What is this thing called Motivation and How do I find it?

<img src=”https://wh width=”300″ height=”225″ class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-420″ /><img src=”https://<img src=”https://whatsyourfeeling.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_08521.jpg?w=300″ alt=”IMG_0852″ wid class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-408″ />

As noted by the illustrations above, the depiction of motivation is a central theme. What is this thing called motivation? Motivation encourages us to achieve our goals and generates the energy to reach those goals. Daniel Goleman,the author of books on Emotional Intelligence, identified four aspects of motivation;

1. Personal drive to achieve, the desire to improve and meet certain
standards.
2. Commitment to personal goals.
3. Initiative and the readiness to act on opportunities.
4. Optimism or the ability to keep going and pursue goals in the face
of setbacks.

According to research, people who are self-motivated tend to be highly organized, possess time management skills and exhibit high self esteem and confidence. There are two kinds of motivations, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation causes one to perform due to internal feelings such as love, pleasure and personal challenge. For example, gaining much satisfaction and self- fulfilment in a profession. Extrinsic motivation is associated with the need to attain a reward such as money or power. An example of this is one who works at a job that is not fulfilling just to pay off a mortgage.

How do we find the motivation that is needed to reach our goals? Setting high but realistic goals is most relevant.You must have the ability and the skills to achieve your dream. Seeking constant feedback in order to improve your performance is most important. One should not be ashamed to seek the support of a mentor in the search for success. Be acutely aware of opportunities and grasping them when they appear.Knowledge is power and always keeping up on what is happening around you is important also. Most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP, a motto that I have always followed and the topic of a recent posting on my blog. You need to have the strength to accept setbacks and to learn from your mistakes. Assess the obstacles in your path on the journey to success.Your self esteem and trust in yourself is so important and a relevant variable in the equation of motivation.

I, personally, have experienced significant setbacks and disappointments in my life but I did find the strength to “pick myself up and start all over again.”
Never give up on yourself and your goals and miraculously you will be celebrating your achievements in life.

Please do let us hear your voice and your feelings about this topic.