By Eberhard Niklaus
Ignite Your Motivation for the Year Ahead
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves setting new goals and aspirations. However, it’s no secret that these resolutions often fade away, leading us to ponder the topic of motivation. Understanding how to cultivate and maintain motivation can be a game-changer in achieving your dreams.
The Illusion of Temporary Motivation
Attending a motivational talk or reading an inspiring book can provide a short burst of enthusiasm, much like taking a hot bath that quickly cools. While external sources of motivation can be beneficial, the most sustainable motivation comes from within.
The Key Concepts to Create and Sustain Motivation
Inspiration:
This is the driving force behind motivation. When you feel inspired, you are more likely to take action. For instance, I find myself motivated to hit the gym each morning because I am inspired by my goal of being fit and healthy. Unfortunately, many people lack meaningful goals that excite them. To ignite your inspiration, clarify your life purpose, which is often rooted in your core values. A concise statement of your life purpose can guide your goals and decisions, ensuring they align with your values.
Enthusiasm:
This contagious energy is critical for sustaining motivation. You can cultivate enthusiasm by creating three lists:
- 10 Reasons why it is good to be alive
- 10 Reasons why others will benefit from my products/services
- 10 Reasons why it is important for me to succeed
Reading these lists daily can fuel your enthusiasm and help you tackle daily challenges with a confident mindset.
Attitude:
Your attitude shapes your reality. As Charles Jones wisely noted, in five years, we will be the same except for the books we read and the people we associate with. Choose to surround yourself with uplifting influences and cultivate a mindset that embraces responsibility rather than victimhood. Remember, your thoughts shape your reality; choose them wisely.
Vision:
Having a clear vision of what you want is essential. Many people drag their past into the future, weighed down by guilt and resentment. To break free, let go of these negative feelings and focus on your vision for the future. As the story of the baboon illustrates, sometimes you need to let go of what holds you back to embrace new opportunities.
Self-Worth:
Many individuals struggle with low self-esteem, often shaped by societal expectations. However, you have the power to reframe your self-image. Just as a neglected garden can flourish again with care, so can your mental state. Replacing negative thoughts that have been allowed to take root in your mind with positive, uplifting thoughts, will soon result in an attractive mental garden.
Les Brown (motivational speaker) said, “Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality”.
A practical way that you can raise your own self-worth is to complete the following list:
- Write down “100 Things I have Achieved”. Initially you may think that this is an impossible task (a sign of low self-worth?). However, if you begin the process, and only manage to list a limited number of achievements, you will find as you attempt to complete the exercise over a few days that you WILL complete the list (they don’t all have to be huge accomplishments; small ones also “stack up”). As you mull over your list, you will be empowered by recalling your past achievements/successes. It is astonishing how quickly we forget our accomplishments and successes of the past.
Life is full of temporary disappointments, heartaches, failures and problems and if we choose to dwell on them, we can make them a central part of our image. We therefore need to be intentional about selecting where we focus our thoughts, and which ones we embrace as we choose to believe that we are unique and are capable of anything we choose.
“Having fun”
Richard Branson was once asked what the reason for his success was. He answered with one word: FUN. You may think that if you had the amount that Richard Branson has in his bank account, you would also have fun. Yet, that is not what he meant. Richard meant that the REASON why he had so much wealth was because of his ability to have fun. I can imagine Richard Branson waking up every morning, excited to face the opportunities of a new day as he chased his dreams and goals (vision).
If you read some of his books he has authored, he celebrated milestones along his journey towards success. Also, he always encompasses the element of fun with all his staff. They all have fun together as a team, enjoying the journey itself. No wonder he has achieved so much!
Do you schedule “fun” along your journey to achieve success and happiness, both professionally and personally? When last did you give yourself the proverbial “pat on the back”?
Health
Finally, it is important to take good care of your health. A balanced diet, enough water, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are obvious areas we need to manage.
Conclusion
Lastly, the more you become, the more you can give. And when you give to others, you will find that you are energized and even more motivated, because your higher needs of contributing to society are also being met.
About the Author:
Eberhard is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, and author of two books. He is a founder and director of TSA Business School. He also publishes podcasts to offer support and motivation for people wanting to unlock their potential.
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