Back in high school, I’ll never forget a teacher I had who started the school year with the statement: “It’s not my job to entertain you or motivate you. It’s my job to teach you and it’s up to you to learn and get as much out of this class as you want.” At the time, I thought that was a little insensitive and harsh…but she was right. It was the student’s responsibility to listen, learn and apply what she was teaching…and I’ve always remembered that life lesson and have related to it in different ways.
Bottom line…no one can motivate anyone to do anything! All a person can do for another is provide them with ideas, incentives and insights to motivate themselves. Actually the best motivation is self-motivation! No one succeeds in life without self-generated drive! If you rely on others to energize you, or hesitate until the mood is right, or delay until circumstances are ideal, you’re going to spend most of your life waiting! Truly successful people motivate themselves internally rather than depend on external incentives!
The Three basics to start the foundation for self-motivation are:
Refine your vision
A vision is a picture of the future that excites and energizes your mind, will and emotions to do everything in your power to achieve it. It’s what gets you excited! It’s what gives you the momentum to get up in the morning! It leads you and provides the spark that propels you! Vision activates your sense of purpose and gives your life meaning! The clearer your vision the more motivated you’ll be!
Take 100% responsibility for yourself, your future…and your vision!
That high school teacher taught me that I was responsible and accountable…for myself! Other people’s
expectations can dissuade us from living out our purpose in life. If you always try to please others instead of following your own dreams – you’ll burnout. Remember, someone else’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality!
Protect your vision and stay focused! Keep in mind that negative emotions can also serve as strong de-motivators. Don’t let your emotions dictate what you do and how you react! A strong component of Emotional Intelligence is taking the steps you know are right – even when your emotions are “running-amok”!
Become your own best friend and manage yourself to fulfill your vision!
Have a plan and chart your course to achievement!
A lack of direction will lead to either paralysis or a lot of wasted energy…which will undercut your motivation and the achievement of your vision!
Successful people will research their plans so they stay on course! Develop your long term and short term goals – to achieve your vision and guide your day-to-day activities. You’ll have your strong plan…and your self-motivation skills will only get stronger as you move towards your goals and achieve that vision!
Ride every stride…with HorsePower!