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!
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