#1 Understanding “Motivation”

One of the most fundamental aspects of living a fulfilling life is understanding what drives you. What are you striving for? What in your subjective world is the driving force behind your actions? Most importantly: what is your motivation leading you to actions?

To start, let us delve into what „motivation“ actually means.

motivation (noun);
meaning: enthusiasm for doing something;
willingness to do something or something that causes such willingness;

According to the Cambridge Dictionary motivation is defined as having enthusiasm or willingness to do something. This suggests that motivation provides the impetus to take action. However, while motivation gives you the reason to act, it does not ensure success on its own - it is merely a spark that, if properly nurtured and protected, has potential to ignite a sustained effort leading to the achievement of your goals.

Imagine motivation as the initial spark that has the potential to become a bonfire. Just as a spark needs careful tending to become a lasting fire, your motivation needs to be cultivated through other means in the form of discipline, perseverance, and a conducive environment. Without protecting this spark from elements like wind and rain, it can easily be extinguished before it achieves its full potential.

In the following sections we will explore how to identify your intrinsic motivations, how to cultivate them, and how to overcome obstacles that can dampen your enthusiasm.

Identifying your intrinsic motivations

Now that we have a clear understanding of what motivation is, let us explore how to identify what intrinsically drives you. Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is driven by personal satisfaction and the joy of performing a task. Here are three steps to help you uncover your intrinsic motivations:

1. Reflect on past experiences
   Think about moments when you felt most fulfilled and energised. What activities were you engaged in? What goals were you pursuing? These experiences often hold clues to your intrinsic motivations. If necessary, write down these moments and place them where you can review them regularly.

2. Assess your values
   Your core values play a significant role in what drives you. Make a list of your top values and see how they align with your daily activities and long-term goals. When your actions reflect your values, you are more likely to feel motivated and satisfied.

3. Explore your interests and passions
   What are the things you love to do, even if there is no external reward? Identifying your passions can lead you to discover what naturally motivates you. This step might require a lot of trial and error, but it will open your mind to new experiences and insights.

Cultivating and sustaining motivation

Once you have identified your intrinsic motivations it is crucial to cultivate and sustain them. Motivation sometimes behaves like tidal changes in the sea, therefore implementing strategies of sustainment is of utmost importance in order to not let your motivation get carried away by these changes.

1. Set clear and achievable goals
   Define clear goals and ensure they are achievable. Break them down into small, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Each small success will fuel your motivation to keep going.

2. Develop a routine
   Establishing a routine helps to embed motivated behaviour into your daily life. Incorporate activities that align with your values and passions into your schedule. Routines also provide a sense of security, allowing you to focus on your goals without getting caught up in micromanagement.

3. Practice self-care
   Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly enhance your motivation. There are many ways to practice self-care - you do not have to adopt every self-care suggestion; regular exercise and developing good sleep habits alone can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

Understanding what drives you is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and personal growth. By identifying your intrinsic motivations, cultivating them through intentional practices, and overcoming obstacles, you can lead a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. Remember, motivation is the spark that ignites the fire, but it’s your dedication, resilience, and self-awareness that will keep the flames burning.

No amount of motivation will ever be able to replace the necessary work it takes to achieve your goals. You have to put in the work - nobody else can do that for you.