Individuals with strong self-motivation stay focused, disciplined, and committed to their goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. This is an essential component of success in any field or endeavor, as it helps individuals to overcome obstacles, stay productive, and achieve their objectives.
What is self-motivation?
Self-motivation is the ability to motivate oneself to achieve a specific goal or task without external influence or pressure. It is the internal drive that pushes a person to take action and persist in their efforts towards achieving their desired outcome.
Intrinsic self-motivation is our inner drive to set goals, then take steps to learn, improve and grow to ultimately achieve them. It’s also our optimism and willingness to be open to new opportunities as they present themselves.
Not only is it important to be self-motivated towards fulfilling your objectives, but it also sets a positive example for team members and staff around you.
Why is self-motivation important?
Self-motivation is important for several reasons:
Achievement of goals
Self-motivation helps individuals to set and achieve their goals. It provides the drive and determination necessary to stay focused and persistent in pursuing one’s objectives. Hence, these people are more productive as they are driven to complete their tasks efficiently and effectively.
Resilience
Self-motivated individuals are better equipped to handle setbacks and failures. They can bounce back from setbacks and use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Also, these individuals tend to have a more positive mindset. They are optimistic and proactive, which helps them to stay motivated even when facing difficult situations.
Independence
Self-motivation enables individuals to work independently and take responsibility for their progress and success. This is an invaluable characteristic that is much sought after by employers.
6 ways to improve self-motivation
Here are 6 ways to help you improve this important skill to develop a keen sense of positive professional behaviour.
1. Setting personal goals
Yes, this sounds self-explanatory, but so many people underestimate the power of goals. However, they can help you feel motivated by providing you with objectives to aim for.
By listing out some goals for yourself, both short and long-term, you are setting some visual targets that provide clarity and direction, as well as accountability. It’s very easy to get stuck in the day-to-day without something to aim towards, and setting goals will help fire up your motivation.
2. Make your goals realistic
Sitting down and setting goals can be exciting and motivating in itself, however, you need to keep them clear and within reachable limits. This is because when you start to achieve success, it boosts your confidence toward further achievement.
While you want your goals to be a bit of a stretch, nothing is more demotivating than ones that are too far beyond your achievable scope. Know when you are in your comfort zone, challenge zone, and overwhelming zone when setting your goals.
3. Practise a positive mindset
To remain motivated and passionate, it’s essential to keep optimistic. Your outset in life can determine how you look at each experience, and if you feel negative and defeated with each inevitable challenge, it can be hard to maintain your motivation levels.
Instead, surround yourself with positive people and see setbacks as opportunities so you are enthusiastic to keep moving forward.
4. Always be open to learning
In your mind, learning should never be complete, no matter what stage of your career or life you’re at. Being open to new information sparks your curiosity and sense of innovation which can trigger your own motivation.
In today’s digital world, the opportunity to learn is everywhere, so find new things that you’re interested in and take the time to explore them!
5. Prepare to challenge yourself
Your comfort zone can be the biggest inhibitor against harnessing your self-motivation because it’s easier to stay in the same place doing the same thing over and over than to venture out and challenge yourself.
Tap into your motivation by taking the road less traveled more often and watching what happens.
6. Seeking and offering assistance
Asking for and giving help can lead to success, which can be motivating. Don’t be reluctant to ask for help if you feel that it will push you further towards achieving your goals; and should someone need help, demonstrating the value of your expertise and experience can rekindle your passion too.
Your levels of intrinsic self-motivation are essential to helping you progress as a business professional because they will inspire both you and those around you into action.
However, if you feel the need for professional coaching to build your levels of motivation more effectively, it would be my pleasure to assist you.
How Can Lifeology Help You?
Having years of experience assisting people to understand and enhance their Emotional Intelligence, I have helped many people discover their true potential in both their working and personal lives.
Although our Emotional Intelligence becomes more ‘set in’ with age, it is malleable and, along with self-awareness and coaching, can be focused on and enhanced effectively, to improve career growth and success.
Feel free to contact me to find out how!
For more information, contact Kerryn to unlock your emotional potential today.
Kerryn Martorana
(B. Psych, Hons) (ICF, PCC) MAPS, JP Managing DirectorCoaching is available
Our coaching will unlock your potential and provide top-down clarity and confidence. Actionable goals and awareness will help bring growth and change.Contact Us
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