Motivating Yourself

Motivation is the intense desire to achieve a fixed goal because of the rewards attached to it. Motivation is what makes people do things. In another sense, it is what makes them put real effort and energy into what they do. It is the will to act. In short, "Getting people to do willingly and well those things which have to be done." 

Motivation is vital in any job if people are to give their best to it. Assuming that employees are given opportunity for good performance and have the necessary skills, then effectiveness depends on their motivation. The responsibility of motivating their team is on the team leaders. It is they who to create the work environment in which people will 'Grow' and give of their best to their work. Therefore, leaders should continually look for opportunities to give positive feedback, praise and encouragement like roses need rain and sunshine. Take every opportunity to make people feel better about themselves and their work.

It has been said that there are three kinds of people:-

- People who watch things happen.

- People who do not know what's happening.

- People who make things happen.

The attitudes and behaviour of employees very often reflect motivation or the lack of it and some examples of signs of motivation are highlighted below:-

- high performance and results being consistently achieved.

- the energy, enthusiasm, and determination to succeed.

- unstinting co-operation in overcoming problems.

- the willingness of individuals to accept responsibility.

- willingness to accommodate necessary changes.

Conversely, employees who are de-motivated or who lack motivation often display

- apathy and indifference to the job .

- a poor record of time-keeping and high absenteeism.

- an exaggeration of the effects/difficulties encountered in problems, disputes and grievances.

- a lack of co-operation in dealing with problems or difficulties.

- unjustified resistance to change.

It is clear that that the high achievers had a near obsession with attainment of their goals, high level of self-image, the courage to attempt the impossible and the tools for rigorous planning of short-term and long-term goals.

- First, you must have a goal.

- Secondly, the purpose or the goal must be fixed in mind.

- Thirdly, you must have an intense desire.

Thinking of the final rewards of your action can fire you with enthusiasm. It may bring better self-confidence, personal growth, improvement in pubic image, higher job status, financial gains, appreciation and acceptance by colleagues. Keep them ever before you when your energy sags. To be winner doesn't mean that you are or in whatever you undertake. It simply means that you develop your capacities to the highest degree and find satisfaction in them. Opportunities never come to those who wait! Those who dare to attack and capture them. Remember, to reach anywhere you must go in the right direction.