Here it is, the cold hard truth….
There is no secret to motivation.
Motivation is defined as a general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Motivation is the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. Motivation is a real psychological state of being and definitely can influence our results in life, but only if we allow them to. Too often times we use motivation, or really lack thereof, as an excuse as to why we are not doing or accomplishing what we desire, or honoring our responsibilities at work or home.
How many times have you thought or said, “I should have (insert anything here), but I wasn’t motivated.” Or, “I started (X), but I lost motivation to follow through.” Or, “I have no motivation for (X).”
We all have. You are not alone.
For me, motivation is an afterthought in many instances, and at times, a bonus in my day. Personally, if I was to wait until I was motivated, hardly anything in my life would get accomplished. I do not possess a desire to do many things that still need to get done. I am sure you can relate to that, but do you still do them anyways? I do, and it’s because of one thing…
Choice, and everyone has the power of choice.
We make choices, practically every second of the day. It is our choices, not our level of motivation that propels us forward to what we desire. Now, I can’t lie, when I want to do something it’s a lot easier to get it done, but I accomplish just as much that I do not desire to do, and that is because I choose to. I want this for you.
You always have a choice to take action.
You always have a choice to do something or not do something. You always have a choice about how you think, feel, and behave in any moment. Choose to get things done. Choose to accomplish something on your task list. Choose to take action towards your goals every day.
You don’t need to be motivated to physically do it.
What’s the difference between you and that other person? The one you who gets it all done, the one who gets a promotion, the one whose ideas are heard at the office, the one who spent the weekend on a get-away, the one who works and attends every single school function for their child(ren)…
The choices they make. That is the only difference. They are not more motivated than you. They are not better than you. They are just like you… except they choose to not allow motivation to dictate their lives.
Do you want to get a promotion? Choose to think, feel, and behave like someone who is going to get a promotion. Speak up in meetings. Put together a presentation that has the “wow” factor. Build connections. Just take action regardless of how “motivated” you are. That is the power of choice.
Do you want to be a more effective leader? Choose to learn how to be, and implement what you learn. Choose to give and receive feedback. Choose to learn and grow every day. That is the power of choice.
Do you want to have better relationships? Choose to take action and make it happen. Join a club or an organization. Spend time and nurture the relationships that have meaning to you. Ignore the “I’m too tired to be motivated to meet up with people once a week,” and just do it. That is the power of choice.
Do you want to stop feeling rushed in the morning? Choose to set your alarm a half an hour earlier, and when your alarm goes off, choose to get up and not press snooze. You just created another 30 minutes in your morning, and decreased the rushing. That is the power of choice.
Do you want to be present at the office at home? Do you feel like you lack the motivation to be your best with both? Feeling too tired to walk into that first meeting on your game? Feeling too distracted with work to show up fully present for your kid(s)? Choose to be present in the moment you are in. Choose to be the best boss or employee while you are at work, and then choose to be the best Mom/Dad when you get home. That is the power of choice.
Do you see how there is no secret to motivation?
Motivation is a great task enhancer and it does make things easier, but it’s not necessary to get anything done. Choose what you want, need, or desire to do, and do it.
Choice is the only motivation you need.
When you make choices on a daily basis that are aligned with what you want to get done, need to get done, and desire to get done, motivation is an afterthought. Motivation becomes your success, your accomplishments, your pride, your confidence, and your highest potential.
The secret to motivation? There is no secret.
Choose to be a doer; use motivation as a bonus.