Motivation: Necessary in Order to Achieve

These days we are all exposed to a lot. We are constantly attacked by uncertainty, negativity…fears. We find lack of motivation, stress and even depression in people we know and places we are familiar with. Therefore, staying motivated these days is not necessarily piece of cake however, I can tell you that staying motivated is a sure way to continue to achieve and to be able to move forward.

Why do people lose motivation? What are the main reasons for so many people to lose the drive and inspiration they need to reach their goals? Well, here are a few:

1. Lost focus, purpose or direction: your goal should drive all your efforts; lack of focus equals going nowhere. To regain your focus, take a step back. What do you want? Write it down. Think about the potential benefits if you achieve that and how great you would feel. How will impact your life? Your family’s? if you can recapture that feeling; you are getting back on track. Remember, if you don’t know where you are heading you are going to have a tough time getting there.
2. Bad influences: you should surround yourself with people and things that will energize you; if people around you are influencing you in a bad way, taking your energy away or have that negative vibe that we know is contagious, fire them. They say that misery loves company; refuse to be a part of that cycle. Instead, find people that are encouraging and positive. Go to places and do things that will help you replenish your energy and once you recognize your energy thieves; limit your time around them or better yet don’t hang out with them. This might be hard, but you will start shifting your mentality in a way, that you will not want it any other way. Plus, I always make a point to be a positive influence.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Ghandi.
3. Never had it: this is a good excuse as to why not be motivated; however, if you know that you are lacking in this department; you ought to step up to the plate and start making decisions that will help you build your own motivation. Sometimes, being motivated does not come naturally to people. I find often that their own role models never exhibited this trait; you may call them pessimistic, gloomy or unenthusiastic; or you may remember the cartoon with the black cloud hanging above the head everywhere they go. Instead, choose to have an attitude that is different from what you have seen; and will start to see changes.
4. Past failures or lack of success: What we perceive as failures often shape up the way we take on future challenges and the way we look at life. When something doesn’t go our way, it is easy to feel down especially, if this is something you worked really hard at. The antidote here is to take a deep breath and look at it from an objective stand point. What is the lesson here? What can I learn from it? Then learn to let it go or it will hold you back from moving forward.
5. Zero confidence: this is a biggie; most people are afraid of something. The difference is what you decide to do about it. If you fear that you don’t have what it takes, you will not go full blast and most likely will give up. Instead, make a point to take small steps towards your goal, even if you are not sure, even if you are in fear. The more little steps you achieve, the quicker you will see your confidence soar and greater goals and projects will start looking more doable.
“Whether you think you can or you can’t; either way you are right.” Henry Ford

Truthfully, there is no easy formula or cure for being unmotivated. It takes discipline to acknowledge the need and desire to make a change. However, once you come to terms with the fact that being motivated is such a state that will positively permeate everything you do, and that everything you start to accomplish will serve as fuel to continue to achieve more; you will want more and more of it.

It is important that you recognize that you are lacking motivation and that being motivated will enhance your life. It doesn’t matter how bad things are or even where you come from. Once you accept that, you can start catching yourself every time you feel like you are going down and stop yourself on the tracks; using positive affirmations for example is a great way to get out of whatever rut. Some people pray, sing, listen to their favorite music, practice yoga, play with their pets or do whatever is going to help them stay in that good mood.

Finally, you may wonder: Why should I be motivated?…I’m fine the way I am; or What is the big deal after all? Well, I would suggest that if you are not ready to change, then this is not a right time for you. Nonetheless, if you know that there is more to life, if people around you complain that you are no fun to be with, if even small challenges look like Everest, then I would suggest that a little bit of motivation will go a long way. There is a lot of life waiting for you out there.

Take a step today to start living a full life, one that is inspiring, exciting and reflective of who you are. Be what you were meant to be and fall in love with the potential of becoming just that. At the end of the day, you will be glad you did.
If you are lacking motivation or do not feel like you know where you are going. If you are lacking confidence, focus or direction, life coaching might be for you. Call me today for a complimentary 30-minute session.
© 2010 Maria Martinez