Why, if I may ask, do we find it so difficult to do what we know we should do, but easily get swayed in the direction we know very well we do not want to go? We start so well-intentioned, we make our beautiful plans and schedules, but in the end, we still end up reneging on what we promised ourselves.
We are naturally inclined, just like gravity and all other forces in nature, to the direction of least resistance. Our lives, bodies, and systems have created neuropathways that make us act in a certain way, and any change is faced by natural resistance. We settle into routines, habits, and mindsets that keep us safely within our comfort zones, but also prevent us from reaching our full potential.
Motivation is the spark that ignites our passion, fuels our determination, and propels us forward in the face of challenges. Sometimes, finding the motivation to pursue our dreams can often feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Intrinsic motivation can be elusive, unpredictable, and sometimes fleeting.
Maintaining motivation is, however, no easy feat. It requires resilience, discipline, and a steadfast belief in our ability to succeed. In moments of doubt and discouragement, it's our motivation that reminds us of our purpose and inspires us to keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem stacked against us.
How do you engage your intrinsic motivation?
To cultivate this intrinsic motivation, you need to be purposeful about it. Let’s look at a few things you can do.
1. Find Your "Why"
Understanding your underlying motivations is crucial for sustaining long-term motivation. Ask yourself why you should do it anyway. What do you stand to gain? Whether it's financial security, personal fulfillment, or making a positive impact on others, identifying your "why" will provide you with a powerful source of inspiration during challenging times.
Your why needs to be strong enough to pull you through any setback. In Kaizen, they talk about the 5Whys. Ask yourself why 5 times until it resonates well with you.
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset is essential for nurturing self-motivation. When faced with complacency or lack of drive, the best counter-medicine is to learn something new towards your goal. Focus on continuous learning and development and you'll be more resilient and become more motivated to pursue your goals. With more knowledge, your confidence improves.
3. Take Manageable Strides
Sometimes we become discouraged when we look at the tall mountain ahead. I recently dared, for the first time, to climb a mountain (not a very big one). If you know me, I like a soft life, so mountain climbing is not my thing. But this year, I have decided to say yes more often, and this was one of the yeses I got myself into. I recall many times during the climb, I wanted to quit several times as I saw the mountain’s curves and rocks weaving uphill and staring at me with a ‘do you dare’ stare. My heart was pounding so hard you could almost see the veins on my head responding to the heart’s rhythm. I wanted to give up.
Each time, however, I remembered my resolve and with the help of my husband, decided to focus only on the next step. I would look down at my feet and keep lifting one leg after another, doing only what my feet could handle, and stopping to catch my breath now and then. Yes, I reached the summit and was so proud of myself.
Motivation might need you to take small steps, and then use the momentum gained to propel you forward. By taking small, consistent actions, you build confidence and momentum over time.
4. Create a Supportive Environment
Surround yourself with positive influences and supportive individuals who believe in your abilities. If it wasn’t for my husband, I might have given in to the temptation to call it a day. At one point, I walked away from one of the climbers who had started declaring that she might not do the whole climb – I knew she would be my downfall. Remove any distractions or negative influences from your environment that may hinder your progress.
5. Keep a physical Journal
I can’t over-emphasize the importance of a physical journal. You might be tempted to do this on a gadget, which has its advantages, but writing down using your handwriting in a notebook makes all the difference. I can’t tell you how many times I revisit my notes when I’m feeling overwhelmed or lack motivation; these notes always give me a new lifeline.
When you write things down with your hand, I think there’s an intrinsic commitment to it that ingrains into your brain in a way that a gadget will not.
Part of the notes in my journals (I have several) are things I want to achieve, lessons I’ve learned, questions that have made me think, my wild dreams and aspirations, and most of all, my Whys. When I forget my why, I go there and reconnect.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, most people wait for an external force to motivate them – the stick and carrot method. This is usually short-lived and many times does not work. Remember that motivation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of self-discovery and growth.
Never underestimate the power of your determination, and take one step at a time!
