“Amateurs sit around and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.” — Stephen King.
This article tackles how you can be your own motivation. Remarkable as it may seem, you actually hold the resources to be motivated, without relying on anyone else.
Motivation is defined as an internal or external factor that drives us to behave in certain ways. It’s often linked to setting goals, earning rewards or achieving something. Examples include: New Year’s Resolutions, achieving a 1st Class Honours or buying a house. Self-motivation is the initiative to start a project or task without depending on another person — and this is also very easy to spark.
Motivation and goal-setting depend on three factors: the intensity of desire, reward value and individual expectations. Often, we tend to give up quickly on goals that have no instant gratification. People want to stop smoking or lose weight — and get bored when they realise it’s not going to happen overnight.
Psychology tells us that it takes 21 days to form a habit. But the reason for your continued effort needs to outweigh the hard graft. How much do you want it? Are you willing to put in the hours?
Unfortunately, motivation cannot be plucked from thin air. There is actually a cycle of motivation that encourages you to reach those goals. You can’t wait to be motivated; you just have to do it.
What is the cycle of motivation?
- Need: a psychological or physiological desire, something you lack in life
- Desire: a strong arousal or energy as a result of the need
- Incentive: the reason someone wants to do something; can be positive or negative
- Reward: the achievement or outcome, which is either:
a: “fully achieved” leading to feeling more inspired or;
b: “partially achieved” feeling dissatisfied and starting the cycle again
How many times have you woken up and thought “I can’t be bothered” or “I’ll do it tomorrow”? Like anything, motivation fluctuates, so you have to be consistent in your why. However, it always starts with action.
4 Simple Ways to Self-Motivate:
- Write a To-Do List
It can be really difficult to stay motivated when we don’t know where we’re going. It’s also easy to forget everything we need to do, to get from A to B. Writing a list has been proven to help manage the agenda. You can put it in order of importance or priority, and tick it off once you’ve finished. This has a positive psychological effect of feeling accomplished, therefore more inspired to start/complete another project.
2. Opposite Actions
We are susceptible to getting stuck in a rut and being lazy. The best way to get out of it is to do the exact opposite of what you feel like doing. It’s the power of reverse psychology — and this boils down to mindset. Be your own cheerleader!
3. Do Something Small First
Sometimes a simple task pushes you to complete another. For example, in the army, soldiers are told to make their bed as soon as they get up. Why? Because it means you’ve completed one task before the day has even begun. It also encourages you to start another task or item on your list, as you methodically work your way down.
4. Mini Rewards
Monopoly taught us that each time you pass ‘go’, collect $200. In this same vein, every time you complete a task on the itinerary, treat yourself. Maybe a cup of tea, a glass of vino, or finally buying yourself that watch. This helps the habit to stick.
If you’re trudging through a 5-day job, it can be hard finding the will to meet your Boss’ requirements or come in early to work. Maybe you just can’t be bothered to finish that report. But, if you have clear goals in mind, you can beat your brain and finally get that £20 Amazon voucher. Or even beat Steve on the leader board this week.
Written by Naida Allen
Naida is a Criminology and Psychology graduate who is passionate about promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. She is a creative writer/blogger and runs an online platform with a close friend called ‘Confidently Anxious’ -which aims to help others struggling with their mental health by sharing personal stories and coping tips. She is keen to work in Coaching/Counselling and currently volunteers as a Peer Mentor for young persons.
