Motivation Misconception

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Within the science of Motivation some say that either you have motivation or you don’t. 

We strongly disagree. Motivation is something that can be cultivated with a customised strategy. 

Motivation is rooted in the word Motive; meaning purpose or your Why that is a foundation within Personal Development. According to a dictionary Motivation and Motive is derived from a French word meaning to Move, to do something, to take action. Motivation is to act towards what you want to accomplish. 

Many confuse a lack of Motivation with simply not feeling like doing something and because of their feelings conclude that they lack Motivation. Decisions based on feelings cause problems since you cannot only do things when you feel like it. We have another blog post about how to develop your decision making. 

Instead on focusing on your feelings, to feel motivated, ask yourself what do you need to get motivated? What are you lacking or what do you think that you are lacking to be able to act towards what you want to accomplish? What are you lacking? Try to identify, write down your excuses and try to pin point what it is.

When you have identified different areas you can ask yourself is these areas really are needed now or if you can put them into your plan as goals along the way. Perhaps it is circumstances that is not within your reach right now but does that mean that you cannot pursue what you want to accomplish? Do it anyway and find another way to do it. 

Say that you for instance want a car to take you places you want to go but your car break down and you don’t afford to fix it. Can you find another way of doing what you want without a car? 

Try to simplify you plan with only the most crucial details you really need to get you going towards your goals. When you get the moving you will quite fast get a momentum and that will help you as a fuel to continue since you will see that you are making progress. 

Write down each week your accomplishments and review them and celebrate your wins. 

Making a plan will help you to see your progress and identify where you are and your next moves. 

To take with you the question: – What do I lack right now? Is a good question to see that you don’t always have what you think you need, you just go with what you have and keep moving according to your plan. Sometimes your plan needs adjustments but that is nothing to worry about, sometimes a detour is needed as well but you will anyway have your goals clear in your mind and in your plan down in writing. 

To conclude: Don’t rely on your feelings to decide whether you are Motivated or not. Also don’t rely on things or circumstances that you thing you need for your next move. Just go with what you have and the momentum will help you to find out along the way how to navigate and you will also be a pro at problem solving as you continue!