Motivation is No Mystery. Here’s How You Get More of It!

Friday, November 18, 2011

The root word of motivation is motive and your motive is the reason you do something. When detectives are trying to pin point a murderer, they always look for motive. “Who would benefit from such a crime? Was there something to gain by slitting this person’s throat?”

We are all driven by motive, because we all have a reason for doing what we do. Even if you’re lazy, or a procrastinator, you have a motive for it. What could that be? Your motive is to avoid the discomfort of doing what it is you’ve been putting off.

Nobody sits and channel surfs for a few hours because they’re actually interested in skimming television shows. Not at all. Their motive is to avoid the pain of self-improvement, responsibility, or anything resembling work. Therefore, their strong motive for avoiding work motivates them to consistently waste time in front of the television.

Strong Motives Lead to More Motivation

Whatever your strongest motive is will determine the level of motivation you experience in achieving it. The obese man or woman has no problem feeding themselves, but they struggle with dieting and exercise. Why? Because their motive for health and fitness is not as strong as the other. That’s why nothing really changes until we hit rock bottom. We are then forced into an immediate and revolutionary transformation of our motives.

It’s when the doctor tells you, “Your arteries are clogged, and your heart can’t keep up with your weight. If you keep eating like this, you’ll be dead in a few years.” Guess what? Your motive will probably change, and you’ll have less problem being motivated to watch your diet and start heading to the gym.

It’s when your wife or girlfriend leaves you, that your motive to change your behavior shifts. It’s when you see everyone getting laid off that your motive changes to start improving your value at work. What’s the point? It’s simple: strengthen your motive for doing something and you’ll experience more motivation to achieve it.

Arm Yourself with Reasons

If you really want to win the war of achievement then you need to arm yourself with reasons. The stronger the reasons you have for achieving something the stronger will be your motive; and the stronger your motive, the more motivated you’ll be to achieve it.

Ask yourself, “Why do I want that goal? How am I going to benefit from it?” The more reasons you have, the stronger will be your motive. Therefore, feed your reasons. Keep them before your mind’s eye everyday.

For example, if you want to get fit and healthy, then make yourself spend at least 15-30 minutes each morning watching YouTube videos on dieting and training. I guarantee you that you’re more likely to hit the treadmill and watch what you eat than if you didn’t.

If you’re struggling financially, then do the same thing. If you want to improve your relationship with your partner, then consult some short videos, or articles, on relationships. Yes, you want the information, but more importantly, you want to strengthen your reasons and motives.

The trick is to understand that whatever occupies your mind is what you’ll desire to do. That’s why fantasy is a driving force in all sexual deviancy. Excessive thoughts of lust precede the crime. Try to use that same power for your goals.