Learn what self-motivation is and how to boost your motivation.
Examples of Self-Motivation
How to Build Your Self-Motivation Skills
If you want to build self-motivation, there are some key skills you can develop. Here are a few:
1. Initiative
The tendency to act,
take charge, or move forward before others do.
2. Drive to Achieve
The desire to accomplish
something versus working for external rewards like money or prestige.
3. Commitment to Goals
The sticktoitiveness and persistence to reach goals.
4. Resilience
The ability to keep
going despite difficulties.
5. Passion for Work
The enjoyment of the work itself.
6. Eagerness
The desire to try new things and take on new challenges.
7. Desire to Improve
The need to keep getting better.
8. Self-Efficacy
The belief that your actions will lead to desired results.
Tips to Boost Self-Motivation
1. Make Goal-Pursuit More Social
Past research among
employees has shown that the single factor that contributed most to
commitment—which they considered a part of motivation—was a drive to bond . When we think about self-motivation, we might imagine grueling schedules or long To-do lists, but the truth is we can make motivation easier if we find ways to bond while pursuing our goals. So, if there is an activity that you’re having a hard time doing, try making this activity more social.
2. Find Something You're Good At
The same research study that we mentioned above also showed that feeling like we comprehend what we’re doing at work can lead us to be more engaged. That makes sense, right? If we’re good at something, it’s probably less frustrating and we enjoy it more. Related research suggests that we stay the most engaged and motivated when the difficulty of a task is in the sweet spot between being too hard—which can make us feel bad about ourselves—and too easy—which can be boring.
3. Tap into your Drive to Acquire or Defend
Workplace researchers suggest that two more drives can motivate us: the drive to acquire things that boost our well-being (e.g., food, money, experiences, entertainment) and the drive to defend ourselves. So, it may be helpful to remind ourselves of these drives and how our actions can help us fulfill them.
4. Build Habits
Once we get in the habit of doing something, it becomes way easier to keep doing it. That means that learning how to build habits can be a useful skill for becoming more self-motivated. To build habits, BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits, says to start with a teeny, tiny, minuscule habit. Grow it from there. For example, if you want to get in the habit of walking a mile every day, start by taking one step outside your door, then a few steps, and keep adding a tiny bit at a time.
5. Set Implementation Intentions
Implementation intentions are kind of like a backup plan—they set up strategies ahead of time in case plan A doesn’t work out. To create an implementation intention, you just set an intention that IF X happens, THEN you’ll do Y. For example, if you need to go to the dentist, then you’ll do your work later that evening.
In Sum
References
● Goleman, D. (2018). What makes a leader? (pp. 39-52). Routledge.
● Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: strong effects of simple plans. American psychologist, 54(7), 493.
● Nohria, N., Groysberg, B., & Lee, L. (2008). Employee motivation: A powerful new model. Harvard business review, 86(7/8), 78.
● Stajkovic, A. D., & Luthans, F. (2003). Social cognitive theory and self-efficacy: Implications for motivation theory and practice. Motivation and work behavior, 126, 140.
Motivation & Goal Achievement Masterclass©
The Motivation & Goal Achievement Masterclass© is a comprehensive six-module coaching package. With this masterclass, you will be able to help your clients achieve meaningful success through the science of motivation and goal setting.
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