Self-Motivation

Self-motivation is, in its simplest form, the force that drives you to do things. It is the drive you have to work toward your goals, to put effort into self-development, and to achieve personal fulfilment. It’s important to note here that self-motivation is generally driven by intrinsic motivation, a kind of motivation that comes from sincerely wanting to achieve and desiring the inherent rewards associated with it.

Self-motivation can also be driven by extrinsic motivation, the drive to achieve that comes from wanting the external rewards (like money, power, status, or recognition), and although it’s clear that intrinsic motivation is usually a more effective and fulfilling drive.

According to emotional intelligence expert Daniel Goleman, self-motivation is a key component of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the measure of one’s ability to recognize and manage his or her own emotions and the emotions of other people.

Goleman pointed out four components of motivation:

• Achievement drive, or the personal drive to achieve, improve, and meet certain standards;
• Commitment to your own personal goals;
• Initiative, or the “readiness to act on opportunities”;
• Optimism, or the tendency to look ahead and persevere with the belief that you can reach your goals

 Mainly two types of motivation.

1. Intrinsic motivation
2. Extrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation

The motivation that arises from within the individual. For example the drive that leads to goal in a football game.

Extrinsic motivation

The motivation that driven from outside for the purpose of attaining some sort of reward, including money, power and good marks or grades.

• Visionary thinking and purpose. Self motivated people are able to see the bigger picture easily.
• Optimism abounds and self motivated people participate fully in life.
• They possess  good self esteem with an attitude of success. They expect to win but can cope with failure as they see it as a learning curve.
• There is a thirst for challenge and willingness to take risks.
• Self motivated people are committed to life long learning – there is always more to know and understand.
• They have endless energy – not just physical but mental and emotional energy as well.
• Persistent and determined. They don’t give up at the first sign of trouble.
• Strive for balance in work/play and within themselves – health wise and with their emotions and spirituality.
• Self motivated people are able to rise above adversity,they don’t sweat the small stuff.
• They engage in searching self reflection. Possess self awareness of their strengths and weaknesses.
• Sincere self forgiveness. Self motivators are humble and willing to admit when they are wrong.
• Revelling in success. Self motivators give themselves credit for a job well done.
• Better overall health, energy and confidence because they deal with stress and difficult emotions better.
• Better relationships and ability to focus on improving relationships.
• Improved performance at work through better ability to concentrate and greater commitment to tasks.
• Better ability to influence and persuade others
• More leadership and executive presence
• Improved performance at work.
• Being perceived as more attractive.
• Freedom from social malaise
• More fearlessness and less anxiety
• Greater levels of happiness

Tips and Skills to Motivate Ourself

• Setting high but realistic goals. 
• Taking the right level of risk
• Constantly seeking feedback to figure out how to improve;
• Being committed to personal and/or organizational goals and going the extra mile to achieve them.
• Actively seeking out opportunities and seizing them when they occur.
• Resilience : Being able to deal with setbacks and continue to pursue your goals despite obstacles.
• Continue learning and acquiring knowledge (i.e., develop a love of learning).
• Spend time with motivated, enthusiastic, and supportive people.
• Cultivate a positive mindset and build your optimism and resilience
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them.
• Avoid procrastination and work on your time management skills.
• Get help when you need it, and be willing to help others succeed.

Self-motivation drives people to keep going even in the face of set backs, to take up opportunities, and to show commitment to what they want to achieve. It is an intrinsic one, which involves higher levels of personal involvement that motivate us beyond expectation of others. Self motivation is encouraging yourself to continue making progress toward a goal even when it feels challenging. It’s turning your shoulds into musts.