Motivation is the reason you try to succeed at a chosen task. It’s why you do anything. It’s the force that drives us to get up each morning and pursue a specific objective and also maintain that drive in the face of setbacks and reversals. Motivation is the high-octane fuel that drives our goal achievement, but it cannot be divorced from the actual doing of the specific tasks required to achieve each of our goals. It’s important to distinguish between being motivated in a general sense and being motivated to perform and sustain the actions necessary to achieve specific goals.
As for SMART goals, they are defined as goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means that each goal should be clear and specific, so you know exactly what you’re working towards. They should be measurable so that you can track your progress and know when you’ve achieved your goal. They should be achievable, meaning that they are realistic and attainable. They should be relevant to your larger life or career objectives, ensuring that they align with your values and long-term plans. Finally, they should be time-bound, with a deadline that creates a sense of urgency and prompts action. And while SMART goals should be motivating, keeping that motivation continuously is a common challenge as it requires discipline and self-awareness everyday.
There are several strategies you can use to spur your motivation to achieve your goals. Here is a list of 7 recommended by best-selling leadership author and coach Marshall Goldsmith:
- Reconnect With Your “Why”
Regularly remind yourself why these goals are important to you. What is the underlying value or purpose behind them? This can provide the intrinsic motivation needed to keep going.
- Set Mini-Goals
Break down your SMART goals into smaller, achievable targets. Celebrate each milestone you reach, which can provide a sense of progress and accomplishment.
- Maintain A Positive Outlook
Maintain a positive outlook: Keep a journal of your successes and positive feedback. This can help you stay focused on what you’ve achieved rather than what’s left to do.
- Adjust As Needed
Be willing to reassess and adjust your goals if you find they’re not working for you. Flexibility can help maintain motivation.
- Engage With A Support Network
Share your goals with friends, family, or a coach who can offer encouragement and hold you accountable.
- Visualize Success
Spend time visualizing what achieving your goals will look and feel like. This can create a strong mental image that propels you forward.
- Keep Learning
View each step toward your goal as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset can make the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Remember, motivation can ebb and flow, and that’s normal. The key is to keep taking action, even when you don’t feel like it, and to use these strategies to reignite your motivation when necessary. The path may present challenges, but each stride you make propels you nearer to your success. Sustain your motivation by implementing these strategies, and never underestimate the potent force of persistence and determination.
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