Self-motivation is an essential life skill. It is the force that keeps pushing us to go on – it’s our internal drive to achieve, produce, develop, and keep moving forward.  Self-motivation is the key to productivity and personal growth. Just when we are about to give up ; our self-motivation powers kick in to prevent us from quitting. But this only happens if we practice mindfulness and are completely aware of our actions and intentions. Self-motivation is an acquired skill. It means taking charge of your goals and achievements. With practice and patience we can surely develop it over time. 

Why is self-motivation necessary? 

We all have the tendency to work better when we love what we are doing. Self motivated actions don’t feel burdensome. We thrive when we do the work we want to rather than the work we are forced to. 

Skills Involved In Self-Motivation

The following are important skills that help develop a grave sense of self-motivation and would result in self satisfaction and reliance.

Set goals for yourself

Determining the goals you want to achieve helps you decide on the course of action. This helps you develop better self management skills. Set high but realistic goals. Big or small, personal or work related; list them all down. When you set the goals you gladly want to accomplish, you are more likely to succeed in their attainment.

Build a plan to achieve each goal

Plan the course of action and commit to personal/organizational goals. Create steps, phases or whatever way you feel is the best way to get the job done. 

After building the action plan you have to be committed. Be patient and positive about the outcomes. If the results are not according to your expectations, change the plan and stay positively on track. 

Challenge yourself

Challenge yourself to learn new skills, explore something new, work outside your comfort zone, take risks but it should be calculated and at the right level of risk. Challenging yourself is a healthy way to push yourself to achieve more without the element of stress and anxiety of external pressure. This would help you evolve, grow and be up-to-date with the ever changing world. 

Seek opportunities and seize them

Actively seek opportunities to increase your business, productivity and career.and when the opportunity presents itself seize it with all your might. This improves your self confidence and builds your self image. 

Deal with setbacks

Learn to deal and manage setbacks with a positive attitude. You are bound to face obstacles and experience setbacks in every aspect of life. You sail smoothly and emerge victorious, if you are self motivated and already mentally prepared to tackle whatever life throws at you.

Seek constant feedback to learn how to improve

Frequently ask peers, colleagues, friends or family for the feedback about yourself, your work and/or how you are handling the things, how you are conducting yourself or your business etc. This would enable you to learn your weak or strong suits,  give you a better understanding of your position, improve your plans and decision making for the future and motivate you to continue to pursue goals despite obstacles.

Self-management skills allow you to maximize your productivity, improve your workplace performance and help you efficiently achieve personal and professional goals.