We all know motivation is your desire to achieve a defined goal. It is your commitment to the actions that will make that goal happen, leading to your Success.
Now, Intrinsic Motivation refers to your inner desire to achieve a set goal. You want to do this, not because of the external rewards such as money or fame, but because you actually enjoy the challenge of achieving your goals.
Extrinsic Motivation is the exact opposite. It is based on your desire to achieve a set goal because of the reward involved and not because you enjoy the challenge that goes with it.
Intrinsic Motivation is a higher form of motivation because it reflects your emotional maturity and discipline. It also shows your level of character development. You did what you said you would, not withstanding the challenges you come up against. This shows that you are a person of integrity. You can be counted on to stand by your word. This in itself, is your greatest motivation.Now, this does not mean that you don't want, or appreciate the rewards of achieving that goal, but that it is secondary.
Neither intrinsic motivation, nor extrinsic motivation means that you are always excited and full of energy to achieve your set goals. It does mean though, that you are committed to acting on your goals and the goal plan. Even when you come up against difficult or unexciting challenges.
We are drawing close to the end of another year.
Its been 12 months of expectations. Dreams fulfilled or frustrated. It's that time of the year again, when we assess our progress made, as well as make new plans for the coming year. It is that time for making New Year resolutions or setting new goals. Another chance at a fresh start. A new beginning.
Another opportunity to dream again.
This year, I want to challenge you to take your New Year resolutions beyond mere dreaming or wishing. This year, I challenge you to set your New Year resolutions as specific goals. Identify and understand why you want the things on your list. And then, draw up a specific goal plan you will follow to achieve them.
As you do this, and to help you focus on the really important things on your list, I would advise that you ask yourself these 6 questions.
These questions are eye-opening and mind revealing. And answers to them will help you identify your 'Why'. These answers will also help make your resolutions more factual and concrete.
These eye-opening questions are:
1. What exactly do I mean by... (that goal or resolution)?
2. What exactly does it look like? So I can recognise it when I see it happen in reality.
3. Picture your goal or resolution as reality. As if you have already achieved it. Then identify and observe the feelings it evokes in you. Ask yourself, "Why do I feel this way?" "Why does the reality of this dream, this goal or resolution of mine, make me feel this way?"
4.Think deeper about this resolution. "What does it involve? What will I have to do to make it happen, now that I know how I feel about it? How long will the process take?Who will I have to involve to make it happen? Faster?"
5. Why are these resolutions important to me? Why do I want these things to happen to me next year?
6. And finally, when you have achieved your goal/resolution, what will it mean to you? What does it mean to you to have done what you said you will do?
Next, draw up an effective SMART goal plan for achieving your resolutions.
A SMART goal plan considers the following things;
Where you are presently,
Where you want to be. This is your goal/resolution.
The most cost, time and resource effective means of achieving that goal.
Set a step-by-step, simple, realistic but exciting - i.e not too tough but not easy - goal plan.
Then follow it through.
Whatever type of motivation works for you, it is important to engage it to give you emotional focus and inspiration, as you set out to achieve your goals/resolution for the coming year.
Also, set up specific periods during the year - probably monthly or quarterly - to check your progress. This will allow you to make nessesary adjustments or improvements as may be needed.
And very importantly, celebrate your "little" successes along the way. Little drops of water makes a mighty ocean. Self motivation is key here. "Little" successes along the way amount to the "big" success of the achievement of your goals at the end of the year!
Needless to say, there is still time to achieve some more of those goals/resolutions for this year.
As you make a conscious, determined effort to make your New Year resolutions definite set goals, you will stick to, and actually achieve your goals/resolutions. You will go on to make the coming year your best ever yet.
Believe in yourself that this time, you can. And you will. Remember - You can, if you think you can. So go on Champion, make it happen!
Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, fulfilling and successful New Year. Celebrate and let us know about your successes.
Because You will Succeed!
