How is your Self-Motivation doing? Need a pick-me-up?

Sometimes, in those moments of slump, we need to find areas of inspiration to get motivated! So take charge of your goals and here’s help to achieve this…

Self-motivation is a complicated subject as what drives us can be different as to what drives others. A common link is the ability to set challenging yet reachable goals that push us.

With this in mind, here are three factors to build levels in self-motivation.

1. Confidence – Building self-confidence

As a martial artist, had I considered my competitors to be too strong or fast I would never have entered competitions. When it came to grading, had I thought them too challenging, well, I wouldn’t have progressed.

This is no different in our lives or business. Those who don’t believe in themselves or their abilities will start by thinking “I know I can’t do that” and will often achieve their own self-fulfilling prophecy. Those with a positive outlook will think “OK, that didn’t work but this one set-back won’t stop me” approach.

Building from a point of self-confidence insures a much greater chance of success. The consequential joy that this brings positively hits the endorphins setting you up wanting the next challenge, creating a self-perpetuating circle.

Steps to help confidence:

• Set goals that are obtainable and go get them! Then get the feel-good factor.
• Ask friends and colleagues what they see as your strengths – you may be surprised!
• Do a self-analysis on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threats). Focus on areas you could stretch or improve yourself (W & O)
• Look back on your achievements. Remember how you felt.

There may be knock-backs but look to what positive things you can take from this.

2. Positive, Pro-active and future forecasting way of thinking

This is an assisting factor to self-confidence. If you constantly look for the negatives, you will find them and continue to live by that mantra, however, those who find the positive will likewise, fulfil that mantra too.

When questioned about the number of attempts to develop the light bulb, Thomas Edison replied “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10000 ways that won’t work”! Now that’s positive mind-setting.

Steps to help Positive Thinking:

• Challenge ‘Negative’ thoughts, replace with ‘Positive’ ones. Re-frame the way you say things (ie, not to ‘give up’ but to ‘aim for’)
• Visualise how things will look better once your goal has been achieved
• Read books on positive thinking styles (put ‘positive thinking’ into Amazon for a plethora of choices!)

3. Strong goals (S.M.A.R.T.)

You’re most probably already aware of the SMART acronym (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time scale). By setting these, self-confidence increases as each stage is achieved giving focus on ‘Positive’ mind-set.

Look at every component of SMART and set your goal around these.

Steps to help setting strong goals:

• Make goals difficult enough to be interesting but not unsurmountable
• Progress report! Frequently check up on how you are doing
• Prioritise – make sure things are in order of relevance and importance (check out this blog for time management matrix)

Coaching to Success are renowned for being another element of motivation, and that’s being held accountable to someone! If you make a commitment to someone, you’re chances of success improves dramatically and we’re here to help support you along YOUR journey of self-motivation.

Whether looking to gain clarity to what you are aiming to achieve or needing that assistance to get you on your self-motivational journey, Coaching to Success are here to help. For further information, simply call Neil on 07761 187238 or email neil@coachingtosuccess.co.uk for an informal conversation to see how we can help increase your ‘Mojo’ or other matters concerning business development