Last week we discussed team motivation (click here to catch up), today we’ll move slightly deeper into this topic as we look at the importance of motivation – why should you even care about motivation? We’ll discover the top 3 reasons why motivation matters.
I tend to question the status quo and challenge it with innovative ideas; and motivation was one of the things I approached recently. I was asking questions like…
- Is motivation truly important?
- Is motivation enough to move you to action?
- Why do so many people listen to motivational stuff, but so little actually make things happen?
- How long does motivation last?
- What place does motivation take when it comes to results and productivity?
- Is it possible to motivate someone to action …even against their will?
If you’re curious to discover the answers, welcome to the club and feel free to follow along.
1. Motivation does and doesn’t work!
Let’s make this clear right from the start. Motivation DOES work, but it won’t work if you don’t take action. You can listen to motivational speakers until your head explodes, or you can recite all the inspirational messages by heart, but nothing will change until you do something about it. Yes, you may start walking with your head in the clouds, but you won’t be able to see any tangible results behind you!
If you have ever worked with someone who had no motivation to get something done, you will know that it’s close to impossible to have that person work efficiently. If an unmotivated person ever finishes a job, you can almost guarantee that they will not have gone above and beyond. Eventually, they’ll either catch on fire or drag others down.
Remember: It’s hard to motivate somebody who’s been pulled down to negativity. Yet, it’s close to impossible to motivate somebody who enjoys negativity.
It's close to impossible to motivate someone who enjoys negativity. Click To Tweet2. Motivation expires
It would be wonderful if we could get motivated once and stay in this stage for the rest of our lives, don’t you agree? Unfortunately, motivation is like gas – no matter how much you pour in your car, you will run out of it eventually. Ok, unless you refill your tank as needed. Zig Ziglar once said…
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. ~ Zig Ziglar
3. Motivation helps you create better results faster
Have you ever had a list full of projects that needed to get done? Which ones do you tackle first? The tasks that you are somehow motivated to do (finances, satisfaction, beliefs, etc) or the ones that you absolutely don’t want to do? Here’s a little performance secret that you’ve most likely heard before, but didn’t pay attention to. Once you understand the WHY behind the project, the whole project will either become a joy or you will (and should) forget about it. If the WHY is strong enough, you WILL make it happen. For example, you might not enjoy driving in traffic, but if you’re heading to an important meeting that will be transformational for your business or career, you will gladly drive through the traffic. If the meeting is with a family member you aren’t very fond of… you might reconsider the invite.
Basically, motivation ignites the process of action. Once your motivation kicks in, you move into action much faster and more willingly. You will gladly get things done and work won’t even seem like work to you. Motivated people do things because they WANT TO. Others take action because they HAVE TO.
Question: What group are you in today? Are you motivated or are you being dragged to get things done? How can you bring more motivation to your life? Let me know in the comments below.
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