Motivation: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

Motivation is the better driving force on human behavior, whereby goals are set for the challenges to be overcome and ultimately for success to be achieved. Personal growth or professional aspiration, or leading a meaningful life; understanding motivation in itself will offer the key needed to unlock that potential and therefore keep moving in a direction, even with the presence of obstacles.

What Is Motivation?

Motivation refers to all internal and external stimuli of any type that activate, influence, and maintain goal-directed behavior. Motivation is defined as an intrinsic motive that arises out of one's intention or an extrinsic motive driven by some external rewards like money, recognition, or societal expectations.

Types of Motivation

• Intrinsic Motivation

• Internal reasons; motivators for completion may be personal satisfaction or loving to engage in something.

• Example Painting because you like art, not because you are getting paid.

• Extrinsic Motivation

• External factors motivating; it can be in the form of rewards, deadlines, or even fear of some other punishments.

• Example: Working hard to make a certain score and get a scholarship or promotion.

• Both of these are crucial and work in synergy to instigate productivity and attain success.

The Importance of Motivation

• Fuels Action

Motivation pushes us on that first step toward achieving goals. Without it, well-laid plans can remain unfulfilled.

• Develops Resiliency

Motivation gives one the strength to follow through in difficult times and after setbacks if motivation is present even after a few setbacks.

• Enhances Performance

A motivated individual tends to remain much more goal-directed, works harder, and achieves more.

• Fosters Growth

If one is motivated, one would usually push himself or herself, learn new skills, and eventually grow both personally and professionally. 

How To Cultivate And Maintain Motivation

• Set Clear Goals

Establish the requirements for achieving some definite objectives. Explicit and specific goals are a guide to one's direction and give the feeling of being purposeful.

• Break It Down

Divide larger goals into smaller, easily attainable tasks. There is tremendous motivation cried out through achieving smaller milestones.

• Find Your "Why"

Be clear about what really matters to you with regard to goal pursuit. Building a connection to some deeper purpose enhances intrinsic motivation.

• Visualize Success

Envision yourself achieving your goals. Visualization strengthens your beliefs in your capabilities and maintains a focused mind.

• Stay Positive

Keeping positive as well as surrounding oneself with positive, supportive people will help to perpetuate motivation especially in times when motivation may be lacking.

• Reward Yourself

Acknowledge every little achievement. Rewards instill motivation to keep striving for greatness.

• Accept Setbacks

Motivation is about process, not perfection. Allow room for the occasional failure to teach you, to build on.

Inspiration to Keep You Going

• More than anything else, Thomas Edison said it succinctly: "It is genius, one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration." Clearly, the infusion of motivation with effort gives birth to new things.

• J.K. Rowling was rejected countless times before her "Harry Potter" got the traction to become one of the greatest worldwide institutions. Her experience drew from unrelenting motivation.

Final Thoughts:

Motivation is not a habit but a habit cultivated. In achieving this, understanding the fine details and working with practical strategies will help develop a mindset that fuels action and aspirations. Every great achievement is borne of inspiration to take the first step. 

Stay motivation. Stay unbearable!