Cultivating Motivation

Motivation comes and goes. When it is really flowing it is easy to dive in and do even the hard things that need to be done. When it ebbs though... why... am... i... doing... this...? The thing is though that motivation is not an uncontrollable force. It probably is impossible to be highly motivated always, but you can take actions that build up your motivation and increase your effectiveness.

Here are four ways to cultivate motivation in your life and increase your capacity to achieve what is important.

Answer the question "why?" One of the biggest reasons for lack of motivation is just not knowing why you are doing something. It's close cousin is having dumb reasons for doing something. When you don't have good reasons for doing something it is easy to lose interest in pushing. When you don't think your job matters you aren't going to show initiative and do a good job.

So find your "why". Figure out what drives you and motivates you. Maybe it is providing for your family. Maybe it is a desire to make the world a better place. Find the things that are important to you. Define your priorities and you will discover a deep well of motivation.

Be careful though. Figuring out your priorities can have a very disruptive affect on your life. Especially if you've been coasting for a long time. It could cause you to quit your job, fix your marriage, become a better dad, who knows? Risky business that.

Manage your environment. Once you know your "why" it is important to protect it. Stay away from people who tear you down and don't appreciate your "why". Look for people who respect your priorities and, even better, encourage them. Life will bring enough troubles that you don't need saboteurs trying to steel your motivation.

Use motivation boosters. I'm sure you've red a book or listened to a radio show or podcast that really revved you up. It spoke to your "why" whether you recognized that or not. It encouraged your drive to make your life better. Take note of those things. Write them down. Make a list and when you are feeling low and unmotivated pull one out and use those performance enhancing motivation drugs to put you on a better path.

Remember your context. Usually when I am feeling discourage and unmotivated it is at least in part because my perspective has shrunk to a tiny little bubble around me. All I see are the immediate issues and struggles and problems. Broadening your perspective doesn't make those things go away, but it helps you see the bigger picture.

I might have had my boss turn me down for a raise, had an argument with my wife, yelled at the kids, and gotten a speeding ticket (not really, just for example). However, I am making more than I ever have, my marriage is stronger than it was a year ago, I'm gradually becoming a better father, and I am all around a lot more mature than I was ten years ago.

Progress is being made. So sure, today might be a bad day, but if I stay focused and motivated there is a good chance that in another ten years my life will be even better.

I hope this helps you. I wrote this mostly for me. I don't do this very well sometimes... but I'm getting better! :D