Motivation – it’s an inside job

Motivation is a word that’s used a lot, but do we fully understand it? What is motivation and where does it come from? Why is it so important?

Now, motivation can be seen as something outside of ourselves. Like when we watch something or hear of something that really motivates us. But therein lies the key to the world of motivation…something triggers or sparks our inner drive. Motivation is really self-specific. It’s individual. It’s what’s inside of you. It’s always “there”, ready for a trigger…ready for you to be the best you can be. So let’s dig into this fascinating word called motivation.

Motivation can be defined as an initiation / desire / willingness to do something. Like I mentioned, it’s specific to you. Unfortunately it has the potential to get buried deep in all of us, especially during tough or seemingly difficult times. Sometimes it feels like it will never surface again, or maybe we can’t remember the last time we were motivated.

So then the question is – how do I unleash this beast called motivation?!? We all know it’s a beast because we’ve likely all seen it. Remember those times when you’ve been driven to, and taken, resulting action to do that thing you’ve wanted to do? How did it escape? Where oh where did that thing inside of you come from?

It really comes from the stories, thoughts, and emotions from within us. So then how does it appear when we need it? How can we conjure it up at a moments notice? Here are three tips for unleashing the beast (or if you prefer, accessing our inner motivation):

1. Visualize it. Remember a time when motivation came to you naturally. What did it feel like? What were you doing? What was the visualization or picture in your head? Try to focus and re-create this. This helps to see what it is you’re after with clarity. Or if this doesn’t work, think about what would make you jump out of bed every morning, or if you prefer, ask yourself what’s really burning in your heart?
2. Watch it. Type “motivational video” into a Youtube search and there are several great ones to choose from. Pick one that really resonates with you. You’ll know it resonates with you if you can’t get enough of it! Check out one of my favorite motivational videos here. Seriously take six minutes to watch this…I cannot get enough of this powerful video… Unbroken – Motivational Video
3. Affirm it. Look at this blog photo which states “wake up every morning and tell yourself – I can do this“. Telling yourself you can do it can help unlock your potential inner desire. If this doesn’t work at first, practice telling yourself “I can do this” every morning. To help reinforce the desire, affirm it a few times throughout the day.
4. Write it. What do you really want to achieve (i.e. what’s the goal)? It helps if you can write/type it. Now add short-term steps that will help you get to this long-term goal. Now add actions (short term, like tomorrow and next week; and longer term actions). These actions should have some sort of a line of sight to your long-term goals.

Regarding #3, don’t worry if these include baby steps. Baby steps are still much better than taking no steps at all. In fact, I encourage baby steps. These steps can help keep you going on the right path, rather than attempting to attain a larger goal that seems insurmountable or unattainable.

I hope these steps help you unleash the inner drive that creates your moments of motivation. If you have any other methods towards triggering your inner motivation I would love to hear them!

Motivationally,

Kevin