What Motivates you?

Or should that be who motivates you?

When I am in a coaching session one of the first things we discuss is motivation.

Clients give a variety of reasons, most of these involve other people.

A desire to impress others, to be better than others, to provide for their family, to make parents proud.

Motivation of itself is very hard, the above reasons for motivation are good but self motivation is the most important (and the hardest).

Consistent motivation is the key to any success. No one ever achieved anything (with the exception of winning the lottery ;-)) without motivation over a long period.

It's easy to be motivated when things are going well but how to you keep it going?

Here is a simple guide to master self motivation:-

1 Know your goals - you need to know what it is that you are motivated about. Goal setting is a huge topic in itself which I will cover in a later blog. The key principles however is that the goal must be defined. It is not enough to say "I want to earn more money" I remember seeing Tony Robbins respond to a goal like that by giving the person a dollar and saying "there you are - goal achieved".

It has to be specific. Eg, I want to earn £100,000 a year.

It must also have a deadline, goals are dreams with a deadline. If we work with the £100,000 a year that may seem a reasonable goal but if it takes 30 years to achieve it the chances are it isn't going to be worth much then.

So the goal becomes "I want to earn £100,000 a year by 31/12/10.

This is fine as it stands but to be a motivator that goal has to be big, £100,000 may be big for someone but if it doesn't make you shudder with excitement to think of it then it needs to be increased.

2. Make a plan how it will work, set small steps. Plan your work and work your plan.

3. Record your progress, as you see yourself getting closer to you goal this will motivate you.

4. Visualise the goal, make a visual representation of it. When you can see in your mind what you want it is easier to keep going. If it is something physical like a new car go for a test drive, touch it, feel it and hear it. When it is ingrained in all your senses you will increase your motivation.

5. Keep positive, associate with positive people who will support you.

6. The last and most important thing - Just Do It. There is no substitute for making a start. Don't think about it, just jump in get started and you will gain a momentum that will carry you through.