introduction
Motivation starts with understanding one’s “Why”, or purpose, and this connection between the goal and the motivation will create a motivational foundation that is sustained over time. Whereas short-term excitement may motivate an individual to pursue a goal initially, over time, that excitement will dwindle, and the clarity of one’s purpose is likely to provide the direction needed for the individual to maintain their motivation.
Additionally, research in behavioral psychology has shown that when individuals’ goals are connected to their values, individuals will be able to persist longer than when goals are driven by an external reward. Purpose-driven motivation also creates intrinsic motivation, which is the motivational drive that exists internal to an individual; it does not depend on mood.
To keep motivation continuous and alive, individuals should create a plan that links daily actions with the purpose of the individual’s goal, and individuals will need to have this linkage as they pursue their long-term goals.
Base Motivation on Clarity and Purpose, Not On Excitement
The foundation of true motivation is understanding what you want to accomplish and why. The initial high of excitement wears off too quickly. However, when you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, it provides direction.
How the Connection with Purpose Provides a Higher Level of Motivation Than Just Temporary Inspiration
According to research learned through behavioral psychology, people are more likely to remain focused on their goals when they are connected to a person’s value system rather than the promise of an exterior reward. By motivating others through purpose, you are activating their internal drive, or internal motivation. Internal motivation does not waver depending on the person’s mood.
1. Practical Motivation Strategies That Work for Everyone
- To Be Motivated, You Must Create Specific, Relevant & Measurable Goals
When someone sets themselves a “general” goal, such as “be a better employee,” there is no incentive for that person to take any action. An individual must create specific outcomes that are defined (i.e. “to obtain a project lead position within the next six months”). Individuals can connect their goal to their individual values, such as growth, self-determination, or contribution.
- To Overcome the Demotivation of Large Goals, Break Them Down into Smaller Wins
The greatest deterrents to an individual pursuing their large goal is the overwhelming feelings associated with completing that goal. Therefore, divide large goals into smaller, weekly or daily milestones so that every small milestone reached provides positive reinforcement and builds momentum.
- Visualize How You Want the End Result to Look and the Steps to Get There
Many individuals visualize success, but do not visualize how hard they are going to have to work to get to that success. Therefore, to reduce the resistance to taking an action, it might be beneficial for someone to take a picture in their mind of the daily actions they are going to take to achieve their goal.
- Build Systems/Environments to Make Motivation Automatic
Motivation mustn’t solely rely on self-discipline. To achieve maximum success, one must create systems which encourage doing the right thing versus the wrong thing.
2. How Environmental Influences Prevail Over Will Power
Studies in behavioral economics reveal that in many cases, people will take action (even at a low level of motivation) when the friction between them and the thing(s) they want to do is decreased.
Tips for Practically Using Motivation
- Establish a Daily Routine in Order to Minimize Decision Fatigue
Making decisions consumes cognitive energy.
Establish consistent times for finishing important projects.
Routines will help eliminate unnecessary choice making.
- Establish Structures to Hold You Accountable
Individuals who interact with others can be more successful and motivated than someone who tries to go it alone.
Share your goal(s) with fellow employees or mentors.
Create a system of accountability through regular check-ins or by making public commitments.
- Optimizing Your Workspace for Achieving Success
Small changes in your working environment produce greatly increased levels of motivation.
Keep items that cause distractions on a regular basis (e.g. smartphone social networking).
Keep activity tools visible and readily accessible.
- Visually Track Your Progress
Tracking your progress fosters motivation.
Habit/Time Tracker, Calendar and Progress Dashboard make it easy to visually represent progress.
Visibility of progress leads to more consistent and confident behavior.
System vs. Traditional Motivation Techniques
Traditional motivation techniques are performed using willpower or willpower alone. The system-based methodology believes motivation fluctuates; therefore, creating an environment conducive to supporting behavioral change will result in continued action when you are feeling low-energy.
3. The Management of Motivation through Energy, Mindset, and Reinforcement
Your level of motivation does not continuously grow, it fluctuates. Energy, Mindset, and Reinforcement play a role in establishing yours.
Motivation is a Personal Responsibility of Managing Energy
The habitual state of being burned out appears to be laziness when it actually is an individual who is overworked and (needlessly) exhausted. Motivation must be maintained using both Healthy Habits and Responsible Energy Management.
Ways to Build Sustainable Motivation: 8 Ways to Begin
- Before you begin motivating, concentrate on maintaining energy levels. When you have low energy, your ability to be motivated decreases significantly.
The priority of eating well, sleeping well, and exercising will improve an individual’s energy level and mental drive.
Taking short walks to drink water will increase your energy level and mental drive.
- Providing motivation and behaviour reinforcement through the use of Immediate Rewards. As opposed to providing long-term rewards, the Brain will respond more successfully to rewards that can be used immediately.
To create a Positive association between challenging tasks and your Reward, the easiest way to Start and Create Sustainable Motivation is to give yourself Rewards for completing challenging tasks (e.g., Listening to your favorite Music), and Rest.
Using Mistakes as Data, Not as a Definition of Who You Are, is how to look at Failure. By reflecting on Mistakes, you will create Resiliency, and eventually have Long Term Sustainable Motivation.
In conclusion,
real-world motivation is not a source of continuous excitement or superhuman willpower but rather the combination of the following three factors: a purpose with clarity (goal) and how it relates to personal values providing intrinsic motivation; how supportive the systems are used to maintain an individual’s motivation (routine/environment) providing the ability to consistently take action; and third, how the energy, reward, and mindset systems all work together to allow for ongoing and sustainable motivation.
As we enter an age of increased complexity at work and home, the future of motivation will be based on practical and effective design rather than emotional hype. Those who are able to master these three principles will outperform others who rely solely on inspiration.
Your action step
today is to pick a motivational strategy from this article and implement it. Take your time to build up momentum. Create a life where you have a way to have your motivation work for rather than against you.