Motivation can be a tricky subject. What some people find motivating, others find depressing.
For example, did you ever have a coach in school who seemed to delight in telling you what a lousy athlete you were? Some kids get fired up over negative “motivation.” They are going to prove that coach wrong, no matter what! But for others, that type of talk is very deflating. I mean, who wants to work hard for someone that treats them like dirt?
“Toward” Thinking
As a business coach, I believe in positive motivation or “toward” thinking. Envisioning what you do want moves you forward — or towards — your goal. This is playing to win.
In a business setting, visualizing your future success is “toward” thinking. You are working toward having more clients… more profits… more freedom.
If you use the motivation technique employed by lousy school coaches, you will be playing not to lose. Think that’s the same thing as playing to win? Nope… they are totally different mindsets that produce totally different results.
Fear as Motivation
When you are playing not to lose, you are motivated by fear — fear of looking foolish, fear of failing, fear of disappointment. Motivation based on fear creates a negative mindset that breeds insecurity. Instead of fulfilling the true potential of who you are, you spend all your time and energy running away from what you don’t want to be.
I’ve discovered that people are more successful when they focus on what they want rather than what they don’t want. So, those who have their ‘eye on the prize’ are more likely to reach their goal than those who are just hoping not to be embarrassed in front of their family and friends.
Motivation Techniques
- Make Small Goals: You will quickly lose steam if you only set goals that will take years to achieve. Instead, select a few smaller goals that can be attained in a relatively short period of time. Like writing an article
Once you reach those, you will find that your momentum builds. Remember: Success breeds success. - Reward Yourself: It doesn’t have to be a trip to Cancun; a latte will do. Reward yourself with something small when you reach certain milestones. This is particularly helpful for tedious tasks. If you hate returning emails, see if the promise of a trip to the coffee shop when you’re done speeds up the process.
- Try Something New: It’s boring to do the same thing over and over again. Hypnotic, in fact. Shake up your routine by taking a risk. Maybe join a business group or attend an industry related meet-up introducing your business. The adrenaline rush you get from going outside your comfort zone might just give you the jolt you need to ramp up your game.
- Play Some Music: Did you see the Olympic snow boarders with their iPods? Putting on catchy tunes is a good way to get moving and get motivated. Do this enough and your mind will learn to associate certain music with work and have you instantly ready to start your day!
- Visualization: Sometimes, the best motivation comes from simply imagining where you want to be in the future. At the start of each work day, spend a few minutes on this centering activity. Close your eyes and visualize what you want your business to be like. How will it operate? What will be your role? Then, consider what you need to do to get to that point. What action can you take today to bring you closer to your vision for the future? Now, open your eyes and take that first step!
Those are just some examples of motivational techniques. There are lots more… What do you use to keep yourself energized and on task?
Image via Notsogoodphotography on Flickr
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