Motivation, motivation what is motivation! Many people think they know what motivation is, but do they? A little research will show you that the dictionary definition of motivation is “the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behaviour”. Ask people to define motivation, very few will give such a concise response. This is because at some level, motivation is intrinsically involved with every aspect of our lives. We have to have a certain level of motivation to achieve anything from the simplest tasks such as getting out of bed or going shopping, through to life goals such as having a successful career. Unfortunately, most people see motivation, as part of the destination rather than the fuel that is needed to get us to reach our chosen destination.
Not understanding what motivation is usually leads to disappointment in life either on a spiritual or materialistic level. One of the most common areas where the lack of a clear definition of what motivation is occurs in the area of goal setting. We all know and understand the concept of setting goals and working towards them to achieve what we want in life, but if you speak to any number of people about setting and achieving goals, they will tell you that their goals motivate them to achieve what they really want out of life. This fundamental confusion over what motivation is often leads to people not achieving their goals and full potential, in fact it often leads to greater de-motivation, as after each setback the belief in the goal becomes less strong leading to a perceived lower level of motivation to achieve the goal. It becomes a vicious circle. It is a situation that many of us have faced and the difficulties that this kind of position brings. It takes a long time for us to realise that goals and motivation are not the same and we should not treat them as such.
When you set your goals you’re laying out the route and the destination you want to get to. When we are setting goals we are telling ourselves what do we want in life and how are we going to get there. What steps do we need to take? A list of goals will always allow us to move forward and give us a purpose in life, but they are not motivation in themselves.
Motivation is the fuel that inspires us to reach are goals and desires and allows us to keep getting up and moving towards our goals whenever we have a setback. Getting motivated and staying motivated gives us the energy we need to reach our goals in the shortest time possible. Motivation is required to meet our goals and goals are required to give purpose to our motivation. The two work hand in hand. If you get the motivation right you can achieve anything. So think seriously about how to get motivated and stay motivated so you can achieve whatever you desire.
Related Articles
Do What You Want With Your Life and Live Your Life Most True
By: B.l. Walther | 30/05/2006 | Time Management
These exercises are very simple yet almost deceptively powerful. "How so?" you may be thinking to yourself. Well first of all you're getting all the things you'd like to do out of the abstract form of the fleeting thoughts in your mind. Never underestimate the power of writing things down, especially when it comes to things you'd like to do or accomplish.
3 Hot Tips To Seize Your Goals
By: Joseph Plazo | 01/05/2007 | Self Help
Before you decide whether a single goal fits into your goals program, you should work that goal through a process that can help determine whether you should be pursuing this goal at the current time. This can take considerable time but it can save you much time and frustration by...
Effective Planning and Goal Setting Can Help You Achieve Any Dream
By: Ian Hutchinson | 03/03/2008 | Self Improvement
For everyone, to get any type of success in life, goal setting is very important and what is even more important is the fact that you stick to those goals which are essential to achieve the hopes and dreams connected with it.
Procrastination - the Killer of Dreams
By: Keith Shaw | 25/04/2008 | Self Improvement
An inherent weakness that we all have, in both our personal, public and career lives, is S-L-O-W decision making. You absolutely know you that need to do something that will take you closer to your goals or the task at hand, but for unknown reasons, you procrastinate.
Personal Development & Success - "Creating the Motivation You Need"
By: Jeffrey Miller | 11/03/2006 | Self Help
One of the most common beliefs that can prevent someone from achieving the success being sought is that "action only happens through motivation" - that, one must wait around for the so-called "feeling to move me" before anything will be accomplished. But
Achieving Efficient Time Management With Mindmapping
By: Avezah | 03/10/2007 | Time Management
Innumerable books have explored the topic of time management and almost all of them are well known. However, Mindmapping is a very simple and effective technique that has been left largely unexplored. It provides a whole picture and helps you to keep focused and motivated to attain your goals. It is a very potent tool and can be used by anyone.
Are You Wishing For Something? Stop! The More You Wish- The More You Might Not Get It
By: Joseph Plazo | 04/05/2007 | Self Help
Are You Ready For Change In Your Life?
When you are willing to set goals, your motivation becomes more focused and less confused in everyday interactions. Setting goals and designing your dreams and aspirations is a commitment to participate in a dynamic relationship and interaction between yourself and others. Committing yourself...
A Sure Fire Way to Accomplish This New Year’s Resolutions!
By: Vickie Champion | 21/11/2007 | Goal Setting
The key to success lies in the “motive” for making the resolution in the first place. Goals that are established to carry out your aspirations are more likely to be accomplished and those that try to fix something hardly ever work.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Opra Winfrey
By: Kila$ | 17-06-2008
I would like to know what motivates Opra Winfrey? What values that have led to her success in life
Ok, so I am sure that I am suffering from some ...
By: Nastia | 11-06-2008
ok, so I am sure that I am suffering from some sort of depressive state. I have no motivation to leave the house, go to the gym, or to do anything. I could sit here, all day and be on the computer or elect to waste the day laying in the sun in my yard. I am turning into a hermit and know that this is not normal and if not, what or who should I see...if I do go out?
Sale maximization or profit maximization which is ...
By: miku | 02-03-2008
sale maximization or profit maximization which is important in retail busin
How do I become my own motivation?
By: OhThePlacesYoullGo | 20-02-2008
Are there any tricks to not procrastinating? I am becoming really bad about putting everything off, as if I've lost my ability to motivate myself. Any advice as to how to be better?
Encourage my father to be more healthy
By: Hockeygilli | 10-02-2008
How can I encourage my father to live a healthier lifestyle without hurting him? He used to be healthy but is now less motivated, using the excuse of old age.
Focus vs the stimulus of scarcity
By: drabsv | 25-01-2008
When is a person more effective - when equipped with the best tools, with the most conveniently arranged workplace, with enough money at hand, etc OR while one is suffering from inadequate resources to do his job, in a cramped and untidy place?Cyril N. Parkinson maintains that inadequacy of resources is the impetus behind any progress and any work done - see http://yedda.com/questions/Design_bussines_internal_4952663156121/#postId5041128610679.On the other hand the various inconveniences, obstacles and nuisances at work act to distract one's attention and focus is being lost. Lack of focus is one of the gravest time wasters.Is there a contradiction between the two points of view? Or they both can be incorporated into a valid model of efficacy?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Sales Articles
Bangkok Serviced Apartments
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
If you are planning a trip to Bangkok you might want to consider staying in one of Bangkok’s fantastic serviced apartments. Bangkok services apartments are great for a nightly visit or an extended holiday or business trip.
Bangkok Condos
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
Buying a Bangkok Condo is ideal for the foreign purchaser since Bangkok has restrictions on purchasing land. Because of this there are several investors that build Bangkok condos which they sell to people outside of Bangkok. Buying Bangkok condos is the quickest and easiest way to find a suitable place to live in the Bangkok area.
Bangkok Apartment
By: Robert | 24/07/2008
While visiting the beautiful location of Bangkok you should consider a Bangkok apartment instead of staying in a hotel. These apartments are the next thing to being in your own home.
How to Build Great Relationships through Cold Calling!
By: Adam Price | 24/07/2008
Sometimes the finest solutions are the simplest. Focusing on relationships when making cold calls is one of them. It keeps us genuine, and eliminates our dread of making cold calls. We're real people talking about real things. We're interested in the conversation, and it shows.
Cardboard Box Fefco Styles
By: Kevin Thomas | 23/07/2008
Cardboard boxes can be made in many different shapes and sizes. The most common shaped cardboard box is known as fefco code 0201. FEFCO is regarded as the international standard guide to cardboard box designs. If you ship your products out in cardboard boxes you really need to read this to understand the different styles and which design is the cheapest...
Ceramic Treat Jar for Pets, Pet Treat Jar, Cookie Jar for Pets
By: m.jeya | 23/07/2008
The ceramic jar is painted with a red color and accented with a matching handle with red trim so it goes with any space and it has an adorable paw print on the front surface of the jar. The versatile dog food treat jar is stylish and decorative, and is part of the Ore Originals collection of pet dinnerware products. The versatile ceramic dog food bowl treat jar blue and red is both stylish and decorative.
Stationery Printing for Businesses
By: John Mahoney | 23/07/2008
Startup businesses should look at building up their professional profiles through low cost stationery printing products, which they can circulate among target customers, dealers, tie-up partners, etc.
Ideal Poster Printing House
By: John Mahoney | 23/07/2008
Posters continue to remain a popular mode of advertisement promotion, still now. Probably, for this reason, poster printing has gained prominence. From business house to colleges, posters rule the scene everywhere. The reason behind its popularity, perhaps, depends upon its capacity to attract a common person’s eye readily.