What motivates you?
Whether it's in work or in life.
Motivating yourself is hard.
It's not just about having personal goals to aim for.
The fact is no one is going to keep pushing you every single day.
Sure, there's certain people who can inspire us.
But ultimately, motivation comes from you.
What Does Self-Motivation Mean?
What is Self-Motivation?
In the broadest sense, a definition of self-motivation is encouraging yourself to complete a given task or event.
Self-motivation is the special drive that comes from within and pushes you to succeed in every situation, no matter how tough you are. Self-motivation is a force that can drive you to perform at your best at any point in time. For, motivation helps you to motivate others, especially at work.
Self-motivation can be driven by external rewards too. That inherent desire to be rewarded (with money, status and power) makes you want to continue doing it. But it's intrinsic (or internal) motivation is usually more effective and desirable.
Why is Motivation Important?
Motivation is a key part of success. It's the driving force behind all your decisions and actions. Without it, even your best plans would just be hollow ideas that never get put into action because you've lacked the necessary self-motivation to take any sort of action on them. You will have moments when you are not motivated and feel like you don't care about anything, but these periods will pass in time.
Why is Self-Motivation the Best Form of Motivation?
Consider two scenarios:
- You have a task at work you need to do but have no interest or excitement in doing it. This obligation is what motivates you to work hard and finish the task.
- You have a task you need to do, that you're passionate about. Your interest in this activity means you're happy to put in the effort and complete it to the best of your ability.
Are you more effective and most fulfilled in scenario a) or b)?
Hopefully, you will have answered b).
The feeling of accomplishment when doing something for your own internal satisfaction is likely to be more enjoyable and successful as a source of motivation than for external forces. Therefore, self-motivation is so effective.
External versus Internal Motivation
What drives us and why do we behave the way we do?
Psychologists have long debated what motivates people. Does it come from the outside (extrinsic motivators like material rewards)? Or does it come from the inside (intrinsic motivators like your own personal drive)?
Research shows that each type of motivation affects human behavior in different ways.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation is doing some activity because you are driven by an external reward or to avoid a punishment. Externally motivated people often do not enjoy the activity at all, and they do it just to better their chances of being rewarded. For example, reading a book because you eat to get good grades at school, not because you're really interested in the subject.
When Best to Use Extrinsic Motivation
If people aren't internally motivated to complete a job, extrinsic rewards can be used to promote interest in it even if they had previously shown absolutely no interest. Extrinsic motivation can ensure people get a job done, by giving them feedback they have reached a certain standard. It can help you when you do something you don't enjoy, like studying for a subject you're not interested in, or exercising to live a healthier lifestyle. Extrinsic motivation can also be a source of inspiration - if someone tells you a story of receiving a reward for succeeding, you may be inspired to try something risky or new.
A people manager should only use external rewards like commission, bonuses, awards or promotion (and bribes), for motivating your team in certain situations. For example, when they agree to take on new roles or learn new skills or when a major milestone in a significant project has been reached. Bear in mind that team members should be given the necessary resources to independently research and learn about these new skills and projects they're already interested in.
But hold up, you need to be careful. Studies have also shown that offering too much praise or rewards for tasks people are already internally motivated to do, can decrease their intrinsic motivation - and in some cases kill it entirely.
An individual should aim for a tangible reward on their own. Don't only focus on pursuing extrinsic rewards. It's important to take time for yourself, exploring activities you enjoy, even if they have nothing to do with your career.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is doing some activity you find interesting and internally rewarding - which has no reward in return or no downsides. For example, you go running because you enjoy the feeling of being outside and socializing with friends, instead of running because your doctor said you need to lose weight, or you want to win an award. The commonest biological intrinsic motivators are for food, water, shelter, warmth and intimacy; these are all things we need to live and be healthy. We also need to satisfy our psychological needs to thrive and develop.
When Best to Use Intrinsic Motivation
Researchers have found that praise can increase internal motivation in children who were given positive feedback that was sincere and promoted autonomy. But conversely, praising children too much for completing minimal work, decreased their intrinsic motivation.
This study of using intrinsic rewards applies to adults too. For example, a people manager should be specific and empowering with positive feedback and praise, so team members can understand the standards and expectations needed. Less meaningful work should not be praised too much.
As an individual, you could give positive feedback to your manager when you find their praise is motivating. This in turn, extrinsically motivates them to continue successfully managing you.
Practical Ways to Use Intrinsic Motivation
List things you enjoy doing or that you always wanted to do. Then pick one of the items on the list when you have free time or are feeling unmotivated.
Before you begin a task, visualize a time you did something you were proud of. Then focus on those very same feelings as you work on your actionable goal. Having that feeling of accomplishment is a strong intrinsic reward.
It’s important to set SMART goals (Specific, easy to Measure, Attainable, Realistic and have a specific Time limit) that are both challenging and achievable, that have no external rewards. This will help you grow as a person.
Motivation and Goals
Doing something because someone else dangles a carrot in front of you, is temporary. Once the reward (or threat) is removed, you'll return to your own agenda.
Conversely, internally motivated people have a reason to keep going. They are critical of their behavior and are self-critical of their actions, changing them for the better.
Real motivation is not about the extrinsic reward, it is about the intrinsic desire to achieve. When you have a strong internal reason to do something, you'll give it more importance and you'll be more committed. This intrinsic motivation comes from within - it's your own internal rewards, not from any external motivators.
Publicizing your Goals
Many people are motivated by what their personal goals are. But there's an enormous difference between simply saying your goals and achieving them. Announcing your upcoming goals to friends and family so they can support you, makes perfect sense, right?
Wrong.
Research as far back as the 1920s, shows that time after time, people who talk about their goals are less likely to achieve them.
Studies by Professor Peter M Gollwitzer of NYU showed those who were discreet were more likely to succeed with their plans than those who made them public. By revealing your intentions (and having others acknowledge them), means your mind gains a premature feeling of achievement, and so neglects pursuing any further mini-goals.
Derek Sivers explains how psychologists studying this behavior found that by telling someone your goals, it tricks your mind into thinking it's already done. The shared goal now becomes a reality in your brain. This means you'll be less likely to do the hard work that’s needed.
The question is, do you have the willpower to resist the temptation to announce your goal?
Examples of Internal Motivation
Oscar Valdez
On 20 Feb 2021, two fighters entered the ring at The Bubble, MGM Grand, Las Vegas. Miguel Berchelt was the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight champion. He cut an imposing figure, being taller and bigger. An impressive record of 37 wins and only 1 defeat meant he was also the heavy favorite to win. The challenger, Oscar Valdez, was the underdog. Many people doubted Oscar Valdez.
What motivated Oscar?
During the pre-fight build-up, Oscar took no part in the customary trash talk. In boxing, it's part of the game. Despite being the heavy under-dog, he remained respectfully silent.
His boxing idols (former Mexican champions like Julio Ceasar Chavez) doubted him. The press and TV commentators doubted him. The public doubted him.
But here's the most important part. He didn't doubt him. He got to work (without any trash talk). He trained hard, physically. And mentally he was well prepared to achieve his goal. His internal motivation far exceeded his external motivation.
The Result
Oscar's post-win celebrations said it all (without saying anything).
"Shhhh!" (Placing a finger over his mouth)
He kept silent. And he silenced all his critics too.
Oscar Valdez: "Everyone said that Miguel Berchelt was going to knock me out. I proved everyone wrong. Don't let anybody tell you what you can and can't do!"
Josh Taylor
On 22 May 2021, Josh Taylor challenged Jose Ramirez for the undisputed light-welterweight world championship in Las Vegas.
What motivated Josh?
The Scot had everything to lose in Nevada. He would be facing an arena full of Mexicans all supporting Ramirez. There was barely any support, UK fans couldn't travel due to Covid travel restrictions.
He wasn't only fighting an American on away soil, he was fighting the system. The main officials included three American judges and a referee, who Josh didn't agree with, but he said nothing pre-fight so as not to ruffle any feathers. There was a lack of promotion of the fight. Boxing fans in the UK couldn't even see the fight as neither live viewing was offered nor on coverage on UK news channels.
In a boxing world where fighters continually choose decent but often relatively safe (i.e., easy) opponents to protect their unbeaten records, Josh was different. He wanted to fight the absolute best in his division. He had the self-belief, drive and determination to do it the hard way, by accepting the toughest fights out there.
The Result
Josh "The Tartan Tornado" Taylor delivered a truly epic performance to win the undisputed light-welterweight world championship, after defeating Jose Ramirez. In doing so, he joined a very exclusive club. He became only the fifth ever undisputed world champion in the four-belt era.
Josh: "There's a new warrior king on the map, and he's from Bonnie Scotland!"
Hilary Devey
Hilary Lorraine Devey was born in Bolton, UK in 1957. She had a difficult childhood, which saw her father become bankrupt. To make ends meet, she began pulling pints in her father's pub after school. Despite the desperate circumstances, she had a will to succeed, and she continued to make the best out of a tough situation.
At 20 and with no formal training, Hilary began working in a distribution company as a sales clerk. Here, she gained a wealth of experience in the logistics industry.
In 1996, she launched Pall-Ex, one of the very first palletized goods distribution hubs in the UK. Hilary’s steely determination and inner resilience saw her company quickly grow to become the leader in palletized goods. She led the business to serving 38 countries and generating over $200 million in annual turnover. Her drive and determination are what led her to become a successful businessperson.
Hilary Devey said "It’s an inner drive and a belief in oneself. I am not motivated by money at all." We could take some of her words and say that she is driven by a strong intrinsic motivation and doing the best for her company.
Hilary Devey’s story is not hugely different from many other break-out success stories. Where there is a will, a person will always find a way. This saying holds true if you want to be an entrepreneur, or just need an extra dose of motivation in your everyday life.
The Man behind your Glasses
Tragedy struck early for Leonardo Del Vecchio. His father died before his birth in 1930's Italy. Due to his family's poverty and as his widowed mother couldn't care for both him and his four siblings, he spent his youth in an orphanage. He later worked in a factory making car part molds and frames for eyeglasses.
He soon started selling his own frames, having gained experience in the manufacture of such components. His company Luxottica, continued growing and in 1988, were commissioned by designer Giorgio Armani. It was the first of many lucrative licensing contracts. Luxottica went ahead to acquire other major brands including Vogue, Ray-Ban and Oakley. Today, it's one of the world's largest manufacturers of prescription eyewear and sunglasses.
Del Vecchio's life is a true tale of rags-to-riches. No one can question that his road to success was the result of hard work. His self-motivation to overcome his early difficulties in life and do what it takes to achieve success is what drove him.
Top Tips for Motivating Yourself
It's easy to feel a lack of motivation when things get tough, but it's best to look upon these rough times as just a temporary setback in your journey towards life goals that are more meaningful than anything else.
Is Self-Motivation a Skill and Can It Be Learned?
Yes, self-motivation is a skill, and it can be learned. In fact, most people don't know how to motivate themselves and this is the reason they rely on external motivation for things like going to the gym or eating healthy. If you are someone who needs an extra dose of motivation, here are some tips that can help you start to boost your own intrinsic motivation.
Read on for self-motivation tips to help you achieve your goals.
1. Set Goals that are Meaningful
Setting meaningful goals is the most effective way of increasing motivation. It is important to choose goals that matter as opposed to those that seem spontaneous or frivolous at first glance. The goals should be specific and should also be challenging. If it is too easy to achieve the goal, then there are no benefits of doing it.
Create a specific and concrete SMART goal that is clearly defined and realistically achievable. Write it down in the present tense as if you have already carried out the task. List all the steps necessary to reach your personal goal, these should be specific and manageable, not vague or overwhelming.
Setting small short-term, achievable goals for yourself will help you realize your bigger, long-term goal. The personal satisfaction of achieving small goals will help you reach your big goal in life.
Remember that big goals can take years to achieve, so remind yourself of your smaller goals every day, for example, using a vision board.
2. Find and Overcome Obstacles
Obstacles are inevitable when it comes to achieving goals, especially when they are challenging or complex. There are many ways to identify obstacles such as identifying the "why" behind a problem, identifying the steps that will be involved in solving it, and identifying the resources that can be used to overcome the problem.
Breaking a large goal into small chunks is always easier because it doesn't seem overwhelming. Instead of going through a big checklist or a long to-do list, begin with one small task. Remember that starting with something as simple as washing your dishes can give you a sense of accomplishment. You'll notice that the personal satisfaction of finishing a simple task, will drive you to carry out the more difficult kinds of activities.
3. Positive Self-talk
There’s often a significant difference between what we say to ourselves and how we feel. There are times when we fail in achieving goals by not being able to say the right things on our own behalf. Positive self-talk can be helpful by telling us not to give up when the going gets tough. It will also give us the strength to take advantage of opportunities that come our way, and it will help us realize that we are not alone in overcoming challenges. Positive self-talk is a big motivator when it comes to achieving goals, especially those that are more personal in nature.
Compliment yourself: Instead of focusing on the negative things that have happened in your entire life, shift your attention to the positive things that made you feel good about yourself. If you feel depressed or sad, list down the things in your life that made you feel good.
Improve your self-esteem and confidence by taking care of yourself and working on your physical appearance. If you don't have enough motivation to work out, go for a walk or exercise using just your body weight.
Make a list of all the things that you are good at, and it will help you realize that there are a lot of things about yourself that are positive and worth celebrating.
Look for more positive things to get motivated and that will inspire you, like music, books or movies. Use positive motivation affirmations: By telling yourself every day that you can do something, it will make you believe that you can and will be able to do it.
4. Take Appropriate External Action
Taking external action leads to greater results than simply sitting around and thinking about goals or intentions. One of the most effective ways of taking action is taking control of your thoughts and feelings. You can do this by writing things down, such as small to-do lists, or you can write down reminders that will help keep you on track during times when you want to give up.
Create a Support System
Instead of relying on self-motivation, find a friend who can help and motivate you in making changes in your life.
Finding ways to help others will give you a feeling of fulfillment as well as improving your social skills. Be a good role model that will inspire others instead of someone that will drag others down.
Read Stuff
Read things that will inspire you to keep going. Fiction novels and newspapers don’t count here. Read about successful people and their accomplishments. Spend at least 30 minutes a day reading positive, inspiring words. Get into a routine and make time for it every day, morning, noon or night.
Read books to learn. Buy or borrow a non-fiction book related to your industry or your goals. Do this at least once a month, to get those self-motivational juices going.
Write Stuff
Use a motivation journal to record all your inspirational ideas, famous quotes, important learnings, what worked and what didn’t work so well, All the daily observations worth remembering. You'll find that once you start doing this it will become a habit.
I hope this post has helped you understand what self-motivation is and how to work on it.
Having an effective approach to motivation is like your secret weapon when it comes to life - or anything you want to accomplish for that matter.
It's up to you now, so start working on those goals!