 MOTIVATION IS A PERSONAL MATTER
By Alice Wheaton of Alice Wheaton & Associates
If one person in the world has achieved before us what we want to achieve, then we
can do so as well. We must believe this and nothing less."
Imagine if you will a new franchise where each of us could drop in and
buy one or two quarts of motivation when feeling a little low. That scene probably won't
ever be played out, as attractive as it may be, because the human will is impossible to
replicate.
What impels or induces one person to be incited to right action may not
'motivate' another. For instance, since employers spend the majority of operating costs on
employee salaries, naturally they have a vested interest in having motivated employees.
Many different systems of inducement have been established and still the perfect
predictable motivator eludes each of us.
Our motivation is personal; no one person can do that for us. The best
we can ever hope for is inspiration, which when interpreted in our own unique special way,
enlarges our desire, determination, desperation, direction and discipline so that those
'points of power' become greater and we achieve more.
When attempting to motivate others or ourselves, it is best to remember
these salient points.
1. Every behavior - positive or negative - is purposeful, so ask
yourself, "What is my purpose for doing/not doing?"
2. Our purpose, or that which truly impels us, is usually hidden from
ourselves, either deliberately or because of bad practices.
3. If you have some understanding of what motivates you, there is an
'Attitudes' and 'Character' trait which contribute to motivation. In my view, there are
four possible motivational combinations. They are:
(1) determination, desperation, and discipline;
(2) determination, desire and discipline;
(3) desire, direction and discipline; and
(4) desperation, direction and discipline.
To change behavior, even from negative to positive, will generate fear.
Fear is the first response to change, even to positive change. One absolute exists and
that is, as we become more and more comfortable with increasing our comfort zone, the
reward is increased performance. What we learned in one area, we usually transfer to other
areas of our lives and increased happiness is the result.
Research shows that the main attributes of successful individuals are:
1) Creativity;
2) Stress tolerance;
3) Personal insight;
4) Communication skills;
5) Self-directed - that is, their feelings do not depend on other
people liking them. They are not upset or threatened by feedback from others. In fact they
are as receptive to suggestions for improvement as they are to positive feedback;
6) Self-motivated - look to themselves for energy and initiative. They
can be inspired by their own goals and thoughts;
7) Independent - can work alone and yet are quick to seek out others
advice knowing that no one has all the answers.
So the question which begs to be asked and answered is where then can
we source inspiration? This might be the fuel, which ignites all action. The sources are
many - either mentored (for the lucky few) or self-mentored.
Self-mentoring means looking to books, tapes and history for ideas from
people who have achieved their dreams. If one person in the world has achieved before us
what we want to achieve, then we can do so as well. We must believe this and nothing less!
Staying motivated is the key to success. My definition of motivation is
'to be willing to feel the pain, be uncomfortable and pay the price necessary to achieve
our goals.' When it come down to the bottom line there is a great deal of work and
difficulties to be faced before we achieve our goals and become successful. The most
successful people I know are able to live with fear, uncertainty and ambiguity and still
move forward with action. Positive action, despite feeling uncomfortable, not positive
thinking is the key to motivation.
Alice Wheaton speaks at conventions/corporations on
“Business Development by Design instead of by Default.” For a free info package
about her training videos, tapes, books & workshops, call 1.877.542.5423, email awheaton@home.com or visit: www.coldcalling.net |
