Building Motivation to Change
Building Motivation to Change
Motivation to change is an individualized experience. What motivates us most is the unique combination of our passion and purpose. I describe this as Authentic Motivation. What this means is that when we are looking at building motivation to change we need to first tap into what is our truest sense of authentic self.
I recently read an article on how to find your life’s work. This person had a series of steps where you could identify what your life’s work is, in 20 minutes. It was a writing exercise that basically looked at brainstorming ideas until you wrote one down that moved you to tears. I really liked this idea because it is a way to tap into what you truly connect with. This idea will not only act as guidance towards work but also give you motivation to get there.
When considering how to make a change, motivation is the biggest factor. We can set goals, have intentions, mark our calendars, get coaching, join a group or engage in many other strategies, but if we don’t have a grasp on what our biggest WHY is then we may not get to where we want to go. Working towards change through authentic motivation will lead you to reaching goals faster and more easily.
4 tips on building motivation to change
- Explore your strengths – Discovering where your talents are may help lead you to finding out what motivates you. We of course are drawn to things we are good at. Unsure about what your strengths are? Consider asking one person in five different areas of your life – family, work, significant other, religious affiliation and friendships. Taking this inventory may bring up themes of strengths that you have that you may not have realized.
- Identify what energizes you – Start taking note. For a period of three weeks take note of every time you feel excited, energized or strongly driven in a particular area. This may not just be work related but could be in any area in life. After you have a list of items, see what themes emerge. These themes may be areas that you can work from when building motivation to change a particular area of your life.
- Take a stand – Start to consider where you put significance in your life. What do you really have a strong opinion about? What area of your life do you have a strong passion in? What do people tell you regarding what seems to be important you? You can take the same inventory from step #1 to discover where your passions are. Understanding what you are passionate about will help you to build authentic motivation.
- Get additional resources – Still having trouble determining how to create authentic motivation? Download this free tip sheet on Authentic Motivation. This will walk you through the importance of R.E.P.S. (Reflection, Evaluation, Persistence and Significance). This strategy will help you to create the motivation you need to make real change.
Where do you find motivation?
Share any ideas or comments below.
Best,
Michael
