young defined motivation as “…the process of arousing activity, maintaining the activity in progress, and regulating the pattern of activity.” Activity is the key word in this definition. Motivation generates activity toward the creation of our desired outcomes. The greater the intensity of the focus of our desired outcomes, the more effectively directed our activities will be.
High achievers utilize their time most effectively because their focus is so intense. They consider their tasks as missions that must be accomplished!
Motivation is definitely something that comes from within! It is not possible to “motivate someone.” It is possible for you to increase your belief in the concept of motivation. “What the mind can conceive and believe, the body will achieve!” In other words, if you are someone who feels you lack motivation, in general, you are probably right. If this is an area you would like to improve on, then make a conscience effort to study the concept of motivation – today! You need to spend time thinking about what things excite you to take action. Once you have identified those things, look for patterns and similarities. You will need to actually practice your “awareness” of these feelings. Eventually, you will not have the need to “think about” the motivation you are trying to create and nurture.
Self-starters have motivation and are successful!
If you want to become a self-starter and successful, then work on your motivation!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC