Peer to Peer Magazine

BEST PRACTICES Motivating Yourself and Others Robert Frost once said, “The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” Most people believe in order to succeed they need to be “able.” I would argue that for most people to succeed they need to be “willing.” The plain fact is that we are all replaceable. If you don’t always give it your best effort, someone else will. Whatever the project or task at hand, you can bet there will be somebody ready and willing to take it on and give it their all. I t’s all about seizing the moment, answering when opportunity knocks. It’s about not waiting around and watching the success of others as they pass you by, but about making a commitment to work hard to make things happen. I realize many find it difficult just getting up in the morning — or getting to that workout at the gym — or perhaps reading those release notes before the next upgrade. So how do you go from being a person who waits and watches to being a person who is willing to make things happen? Where do you find the motivation, and once you find it, how do you keep it? UNDERSTAND AND FIND MOTIVATION First, you need to have a clear understanding of what motivation is and where your motivation comes from. Then you can evaluate the different motivational techniques you can use to ignite the spark in yourself and others. Motivation is the fuel we need to work full speed at achieving our goals. It’s what enables us to find the determination within ourselves to do something even when someone tells us we can’t. It’s what gives us the ability to get back up on our feet when we get knocked down. It’s finding a way to battle through all of those insecurities we have when we think we can’t do something. It’s the process that starts us to act on something. 10 www.iltanet.org Peer to Peer Motivation can come from within, in the form of inspiration or desperation. When it comes from inspiration, you may have a goal or a vision; when it comes from desperation, you may have fear or pain. Motivation can also be sparked by an external source, such as being rewarded for something or avoiding something unpleasant. One thing is certain — there is much to be gained from being able to motivate yourself. SELF-MOTIVATION TECHNIQUES The following are some techniques you can use to motivate yourself: • Discipline yourself. Self-motivation and self-discipline go hand in hand. Continually train your mind and body to push through the bumps in the road. Stay focused and be persistent. The more actions you take because of your persistence, the more results you will have. Motivation goes cold when your discipline slumps. • Keep the right company. We all have a choice in who we decide to connect with. Seek out people you admire and who inspire you. Those who are successful have it together and are a good source of motivation. A great place to start — ILTA.

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