What is Motivation?

 

Motivation is the driving force behind every goal we set and every accomplishment we achieve. It’s the fire that fuels us to take action, even when challenges arise. But motivation isn’t just about inspiration or excitement—it’s a mindset that must align with our goals. If your motivations and mindset are not in sync, you’ll likely find yourself struggling to make progress, stuck in doubt, or even abandoning your goals altogether.

The Challenge of Staying Motivated

Have you ever set a goal, felt excited at first, but slowly lost steam as time went on? Maybe you started working out but gave up after a few weeks because the results weren't immediate. That's where motivation comes in-- but it's not just about excitement. It is about creating the right mindset to sustain long-term success.

Imagine having a goal you truly care about but lacking the confidence to believe you can achieve it.. That lack of belief, rooted in your mindset, can hold you back or significantly delay your success. The truth is, your goals are only as strong as the reasons driving you toward them. If those reasons aren't personal, meaningful, and deeply rooted in your own aspirations, they might not sustain you through life's inevitable obstacles.

Why "Fake It Until You Make It" Doesn’t Work

The phrase “fake it until you make it” is often used to encourage confidence, but when it comes to motivation, it can be extremely misleading. Pretending to be motivated might get you through a short-term challenge, but true success requires authenticity and self-belief.

Self-motivation starts with belief in yourself—not in the image you project to others, but in the real you. Confidence isn’t about fooling yourself or anyone else. It’s about trusting your abilities, embracing your unique strengths, and staying committed to your goals because they matter to you. When you’re self-motivated, you’re not doing it for others’ approval or validation. You’re doing it because it aligns with your purpose, your growth, and your happiness.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

To understand the power of self-motivation, it’s essential to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

• Intrinsic Motivation: This is the motivation that comes from within. It’s driven by your personal values, passions, and goals. When you’re intrinsically motivated, you find joy and fulfillment in the process, not just the outcome.
• Extrinsic Motivation: This is motivation influenced by external factors like rewards, recognition, or the desire to please others. While extrinsic motivation can spark initial action, it’s often fleeting and unreliable.

Relying solely on extrinsic motivation can be risky. Imagine someone who starts going to the gym solely to impress a romantic partner. When the relationship ends, so does their motivation. This is why self-motivation--doing it for yourself is key to long-term success.

The Resilience of Self-Motivation

Life rarely goes as planned. Challenges arise, circumstances change, and the unexpected can throw us off course. When your motivation is tied to external factors, it’s easy to lose focus or feel defeated when things don’t go your way.

Self-motivation, on the other hand, builds resilience. When you’re working toward something that matters deeply to you, setbacks become less discouraging and daunting. You’re not relying on anyone else’s validation or approval; you’re driven by your own purpose and determination. Now that we've explored what drives motivations, let's talk about how to sustain it, especially when life throws challenges your way.

How to Cultivate Self-Motivation

If self-motivation doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry—it’s a skill you can develop. Here are some practical strategies to strengthen your intrinsic motivation:

1. Define Your "Why" Take time to reflect on why your goal is important to you. How will achieving it improve your life? What personal values or aspirations does it align with? Write it down and revisit it when you need a boost.
2. Break Goals into Milestones Big goals can feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrate your progress at each step—it’s a powerful motivator to keep going. (Remember: A small win is still a win!)
3. Focus on the Process Instead of fixating solely on the end result, find joy in the journey. Whether it’s improving your fitness, eating healthier, or mastering time management, take pride in the daily efforts that bring you closer to your goal.
4. Eliminate Comparisons Avoid comparing your journey to others. Self-motivation thrives when you focus on your own progress, not someone else’s achievements.
5. Adapt to Setbacks When things don’t go as planned, don’t let it derail your progress. Learn from the experience, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward.

Why It’s Important to Do It for You

Doing something for yourself doesn’t mean you’re being selfish—it means you’re honoring your own worth and potential. When your goals align with your intrinsic motivation, you’ll find the drive to persevere even when external rewards or recognition fade.

True fulfillment comes from within. When you set goals for your own growth and happiness, you’re not just chasing temporary wins—you’re building a foundation for a life that feels authentically yours.

So, if you’re going to work toward something, make sure it’s for you. What is one goal you have been chasing for external approval? How can you shift your mindset to make it yours? Take a moment today to redefine your 'why'-- and start moving forward with self-motivation.