The Problem with Motivation

In my line of work, I am often challenged by those that have been “let down” by motivation. That excitement they felt at the beginning of a project, job, diet, business, relationship, or whatever, quickly wanes, and they’re left feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

And how many have read an amazingly inspirational book, like mine for example *wink wink*, or listened to a motivational speaker, yet found that the empowerment they felt at the time was quickly replaced by real life?

You see, the biggest problem with motivation is that it doesn’t last, and the high expectations you have, as a result of being exposed to something new and inspiring, often leads to you quickly feeling disappointed when the rewards don’t materialise quick enough.

And herein lies the problem. So, how can you make sure that your motivation continues, long after that initial buzz?

Take Action, QUICK!
If you’ve been to a seminar, or read a book, the quickest way to reinforce what you’ve learned is to take action on it immediately. Too often, we allow the motivation to drain away before we’ve even considered acting, and thus the impetus is lost. But, the best way to maintain motivation is to gain momentum, and so the quicker you do something with what you’ve learned, the quicker you’ll experience that sense of achievement, and the easier you’ll find it to continue.

Know Your Big Goals, but Work Towards Small Goals
The best way to feel successful, is by recognising every step that you take on the way to your long term goals. So, while it’s important to know where you’re headed, it’s more important to be able to see your successes every day. To do this, you should set daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly goals that are clearly taking you towards your long term goals. And, with the achievement of each small goal; celebrate! Write notes to consolidate how you feel about each success, which will help to cement that feeling in your mind and increase your confidence and self-belief. Share the news with friends. Blab about it on Facebook. Or, do whatever it takes to magnify how good those little successes feel.

Avoid Mood-Hoovers (like the plague)
There is nothing that will kill off that sense of motivation quicker than those who poo-poo your enthusiasm. So, if you know that your mum is a pessimist, or that Jeanette from next door will try to belittle your efforts, then don’t bother talking to them about it. And, if people try to drag you down with unsolicited negativity, simply refuse to engage in it. Neither seek to defend nor justify your plans and decisions, but simply smile sweetly and let it bounce right off you. Either ask them to keep their opinions to themselves, or tune out of their negativity and go seek out people who will support your endeavours rather than criticise them.

Consider Proper Coaching
Motivational speakers and self-help writers are often coaches, just like me, but the difference between reading, or listening to us, and actually working with us, is that when we work with you in a one-to-one setting, our job is actually to make sure that you always take action, so that you are always seeing a return on your investment. While motivation is great for a short term buzz, and to get you started, there is no substitute for high-quality coaching when it comes to achieving the very best in your life. Now, and in the longer term.

So, what are your experiences of motivation, and what are your favourite hacks for keeping your motivation levels high so that you can consistently perform at a high level? 


Jo xx