Motivation

We all talk about how important it is to be motivated in life to do anything, like: follow your dreams, complete daily responsibilities or duties, and some times to simply feel positive. In everyday usage, the word motivation is frequently used to describe why a person does something. The question is how do you motivate yourself? Do you feel it is easy? And why it is so important to feel motivated to do what is best for us overall?

Motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors; this is what causes us to act in a specific manner. It involves the biological, emotional, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. So it is powered by desire and ambition.  Therefore, if they are absent, motivation is absent too. Sometimes, you might have the desire to get something done, or to achieve a certain goal.  But if the desire and ambition are not strong enough, you lack the push, the initiative, and the willingness to take the necessary action. So in these cases, you lack motivation and inner drive.

When there is motivation, there is initiative and direction, courage, energy, and the persistence to follow your goals.

So what exactly lies behind the motivations for why we act? The reality is that there are many different forces that guide and direct us. Anyone who has ever had a goal probably immediately realizes that simply having the desire to accomplish something is not enough. Achieving such a goal requires the ability to persist through obstacles and endurance to keep going in spite of difficulties.

There are three major components to motivation: activation, persistence, and intensity.

1. Activation involves the decision to initiate a behavior, such as enrolling in a class.

2. Persistence is the continued effort toward a goal even though obstacles may exist.

3. Intensity can be seen in the concentration that goes into pursuing a goal.

Motivation becomes strong when you have a vision, a clear mental image of what you want to achieve, and also a strong desire to manifest it. In such a situation, motivation awakens inner strength and power, and pushes you forward, toward making your vision a reality. So it can be applied to every action and goal.

Motivation is present whenever there is a clear vision, precise knowledge of what you want to do, a strong desire, and faith in your abilities. Therefore, it is one of the most important keys to success. When there is lack of motivation, you either get no results, or only mediocre ones. But when it is there, you attain greater and better results and achievements.

Lack of motivation means lack of enthusiasm, zest and ambition, whereas the possessing it is a sign of strong desire, energy and enthusiasm, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve what one sets out to do.

Usually, a motivated person is a happier person, more energetic, and sees the positive end result in his or her mind.

What can you do to strengthen your motivation?

1. Set a goal. If you have a major goal, it would be a good idea if you split it into several minor goals, each small goal leading to your major goal.

2. Understand that finishing what you start is important. Develop the habit of going to the finish line.

3. Socialize with achievers and people with similar interests or goals.  Since motivation and positive attitude are contagious; associate with motivated people, who share your interests.

4. Never procrastinate anything. Procrastination leads to laziness, and laziness leads to lack of motivation.

5. Persistence, patience and not giving up, despite failure and difficulties, keep the flame of motivation burning.

6. Read about the subjects of your interest. This will keep your enthusiasm and ambition alive.

7. Constantly affirm to yourself that you can, and will, succeed. Speak positivity into your life.

8. Look at photos of things you want to get, achieve or do. This will strengthen your desire and make your subconscious mind work with you.

9. Visualize your goals as achieved, adding a feeling of happiness and joy.

Motivation is literally the desire to do things. It’s the crucial element in setting and attaining goals—and research shows you can influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. So figure out what you want, power through the pain period, and start being who you want to be.

https://www.verywell.com/what-is-motivation-2795378

Monretta Vega, LPC

Email: monretta@hsvpcs.com