Motivation is a mindset that comes from within. There are of course leaders and books that may inspire us, but ambition and the desire to achieve any goal is what motivates our action and behaviour.
Motivation is all about thinking about what we want to achieve and how much we want to achieve it. For some, motivation is intrinsic, it is a passion or a competitive streak that drives action and behaviour. For others, there is a goal in mind but a lack of passion and drive to get there.
So what can we do?
1. Set SMART goals
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. It is important that our initial goals are SMART to allow us to believe in our ability to achieve our overall ambition. An example could be, ‘I want to achieve a 70% or above on all exams this semester’.
2. Create a plan for achieving your goals
Write down specifically how you intend on achieving your set goals. This may mean following or creating a specific workout routine to complete 5 times a week.
3. Reflect and review on progress and achievements
It is important to celebrate all kinds of wins to ensure we maintain a positive and driven mindset. This is also an opportunity to work out how to improve or what can be changed along the journey.
4. Think positively
Without developing self-belief and confidence along the way, it is difficult to keep the momentum and stay on track towards achieving our goals. A positive mind-set is crucial to any long-term success. It is in your own best interest to surround yourself with those who support your ambitions and goals.
Motivation is a highly powerful mindset that when used effectively has the potential to create positive and ambitious outcomes. It is important to continuously work on creating and maintaining motivation is all aspects of life. Following these steps are a positive start for possible long-term success.