November 2007

How to Motivate Yourself

From June 2006 through March 2007 I wrote ten monthly columns, each telling one way to motivate others.  But one thing is clear; we can’t motivate others unless we are motivated ourselves.  Here are five things to consider as you seek to motivate yourself:

Desire.  Motivated people desire to do things and that motivation is sustained by desiring to do things not just for ourselves, but for others.  Last month I said I was convinced the happiest people are those who want to serve others.  I have also discovered the most motivated people are those who seek to serve others; desire to serve others is fuel for staying motivated.

Determine.  Motivated people evaluate themselves often; and they ask for honest feedback from others—to determine their own strengths and their weaknesses.  Then they capitalize on their strengths and take steps to shore up their weaknesses.  Motivated people stay motivated by their determination to improve.

Decide.  Motivated people consciously decide to take action—learn a skill, gain new information, listen to others—so they can develop and improve.  Development and improvement doesn’t just happen; it happens when people decide to make it happen.

Discipline.   Motivation and discipline go together, for discipline is the link between desire and accomplishment.  Motivated persons display discipline; they are disciplined enough to delay gratification and take the road less traveled rather than go with the crowd.

Direct.  Motivated people direct their energies toward the common good—for the benefit of the organization and others.  This action keeps them motivated and helps them control their own destiny.