Iva Belé is an experienced Business Development and Strategic marketing manager. Her business consulting expertise includes developing unique marketing strategies, Aware Business Strategies, and educational programs for companies. She is a motivational speaker and author of the book "Vibration of Success.”
Have you ever attended a motivational speech? Yes! I believe you felt great, encouraged, and happy. That day? Maybe for another three days? But what happened afterward? Did the motivational speech keep you focused on your goals a month later? Probably not. Participants in my training sessions often emphasize that the topic of self-motivation is crucial, and it’s where they usually struggle the most.
Self-motivation is the ability to do what needs to be done without the help and influence of others. Self-motivated individuals successfully complete what they set out to do, regardless of difficult circumstances or external encouragement.
We are our own trainers, available 24 hours a day, determining whether we will be successful or not. Imagine the potential created when we direct that trainer ourselves towards what works for us. How can we self-motivate?
Clearly define what you want to achieve and why
Do you have a defined life purpose? A clear goal you want to achieve and a timeline? If not, seek more information about mentoring and training here. Often, we lack the drive to complete planned activities because we don’t know their true purpose. First, ask yourself: why are you doing something? What is the ultimate purpose? If that purpose is strong enough, it will keep you motivated. If it’s not, tie it to a higher purpose, something that will benefit others.
Do you want to graduate but lack the will? Imagine the impact you will have on the world when you apply your knowledge. Think about how much that will mean to your parents and friends. If your goal is better health, you will certainly be more motivated if you consider how much more useful you will be to your children and partner when you are healthy. Let the purpose be sincere and worthy of your persistence, and strive to keep it in your mind.
Run at your own pace
Don’t compare yourself to others. If you constantly look back to see where others are and whether they are faster than you, you waste a lot of your energy and focus. Look ahead and don’t get distracted by others. Track your progress. Others have circumstances, predispositions, experiences, and potentials different from yours. This is your race, and you will give your best no matter what is happening around you.
“I don’t strive to dance better than anyone else. I only strive to dance better than myself.” – Mikhail Baryshnikov
Turn “must” into “want”
I’ve often heard people say, “I must lose weight, I must finish my master’s, I must find a new job.” The word “must” creates automatic resistance in our minds, giving the impression that someone else is forcing us to do what we need to do. Remember that you don’t have to do anything; you want to. When we tell our brains that we want something, we take responsibility into our own hands and become engaged in achieving that goal. If we want something, we can achieve it. Wanting carries positive emotions and enthusiasm, which fuel motivation.
Track your achievements
How will you know if you are moving towards what you want if you can’t measure it? Break your ultimate goal into smaller activities you need to complete each day. Ask yourself what activities you want to achieve today. How can you be more successful than yesterday? What is going well, and what will you continue? Each day, note whether you completed the assigned activity and thank yourself. At the end of the week, reflect on the past week and see how much you’ve accomplished. You have proof before you. Be satisfied with all the effort you put in. And then.
Celebrate your successes every day
We often forget to celebrate our small successes because they seem “taken for granted.” It’s essential to reward ourselves regularly for each completed step toward our goal. This can be something that brings us joy, a short walk, good music we love, a book, or anything else that allows you to congratulate yourself and seal your success with a pleasant moment. At the end of the day, recall everything you’ve successfully accomplished and allow yourself to feel a sense of gratitude.
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last long. Actually, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it every day.” – Zig Ziglar
Self-motivation is a daily practice and should be understood as such. The good news is that once we master the skill of self-motivation and become satisfied with our results, we can easily apply it to all areas and projects. It’s a universal skill that no circumstances can prevent us from achieving what we want.
Boost your self-motivation
Do you have a successful career but are questioning your life goals, values, and achievements? This phase often brings reflections on the meaning of life, career choices, and personal fulfillment. Ready to build your personal, aware life strategy? Contact me here and book your initial consultancy slot.
Read more from Iva Belé
Iva Belé, Business Consultant & Success Principles Trainer
Iva Belé helps companies find their premium market niche and develop a unique Aware Business Strategy. She conducts educational training and motivational speeches for companies worldwide. She is the author of the book "Vibration of Success.”
Iva Belé is the first European-certified trainer of Canfield Methodology and the trainer of Success Principles, trained and certified personally in the USA by Jack Canfield, "America's number 1 Success Coach“. Iva Belé is the CEO and business consultant at Beliva.