Motivation can be tough to find sometimes, and even harder to maintain, but an understanding of what motivates you can help you achieve your goals.
There are two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation relates to external gratification like an award or recognition. Intrinsic motivation is based on individual aspirations.
Regardless of the type of motivation, here are five tips to get you to your goals.
Embrace Failure
According to an article titled “12 Strategies for Motivation that Work!” by the Dean of Students at Allegheny College, it’s essential to prepare for setbacks that may come your way. Those setbacks become learning opportunities for what you can do differently and how to improve in the future.
When perfecting the light bulb, Thomas Edison once famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
Keep Track and Reflect
Reflecting on positive accomplishments and experiences can help boost your confidence and motivation. Conducting a self assessment will help identify strengths and areas for improvement. Those exercises can aid in fine-tuning habits and behaviors to help achieve goals.
Maintain a Daily Routine
Establishing an orderly routine simplifies the day-to-day. Just as regular exercise conditions the body to perform better, a daily routine removes variables that may get in the way of your ambitions, allowing you to focus on the achievement more. Breaking down your goal into individual steps can also help you focus and control your progression.
Ask For Help
The support of those around you – family, friends and coworkers – is invaluable as you strive to achieve. They can offer encouragement when your motivation is waning, solutions if you encounter setbacks and kudos when you reach your goals. Asking them to join you in your pursuit could also create a competitive environment that enhances your performance.
Create Visual Motivation
Put something in plain sight that reminds you to keep working! If you’re training for a race, consider buying a Kudos Coaster Plus running medal holder and set it on your table. Every time you see it, it’ll remind you to work hard to earn the medal to place inside!
Enjoy Your Success
Celebrate your accomplishment. Acknowledge the journey and the sacrifices you made, and be proud of the achievement. You worked hard to get where you did, and an appreciation of that effort will help with setting goals in the future.