19 Apr The Power of Self-Motivation: Achieving Success on Your Own Terms
This IS Part of the 'Control The Controllables' series
Welcome to Part 2/5
Motivation is what drives us to succeed and achieve our goals. But how do we stay motivated when things get tough? In this post, I’ll explore the different types of motivation, how they impact our drive and success, and provide practical tips for taking control of our motivation to achieve our goals.
Types of Motivation
There are two main types of motivation – intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by personal values, interests, and passions. Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors like rewards, recognition, and social approval. Both types of motivation can be powerful motivators, but intrinsic motivation is more sustainable and effective in the long term. This is why knowing your values and living those values daily is so important!
Goal-Setting
Setting specific and measurable goals is a key component of staying motivated. When we have clear goals, we can break them down into smaller, achievable steps that build momentum and help us stay focused on our priorities. Additionally, it’s important to celebrate our progress and reward ourselves along the way to maintain our motivation. The biggest obstacle is deciding not to start!
Overcoming Obstacles
Obstacles and setbacks are inevitable on the road to success, but how we handle them can make all the difference. To stay motivated, we need to cultivate mental toughness and inner strength to push through challenges and setbacks. This can be achieved through developing habits of discipline, focus, and self-motivation. These 3 things compound on one another. Your discipline is compounded by how well you can focus on your objectives. Your motivation becomes disciplined the more your actions and behaviours are routinely made into habits.
Expert Insights
There are many thought leaders in the field of motivation and goal-setting, including Angela Duckworth and her research on grit, Carol Dweck and her work on the growth mindset, and Tony Robbins and his teachings on personal drive and passion. Incorporating the ideas and strategies of these experts into our own lives can help us take control of our motivation and achieve our goals.
The Importance of Grit
Duckworth emphasises that the possession of grit is a superior predictor of success when compared to talent or intelligence alone, and it enables individuals to maintain control over their long-term goals. Although talent and intelligence are fundamental, they are not adequate for achieving success. Grit allows individuals to persevere through barriers and hardships, and to stay committed to their objectives, even when progress is difficult or slow.
Duckworth believes that grit can be developed and improved. Although some people may naturally possess grit, she suggests that it can be learned and refined. To cultivate grit, she recommends adopting a growth mindset, seeking feedback and mentorship, and engaging in deliberate practice.
Start NOW
Motivation is a powerful force that can propel us towards success, but it requires intentional effort and discipline to cultivate and maintain. By understanding the different types of motivation, setting clear goals, overcoming obstacles, and learning from experts in the field, we can take control of our personal drive and achieve our dreams. Remember, nobody but you is going to give you the life you want. You have to take control and take the necessary steps to get what you want. You have to make a start. Working with a coach can be that supportive start you need!
I am a Freedom Coach and Mentor – I mostly help freedom-loving people create a Successful Mindset. If you would like to explore some of these themes and move towards achieving more freedom this year, let’s connect and set up a call