What Does Motivation Mean and How To Stay Motivated?

The dictionary defines motivation as a reason or reasons to act in a particular way. It is a desire to accomplish something. Most times when we want to accomplish a goal we need a willingness to help us improve our habits and get results. This is where motivation counts.

Our desire could shift from one thing to another though. The term “motivation” is constantly changing especially when we have certain aspirations. What motivated us yesterday or today may not be what motivates us tomorrow.

So what does motivation mean? It means finding drive and direction from within. It means finding an activity that keeps you engaged and putting effort into it. People who are motivated desire to do things, they desire to make a difference rather than sit and wait for things to happen.

It takes 10 years and 10,000 hours to become an expert. – Dr. Anders Ericsson

Motivation is a significant predictor of success, according to studies by Dr. Anders Ericsson. The most successful people are those who keep pushing on. Those with high motivation are guaranteed preparation and maximum performance which drives results.

It is always better to create a list of things that motivate you. Don’t limit this list. Even when your habits begin to slip, do well to refer to this list. – Eimantas Balciunas, CEO of Travel Ticker.

It is easier to become motivated about an activity when you are passionate about it. So ask yourself why you are passionate or dispassionate about an activity. One way to certainly get motivated is to find your passion in a particular activity. When you do, you can be motivated about it. You could also include others in this activity and gain the support you need to keep on going.

What Does Motivation Mean and How To Stay motivated?

How to know who is motivated?

The thing about motivation is that no one can truly push you to get something done except you. While you can be encouraged, supported or inspired, it takes personal effort to get things done.

Motivated people have a zest for life. They are excited about the future and have strategies to reach their goals.

They are persistent. Yes there could be obstacles. But motivated people don’t see this as a problem. Rather they would find ways around a problem and seek solution instead.

They are energetic. Of course they are enthusiastic and have no reason to be dampened with regrets and disappointment. They are always working hard to attain results.

They are positive. They know things would work out for the best. They don’t wait for the moment to come, rather they have a look of optimism on their face when they set out to accomplish a task.

They are focused. They know where they are headed and are not turned down by distractions.

They have self-belief. They do realize their weaknesses but rather than use this as a yardstick, they find ways to compensate for it. Through this they can gain confidence that they will indeed attain their goals.

They are knowledgeable. The motivated person doesn’t simply walk the walk, they are conduct research and gain knowledge. They are not scared to learn more or consult people who can build them up with the knowledge they need.

They focus on excellence. They are always looking for better ways to complete a task. Thus they are more quality-oriented.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

Why you should be motivated

While it may be difficult to ascertain the degree to which motivation can help drive results, it should be known that motivation pushes higher value and substantial levels of achievement. Being motivated drives success.

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” – Mario Andretti

What could drive motivation?

There are several factors that could drive motivation in you. This could be dependent on your age, goals, and what stage you are in life. But here are some things that could make you motivated:

Money, Ambition, Independence, Status, Opportunity, Self-esteem, making a difference and having a point to prove.

How to be motivated

Being motivated means you are willing to do everything to succeed. Finding motivation shows you are willing to maintain effort consistently. To gain motivation you have to be willing to do these five things.

“You can motivate by fear. And you can motivate by reward. But both of these methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation.” – Homer Rice

Embrace the unknown

With every risk or reason to be overwhelmed, take more risks. Do something you fear. Go ahead, speak in front of a crowd or make a presentation to persons who you know will be adamant to your proposition. Rather than let your worries take you down, use it as a positive energy to surge forward. According to Neil Patel, entrepreneur and superstar blogger, when you can face your fears and start something you great, you will certainly meet persons and reasons to stay motivated until you reach your goals.

Hang around positive people

You don’t need negative people around you when you are going through challenges. Having motivated and positive people around you will keep you motivated and surging on to your goals. Negative people on the other hand will bring your energy level down and infect you to take the wrong actions. Yes positive people can lift your spirit with the right words.

Make a plan and take action

You cannot negate the importance and power of making a plan and taking action after. Having a strategy to get out of your challenges will set you in the direction to do what is necessary to reach your goals. You are better equipped to be motivated and productive when you have a well-laid out plan to tackle your obstacles.

When you take action out of an effective strategy you can proceed with confidence and you’re better motivated to get those things you desire.

Be in charge and act responsibly

There is no need to make fuss or sweat the small stuffs. Focus on how you can retain your perceptive powers to be on top of the situation. Act responsibly and show you are courageous enough to deal with the situation. No one can get you out of a difficult situation other than you. It is your responsibility to identify what is going wrong and deal with the situation.

Solicit for positive advice

Sometimes we cannot deal with a situation independently. The best way to deal with it is to solicit and ask for help. You could be restricted to handle a matter on your own. Sometimes you need to find the right people to help you out of your challenges and reach out to them. So practice the three step process. Seek for the right person. Ask for their help. And share how important their help will take you in the right direction. Yes the answers to our challenges are in places we never thought or imagined of. So go out there to seek for those who will prove helpful to your challenging situation.