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One of the biggest complaints I hear from my clients is, "I just don't feel motivated". This is a type of malaise that overcomes people especially when they are feeling things are at a standstill and options are very limited.
Motivation...2 Types
Motivation is a psychological feature that calls a person to action. It is a type of inspiration, inducement or incentive that drives a person forward.
Generally there are two ways that people begin to feel motivated. One is when there is an external force pushing or compelling one to action. An example of this is when a person in business suddenly gets a few good orders for his product or service. There might be a deadline for completion and the excitement of completing the "project" and getting the reward stimulates the person.
The other is a more internal type of force. This could be termed self-motivation. A person who is self-motivated may feel the need to create or the impulse to act often without the push of external forces.
Which Type Are You?
Which type of person are you? Are you driven by others; your friends, relatives, clients or customers to become excited or interested in what you are doing? Or are you driven from within, compelled to create a new angle or form a new perspective to drive you forward.
Sometimes, regardless of a person's style, the motivation just simply dries up. You may lose focus; you may feel scattered and confused. It is precisely at those times that frustration sets in and the stresses of everyday life feel greater than before.
Do not despair! There are ways to get yourself back on track, find your enthusiasm and ramp up your motivation to carry on. The following 7 tips can help.
7 Tips
Tip 1) Find a Model:
I am not referring to a beautiful male or female! I am referring to someone who you hold in high regard. Someone whose opinion you respect. Someone whose character, ethics and vision you admire. This could be a colleague, a teacher, a businessperson or even a relative. When you identify this person, talk to him/her. Ask his/her opinion about whatever is troubling you at this time. Conversations with people we admire can inspire!
Tip 2) Take the PRESSURE off:
When you are frustrated, stuck and feeling stressed out your creativity suffers. Your perspective narrows and you become shut down, not open to new ideas. It is at these times that you need to RELAX! That's right; take a mind vacation for a while, a few hours or a day off. Go to the beach, listen to music, exercise, meditate, read a novel or just "veg out". You will improve your performance and become more motivated.
Take the time to unwind! (See Coping: Stress and The Economy).
Tip 3) Clean up your world:
Some people work well in chaos. You may have done very well in the past with a cluttered desk, a poorly arranged closet, a messy calendar and an ineffective database but now you are flustered. When you lack motivation you are in a sort of netherworld. Your mind feels paralyzed and your world disorganized. You are like a tired, unshaven, unkempt soul needing the equivalent of a shave, shower and a hot meal. Take the time to organize and straighten up your world. Get a fresh perspective.
Get your mind right, keep your ship tight!
Tip 4) Let the ideas fly:
Many of us have a tendency to govern our thoughts and ideas as they present themselves. You may think of a good idea but depending on your frame of mind, you may decide to put it aside or not give it another thought. To induce creativity, stimulate your mind and hurdle any blocks, begin brainstorming ideas. This can be done alone or with others. Just focus on a subject or problem and let the juices flow. Read magazines, blogs, motivational books or listen to recordings. DO NOT RESTRAIN OR REGULATE the flow. Put all ideas down on paper until you can't think of any others. It is not too late for you to create!
Tip 5) Create/Choose One goal: After you have gotten creative with many ideas, it is time to prioritize and choose one goal you’d like to accomplish. When you are in a slump or feeling overwhelmed choosing one goal that is within reach and completing tasks that help to accomplish it can help to build momentum.
Tip 6) Get healthy: Eat right and exercise. How often have you heard that bit of advice? It is good advice because it works! Run, walk, do yoga, play tennis or any other exercise that suits you. Cardio exercises can boost your mood naturally. The right foods (particularly green leafy vegetables) are reported to enhance the serotonin levels in the brain thereby creating better moods.
Tip 7) Recognize the positives:
If you are at a low point it may be difficult to recognize the positives in your life. However it is important to do so. Make a list of all the positive forces you can identify. Who or what is in your life right now that you consider yourself lucky to have? How have things improved up until the time your motivation waned? What would life be like without those people or things? When motivation is low you need to improve perspective.
Being motivated and enthusiastic is a state of mind. Our state of mind is subject to change depending on circumstances. It is organic, not static. For this reason it is up to us to keep ourselves energized and motivated. (See Creating a Better Attitude).
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