“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get into the office.”
– Robert Frost
Well doesn’t this quote by Frost pretty much sums up our self-motivation in its entirety? This also makes us reflect on the fact that most of us, if not all, are struggling with motivation because we are stuck up with work which we do not like. The implication here is not to just leave the work or job which is giving us bread and butter but how to stay motivated throughout the day with whatever one is doing. Read on and see how we can go about it. Trust me. It is very much doable with sincere efforts and the rewards are many.
1. IDENTIFY
A person once said “I am essentially very much motivated. It’s just that I have a critical partner, a lousy boss and a silly government.” Well, that person was me. We are excellent at identifying our dislikes which immediately put off the candle of motivation in us. Lack of appreciation and words of criticism act like fuel to fire of demotivation. We are doing jobs that we were made to do or which came along flowing and we quickly held on to them.
It’s good that we know what we dislike. Now take time out and identify what we truly like. What is that one thing, maybe 2, that instantly gives a glimmer to our dull eyes. This doesn’t, however, mean that we start chasing all babes and hunks in town or end up at a bar counter of a club till 3 AM. 🙂 Reflect on your likes as only you can know what keeps you going. Singing, playing an instrument, writing, acting, playing some sport, posing for the camera and feeling good at the number of likes or just doing well at your workplace. IDENTIFY!
2. TAKE TIME OUT
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily. “
– Zig Ziglar
Thanks, good old Ziggy for making the point simpler. Once you have identified that thing which brings motivation to you, spend time with it daily. Having read this you must be thinking you don’t have that kind of time. But trust me, you do have. In the 24 hours that everyday brings you can take just 5 minutes out for your own self motivation. Now what slot these 5 minutes will fall into depends totally on an individual’s likes. They can be a part of early morning, during the day or when you retire for the night. Totally at your own convenience. But, DON’T MISS IT. Remember Nike’s JUST DO IT.
One can easily think here what will happen by devoting just 5 minutes doing stuff you like. Well what happens by spending 5 minutes in shower daily? What happens by spending 5 minutes in eating? Showering daily cleanses you and is good for personal hygiene. Eating keeps you healthy. Likewise, doing things you like for atleast 5 minutes cleanses off internally. It is for your mental hygiene, to shower your mind. You can increase the time once you get into the groove but do it daily 5 mintues for atleast 21 days. Soon it shall turn into a habit you won’t regret cultivating.
3. SHARE SENSIBLY
In the Masai tribe of Africa, the greatest way of showing respect and conferring honour is by spitting at the person 🙄. Sure, you are not looking for that kind of appreciation. If you like classical music and are keen on sharing your little moments of happiness found recently due to the time you spend over singing or playing classical music with someone who is a cricket lover, you sure are not going to get right motivation or praise, if not getting disappointment. Atleast till the time you have not crossed that threshold of “I am not going to be disheartened or demoralised irrespective of what anyone says about my progress” be very careful about with whom you are sharing about your likes that you truly value.
Having said that does it mean you can share with those are close and closest to you. Well may be and may not be true. It totally depends on the kind of equation you share with your loved ones. If they have the same tastes, they may appreciate what you share. If your tastes differ, they may not be able to praise you but understand that whatever you are doing is important to you. If they do that consider yourself blessed. Do not over expect. Remember whatever you are doing it is for your self motivation not their. If I love to write and my partner knows that much it is OK. Now if I get after his life to read every single bit that I have written irrespective of his busy schedule then I missed the idea totally. At the same time, we must not forget we are in the digital age. There are plenty of platforms where we can get the kind of response we look forward to in almost very less time as compared to earlier. And most importantly, be your own critic by not being too harsh on yourself. The deepest recess of your heart will know how honest you are with your efforts.
Sounds a tough deal? Well think again. It is about going to your source of motivation and having your daily dose. Remember what G B Shaw said “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
If you wish to know more about building on self motivation read here https://bit.ly/3dLWcgd