What is motivation and how can we increase and sustain it

In our society we are often taught to see “motivation” as the degree we are determined to achieve external or extrinsic goals such as school success, career success, financial success etc. While being motivated to achieve external goals are important of course , significant research has found that when we are more motivated by inner growth and change, self development, and by learning how to increase what I call “meaningful and authentic happiness” day by day and living in the present, our happiness level increases significantly more than just with the achievement of extrinsic rewards alone.

Significant research has also found that both having an inner happiness and growth mindset as well as learning the beliefs, attitudes and actions that create external success in school and work, financially etc. actually has the effect of significantly increasing our ability to achieve our external goals in life, much more than just working on “success skills” alone plus we enjoy the process much more.

In terms of "success" people who are working on learning to increase meaningful and authentic happiness have more self esteem and confidence. They set higher goals, work harder to achieve them and enjoy the process more. They bounce back from falling short or failing faster and more determined to win, They create better relationships with others in their personal lives and at work and are much more excited about their lives than others..

Working on Increasing "Meaningful and Authentic Happiness" leads to successs not vice versa

The old paradigm (belief) was that “success down the road" would significantly increase and sustain happiness. This belief often created what was called “the rat race mentality”. People put so much faith in the belief that achieving external life goals would significantly increase their level of happiness that they neglected their health, their relationships and families, overworked and when they “got there” wondered why they weren’t nearly as happy as they thought they would be.

The new belief is that living in the present and working on learning to increase "meaningful and authentic happiness" day by day actually increases our ability to achieve future success ans is an end in itself day by day. Being motivated by the daily journey and the self development and growth we experience in the process more than the end result has become the new paradigm of both happiness and success in life.

The best selling author and motivator Zig Ziglar was once asked by a student how they could get and stay motivated. His answer was that getting and staying motivated was like taking a shower or changing your socks. It was something you had to do every day.

Being human however our level of motivation can often fluctuate and decline from day to day and sometimes for long periods of time. That is why being a daily happiness, motivation and empowerment learner a little each day as we will teach and support you in doing will really change your life, whoever you are.

### Ways to Get and Stay Motivated Day by Day

Staying motivated consistently can be challenging, but by developing habits and fostering the right mindset, you can maintain the momentum necessary to achieve your goals. Below are strategies for maintaining daily motivation, starting with the crucial foundation of self-confidence.

1. Build Confidence and Belief in Yourself

The foundation of motivation lies in self-confidence and belief in your abilities. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” This self-fulfilling prophecy emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself. When you have confidence in your abilities and a strong sense of self-worth, you are more likely to stay motivated, take risks, and persevere through challenges.

The great thing is that confidence and self-belief are skills that can be learned and increased by anyone.

2. Be a Daily Happiness, Motivation, and Empowerment Learner

Being a daily learner of happiness, motivation, and empowerment is crucial for sustaining long-term motivation and well-being. Learning daily helps increase your self-esteem, self-worth, and overall confidence, which in turn boosts your motivation. The more you commit to personal growth and empowerment each day, the more you elevate your life vision, self-expectations, and drive.

When you make it a habit to work on your happiness and motivation, you begin to see the results in your outlook on life. This daily practice raises your confidence and helps you create a more expansive vision for your life. Over time, this significantly increases your ability to set higher goals, achieve them, and sustain your motivation through the ups and downs of life.

3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals in writing that excite, motivate and inspire you

   - Why it works: Setting specific, clear, meaningful and attainable goals provides direction and purpose. When you know exactly what you're working toward, you're more likely to stay focused and motivated. Research shows that people with writen goals are much more effective and successful in achieving results in all of ther essential areas of their lives than those without them by far.

   - How to apply it: Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This will make them feel more achievable and provide frequent wins that reinforce your confidence and motivation top go even further.

4. Find Your “Why”

   - Why it works: Understanding the deeper reason behind your goals (the “why”) fuels long-term motivation. When you’re clear on why your goals matter, you're more likely to persevere through challenges.

   - How to apply it: Reflect on the personal meaning behind your goals, whether it's for personal growth, making a difference in the lives of others, or achieving financial security. Write down your reasons to remind yourself why your efforts are worthwhile.

### 5. Create Daily Routines

   - Why it works: Establishing a consistent routine like having a morning ritual to get you day off to a happy and victorious start, spending a little time each day being a happiness, motvation and empowerment learner, taking time to exercise etc builds habits that make motivation automatic. When tasks become part of your daily schedule, you rely less on sheer willpower and more on habit.

   - How to apply it: Set specific times for tasks related to your goals. For example, if you want to improve your fitness, schedule a workout at the same time each day.

### 6. Celebrate Small Wins

   - Why it works: Acknowledging and celebrating small achievements helps maintain motivation. It provides a sense of accomplishment and progress, which reinforces the behavior and encourages you to continue.

   - How to apply it: After completing each step toward your goal, reward yourself. This could be as simple as taking a break, treating yourself to something enjoyable, celebrating with someone you care for..

### 7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

   - Why it works: Your environment and the people around you influence your motivation. Being around positive, supportive people helps maintain a high level of encouragement.

   - How to apply it: Engage with friends, mentors, or colleagues who inspire and support you. You can also listen to motivational podcasts, read inspiring books, or watch uplifting videos to stay in a positive mindset.

### 8. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

   - Why it works: Perfectionism can undermine motivation by making you feel discouraged when things don’t go perfectly. Focusing on progress, instead of perfection, helps you stay motivated by celebrating the journey rather than the outcome.

   - How to apply it: Keep track of your daily progress. Reflect on how far you've come and remind yourself that every step forward is a success.

### 9. Practice Self-Care

   - Why it works: Taking care of your physical and mental health ensures you have the energy and mental clarity to stay motivated. When you're well-rested, nourished, and mentally centered, motivation becomes easier to sustain.

   - How to apply it: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising regularly. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or journaling to reduce stress and clear your mind.

### 10. Use Visualization and Affirmations

   - Why it works: Visualization and affirmations help build a positive mindset and increase motivation by focusing your energy on success.

   - How to apply it: Visualize yourself achieving your goals each day, and use positive affirmations such as "I am capable of achieving my goals" to boost your self-confidence and motivation.

### 11. Hold Yourself Accountable

   - Why it works: Accountability ensures that you stay on track, even on days when you might not feel like putting in the effort.

   - How to apply it: Share your goals with a friend or accountability partner. Set up regular check-ins to discuss your progress. Alternatively, keep a journal where you track your daily progress and reflect on your successes and challenges.

### 12. Give Yourself Time to Rest

   - Why it works: Motivation can decline when you're mentally or physically exhausted. Giving yourself permission to rest allows you to recharge and return with renewed energy and focus.

   - How to apply it: Schedule breaks throughout your day and take time off when needed. Resting is not a sign of laziness; it's essential for sustaining long-term motivation.

### 13. Engage in Acts of Kindness and Service

   - Why it works: Helping others or engaging in altruistic behavior gives a sense of purpose and can provide a natural boost in motivation. Acts of kindness also release "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin, which enhance well-being and happiness.

   - How to apply it: Make it a point to help others, whether through volunteering, offering support to a colleague, or doing small acts of kindness for those around you. The positive energy generated from these actions can boost your motivation in other areas of life.

### 14. Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps

   - Why it works: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, which can hinder motivation. Breaking them into smaller, manageable tasks creates a sense of progress and reduces feelings of overwhelm.

   - How to apply it: Use the "chunking" method to divide tasks into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if you're working on a large project, break it down into clear specific and measureable daily or weekly tasks that are easier to complete. Create step by step flow charts showing ho each small step leads to the next and to yourt ultimate goal.

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### Conclusion

Staying motivated on a daily basis requires a combination of strategies that foster both personal growth and discipline. By building confidence and belief in yourself, being a daily learner of happiness and empowerment, setting clear goals, creating routines, focusing on progress, surrounding yourself with positivity, and practicing self-care, you can maintain a high level of motivation. Incorporating acts of kindness and nurturing meaningful relationships also strengthens your sense of purpose, making the journey toward your goals more rewarding and enjoyable.

By implementing these approaches, you can not only achieve your goals but also enjoy the process and stay motivated every day.

Your future self will thank you for it.