The importance of motivation
In a previous blog, I discussed the meaning of the word ‘motivation,’ describing how it comes from the word ‘motive,’ which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as: “a reason for doing something.”
Motivation represents our internal desire to accomplish something that’s important to us. This motivation (desire) makes us act. Motivation is about an unmet need that we want to satisfy - a goal that we want to fulfil.
Motivation then is a powerful desire to act — to achieve something we want. It’s literally the desire to do things. It comes from our needs, values, and goals and knowing these will help us identify our Purpose, a specific element of The Resilience Wheel.
How clear is your Purpose to you and others? Photo Jeremy Bishop Unsplash
I now want to discuss the importance of motivation.
Stop for a moment and consider. How does anyone get anything done? How do you build new skills and break bad habits?
Quite simply, motivation is the driving force that gets you to your goals and dreams. Without motivation, it would be very challenging to change or accomplish much of anything.
Motivation makes you healthier
Exercise and healthier eating are essential to better health.
Motivations for a healthier life can include wanting to feel better physically, achieve certain fitness dreams, or be around to watch your kids grow up. With these drivers, you can build healthy habits and reap the benefits.
Motivation improves your relationships
There’s absolutely no doubt that relationships can be challenging. Both in our work life and our personal life we all face conflicts and misunderstandings.
If you lack motivation, these go unaddressed. But, if you’re motivated to improve or maintain a relationship, that relationship is better for it. Having a great Support Network, that balances support and challenge is another dimension of The Resilience Wheel.
How healthy is your Support Network. Photo Neil Thomas Unsplash
Motivation helps build new skills
Developing a new skill depends on two things: motivation and habit. When you’ve done something for a while, you don’t always need to “feel” motivated; you can carry on out of habit.
However, while you’re still forming those habits, you need motivation.
Motivation helps you learn more
Whether you want to become an expert on a topic or just learn enough to talk about it without feeling lost, you need motivation to keep learning.
Motivation increases your productivity
If you do something on auto-pilot - without thinking why - it’s much easier to get distracted or procrastinate.
On the other hand, if you’re motivated by something, then you’re more likely to be more productive.
Motivation can advance your career
Motivations can include the desire for a bigger paycheck or responsibilities more aligned with your passions. Whatever your goals, you’ll need to stay motivated to get there.
Motivation inspires others
Motivation is contagious.
If you hang around motivated people, you’re more likely to feel inspired. If you’re looking for some extra motivation and encouragement, think about the people you know who’ve committed to forming new healthy habits and changing their lives for the better. They can be good people to talk to about meeting your goals.
Motivation gets you through hard times
Intentionally thinking about what motivates you is a great way to remain positive, as your motivations compel you to keep trying.
Motivation is essential for good leadership
If a team isn’t motivated, their work will suffer. Leaders should study the best ways to motivate a group and avoid strategies that aren’t as effective.
If you’d like to explore the subject of motivation more deeply, please contact me via Email: russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.