Motivation

Motivation is complex. Motivation might be extrinsic or it can also be intrinsic:

What is extrinsic motivation?
Extrinsic motivation means a person is inspired by outside rewards—other people or compensation. Achieving a goal is a process. And all of the components of that process deserve attention to ensure success, from setting the objective, to overcoming obstacles, to sustaining momentum,  until the project is complete.

What is intrinsic motivation?
In contrast to extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation is a feeling that comes from within and refers to a person’s behavior being driven by an internal desire. Intrinsic motivation is a drive that comes purely from within and the accomplishments are more fulfilling.  You do it because it’s inherently enjoyable, and not because of any anticipated reward, deadline, or outside pressure. Intrinsic motivation is powerful because it is integrated into identity and serves as a continuous source of motivation.

Research studies show that intrinsic motivation involves seeking out and engaging in activities that one finds challenging and interesting on their own accord. Intrinsic motivation can not only increase success, but also, it has the power to improve the quality of your life. When you are engaged and excited, you can expect to experience sustained interest, excitement, confidence, persistence, self-esteem, and performance over time, which is why it is a feeling that many people seek to foster. Fortunately, there are ways to understand, increase, and build intrinsic motivation.

“When you change the way you look at things; the things you look at, change.” – Wayne Dyer

To increase your intrinsic motivation, consider incorporating the following strategies:

• Take action
  Waiting to get inspired to kickstart your forward progress, actually may get you stuck and overwhelmed. Motivation is not necessarily  something that happens to you, most of the time, it is something that you need to create. You can light your own fire. All progress and self-motivation start with taking action. Even if it’s doing something for just 5 minutes, it’s often that little push that is enough to get you going, and to increase your motivation. Go ahead, do something specific. One action will lead to another. Action, and achievements, will create better outcomes and new experiences for you. Before you know it,  you will feel enthusiastic and motivated. 
  
• Focus on your accomplishments
  To increase your motivation, make sure to measure your success on how far you’ve come, instead of  focusing on how far away you are from your dreams, or goals.  Celebrate how much you have achieved from your starting point, rather than getting discouraged because of how much you have left to go.
  Simply reframing your view and changing your mindset, can set you up for a motivation boost.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others
  Comparing your accomplishments to those of others, will only make you feel a lot worse and stop motivation in their tracks. No matter how small of a progress you think you have made, progress is still progress. When you feel unmotivated, strive to refocus on celebrating success . Let your brain set your own goals and,  allow yourself to have your own and unique experiences.
• Shift your mindset from receiving to giving
  When we focus on what we can get out of life and relationships, we are in a mindset that says: “It’s all about me, me, me”. However, when our motivation is to give,  our brain starts coming up with more and more creative ways to spread more and more abundance.
  Rather than focusing on simple transactions, bring your focus on deepening relationships, and doing things that will genuinely  impact other’s wellbeing. Focusing on giving and gratitude will not only increase your motivational energy,  but also, random thoughts will pop into your head and you’ll find more creative ways to improve other people in both your business and personal life.
  Shifting from getting to giving, will get you more motivated, ant it can become a true purpose and focus for you.
• Invest in experiences rather than things
  To improve your motivation, review your list of goals and see if it includes experiences. You will feel inspired and motivated when you do things that you’ve always wanted to do. Visit new places and do  fun things. Spend time with your loved ones and share precious moments.Motivation is a starting point for all choices (marriage, career, hobbies, health improvement, or personal development),  and one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It is the crucial element in setting and attaining our goals. Its absence can lead to discontent and depression. Motivation is essential because it encompasses the desire to continue striving toward meaning, purpose, and a life worth living.
• Forget the rewards
  While recognition can reinforce and increase internal motivation, it is best to limit outside motivations as much as possible.  Research shows that “The best way to increase intrinsic motivation is to decrease the extrinsic reward,”

If you aim to improve your performance at work or find more enjoyment in your personal life, it is important to find motivation from within. Over time, you can better motivate yourself internally and find lasting contentment. To increase this type of motivation, assess what is important to you today and strive to pursue goals that have a personal meaning,  or that can positively impact the world around you.  Oh, one more thing,  remember, the best time to improve your motivation is now.

Please, let me know how implementing these strategies work for you!

Much Love,

Veronica