How to find motivation: 8 tips to start projects
Explaining, step by step, how to invest the effort and work that our projects deserve.
Motivation is a psychological construct based on achievement orientation. As it helps us to perform our tasks with the best possible disposition, it is important to be motivated to face the challenges of our daily life in the best way.
In this article we will see how to find the necessary motivation for our daily life.We will also review some tips to make it last over time.
What is motivation?
Motivation is a force that drives us towards the achievement of a goal. This attitude can come both from within us (intrinsic motivation) and from our environment (external motivation).
There are several types of motivation, but all of them have in common that they are based on psychological mechanisms that promote an action in the person. mechanisms of a psychological nature that promote an action in the person..
So, in order to answer the question of how to find motivation, let's see what are the existing types.
Achievement motivation
This is the motivation that is inspired by obtaining a specific objective, represented by what is known as achievement, the attainment of some activity.
2. Affiliation motivation
It supposes the search for acceptance in a certain social group.. It is common during adolescence.
For example, wearing particular clothes, or listening to a certain type of music in order to be accepted, are behaviors that respond to this type of motivation.
Competence motivation
This refers to the desire to to reach one's objectives in the best possible way. It is not enough to achieve it, but to satisfy this motivation it must be done in the most optimal way.
Tips on how to find motivation
In the following lines we will see some tools that can be useful to find the motivation we need. finding the motivation we need.
1. Recognize your desires
Motivation comes mainly from our desires.
If we are able to recognize what our true desires are, we will be aware of what motivates us and we will be able to direct that motivation to achieve what we want.
To do this, a good idea is to do something very simple and that we often overlook as a possibility: stop and think, literally, about what we want. Sit down in a comfortable place and make a list of what really motivates us, writing down ideas as they come to mind and then sorting them out. and then putting them in order.
2. Focus on achievable goals
While it is true that desires and goals generate motivation, we need to focus this motivation on achievable goals. Evaluate objectively what projects we are going to embark on so that we feel fulfilled instead of frustrated.
3. Value organization and order
The first step to start building the achievement of our goals is organization. If we are able to order our ideas and our environment then we are gradually fostering the motivation related to continue working on our projects.
Remember that from order comes achievement; if we are disorderly people it is very likely that we will not be able to finish what we have proposedAs a consequence, our motivation will be diminished.
4. Visualize your achievements
This exercise will help you to a great extent to find the necessary motivation. to start with some activity that you have been putting off.Besides working as a support that keeps your motivation always on.
By visualizing yourself accomplishing your goals, you are giving yourself a good reason to continue doing what is necessary to achieve them, because the gratification of seeing yourself succeeding is motivating.
5. Motivate yourself with rewards
This consists of seeking motivation through rewards given by you once the activity you need to perform has been completed..
For example, after finishing a strenuous work day, you can give yourself permission for a special meal, or to buy some clothes you like, etc.
These rewards work as modulators of our reward system.The result is that every time we have to perform a more strenuous task than usual, we will do it thinking that it will be our turn to reward ourselves, which will make it much easier to start.
6. Think about your loved ones
An effective way to keep you motivated is to think of the people who are proud of you and your accomplishments, regardless of who you think of.Regardless of who you think of, they can be family members, close friends, your partner.... In short, you must attract to your mind the people who want to see you succeed.
7. Breathing exercises
These exercises work to oxygenate our brain, and at the same time they are effective for decrease the levels of stress that we can get to feel during the realization of some activity.
The less tense we are, the more likely we will be able to motivate ourselves and accomplish our activities.
8. Listen to inspirational music
This topic is subjective, but highly efficient. It has been proven that music has a highly motivating effect on people; in fact, a large number of high-performance athletes have been found to be highly motivated by music. listen to music before going out to compete in their respective disciplines..
The musical genre will depend on the particular taste of each subject, and motivation can come from either a classical symphony or the sound of an electric guitar. It is for this reason that you must find the genre that motivates you.
Of course, the important thing is to listen to music before you start working on something, not necessarily during work; it could distract you. It is also interesting to read, either in ebook format or with a book of a lifetime.
Bibliographical references:
- Pink, D. H. (2010). The surprising truth about what motivates us. Barcelona: Centro Libros.
- Uysal, M. (1994). Testing the push and pull factors. Annals of Tourism Research. 21 (4): 844 - 846.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)