What Motivates Your Self-Improvement?

Most of us do things because we are motivated to do so. A baby cries because he is motivated by hunger. We join organizations because we are motivated by loneliness. What has motivated you to strive for your latest self-improvement goal?

If weight loss is our self-improvement goal, what is our motivation? Are we losing weight because we are teased and wish to be accepted? Do we wish to lose weight because we desire to wear a yellow polka dot bikini?

If you are trying to stop smoking, what motivated you to start on your journey to a tobacco less existence? Did your young daughter plead with you to quit? Did your wife threaten you? Did your doctor show you a picture of diseased lungs?

Did you know that what motivates us can determine how successful we are at achieving our self-improvement goal? Which do you think will motivate you better, something someone else wants you to do, or something that has meaning to you? Well, believe it or not the answer depends on the situation. Let's say your girlfriend is very sexy and you are madly in love with her. She has agreed to "get serious" with you, if you will lose 20 pounds. If all you can think about is this girl, your every waking moment is consumed with thoughts of her; then I would say that her request will be strong motivation for you to lose weight. You have something to gain from her request. You are strongly motivated by the fact that she wants you to lose weight. Are you likely to successfully lose weight? Yes, unless, she happens to run off with your best friend; then, you will most likely lose your motivation quickly. In fact, you will probably start consuming large amounts of sugar, pasta and alcohol.

When others motivate us, they can control our self-improvement success. What really gets us fired up and focused on our self-improvement goals is when we are motivated by our own self-wants and desires. The bigger the motivator, the more likely we are to stick it out for the duration. Self-motivation = self-control. We have more control over the outcome of our self-improvement goal if we have a reason for achieving that goal that comes from our own desires.

How To Keep That Motivation In Front of Us

It is not uncommon to lose focus as we journey from the start line to the finish line. Other goals, other people or other events can distract us. We can forget what it is that we are working so hard to achieve. So how do we stay motivated?

1.Keep your motivation in front of you, every day

2.Keep a Self-Improvement Journal that details your goal, your plan to achieve it and the benefits you will reap once you accomplish your goal

3.Reward yourself with every step you take towards your goal

4.Make your motivation as tangible as you can

What ever it is that is motivating you, find a way to express that motivation in a tangible way. Find a picture of it, draw a picture of it, or write it out on a piece of paper. Tape your motivational picture up all over your home, at work, at school, in your vehicle. Make sure that you are visually reminded about your motivation several times a day.

Recommended reading:

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4. The essential keys to self improvement and motivation - What are the three keys to self improvement and motivation? 1. INSPIRATION. Inspiration is critical to staying motivated and improving...
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