Self-motivation

The athletes at the Olympics made me think. Their determination, resilience, ruthlessness and motivation are so strong. I am in awe as I watched them perform at the highest level in the world. And in a way, they motivate me too. Unfortunately, I am not a professional athlete, but if I want to achieve something, training speaking, I suppose I have to be as determined as they are: Go for it! Be consistent. Put in the work. And it works for me. 

Are you motivated by a ‘tough love’ approach? Or more by encouragement to dig deeper?

Some are motivated by the inspiration of seeing others succeed or a quote. Others are motivated by adversity, friends or sheer ambition to be the best. Finding your purpose can be highly motivating and sometimes make you unstoppable. However, defining your purpose takes time, but exploring the deeper layers that make you who you are could be the domino that sets it all in motion. 

Motivation is unique to each of us and finding the perfect one could set us up for success. It is worth finding the one that works for you. Not least because with that particular motivation you can  mobilise the people around you to support you. Research shows (1) that trust and encouragement help people perform better.

“You can motivate by fear, and you can motivate by reward. But both those methods are only temporary. The only lasting thing is self-motivation.”

(Homer Rice, former American football player and Coach.)

Self-motivation, according to Deci and Ryan (2), happens when our three basic physiological needs are met and boost well-being. These are autonomy, relatedness and competence. Autonomy is about having personal control and making your own decisions. Competence is using your strengths and relatedness is when you feel supported and understood. 

It is this type of motivation that is sustainable, unlike external motivation.

So, what works for you? What motivation helps you put in work? 

Do you know your purpose? Do you have sustainable autonomous motivation? 

Do you? Well done! Go for it!! 

If not yet(!), I hope that this has given you food for thought and perhaps a first step towards your goal.

Let me know if you think I can help. If you would like to learn more about discovering your purpose, identifying your strengths, or finding for what drives you from within to become highly self-motivated.

Let’s go! Woop!