It is safe to say that no-one stays motivated all the time. Even when you are in a career you enjoy, that delivers that delicate balance of challenge and reward, you have times in your life where it just feels hard. Sometimes, the reason is obvious; the delicate balance of life can mean that your energy and attention is elsewhere. On other occasions, it’s short-lived; a bad night sleep or a bout of ill health means that work isn’t the top of your agenda. You need to find your motivation again.
Very simply, motivation is your drive and desire to achieve goals; day to day that is easy, as our goals are often a list of duties or routine. When it’s something you HAVE to do or the outcome is driven by someone else (client, boss or child), it can be easier to start. You have someone or something to hold your accountable; you can’t procrastinate, creating a list of excuses to push that to the end of your to-do list. However, for many of us, the wishes and dreams we have for our lives are only achieved if WE put our minds to it. No one will do it for us.
When I work with clients on their career goals, there are many times that they hit a brick wall. The action that they agreed on stall, and they start with their list of explanations for why it just isn’t possible. When these reasons are unpicked they realise that they are sabotaging their progress; they are just not motivated to achieve it.
Understanding what motivates you is a great start in being able to push through the moments when things are hard. There are many theories of motivation, that apply to more than just work; here are four that many people will recognise:
Extrinsic: This is a motivation that comes from outside of us, so because someone tells us we must do it, or for financial reward.
Intrinsic: This is motivation from within, because achieving aligns with what is important to us, or because we want to do it!
Introjection: Like intrinsic, this is driven internally, but, importantly, if it’s not achieved, then there is a sense of guilt.
Identified: Interestingly, this is when you KNOW you need to do something, but you just haven’t decided to do anything about it yet!
Today, I want to focus on Intrinsic Motivation, as in my experience, a mismatch often occurs when you notice a resistance or self-sabotage.
What is your intrinsic motivation?
When working with people to develop their career, return to work or readdress their balance, the first thing we look at is their values. The values we hold drive decisions, identify life and work success and unpick belief systems. Simply, it’s a person’s WHY. Why they say “YES” to things, and why they say “NO”. Often, when a client comes to me for coaching, it’s because they feel that their current career doesn’t align with what is important to them. The result may be rewarded extrinsically, with increased pay or praise, yet things don’t feel right.
Often when this happens, they turn their blame inwards, assuming it’s an issue with them, their skills, their capabilities, their commitment. In fact, it’s simply because a successful outcome isn’t as important to them. However, with a simple review of what really drives them, and to visit their goals again with this in mind, they feel very differently about what they need to do.
How to find your motivation again
What works the best is taking a step back and understanding what your WHY is. To look at your values, to consider when was the last time you felt motivated and reverse engineer that back into your life right now. You don’t need to go too far to help you with that. Hop over to this blog to get an idea of what your values may be and consider how these match with how you approach your goals.
Have you made the mistake of creating a life by other people’s standards?
Once you have this, decide for yourself how you will keep a track of your intrinsic values; but make them practical and able to be evidenced in your life. In a recent social media post, I shared 10 things that I wanted people to remember. This seemed to resonate with a lot of people, but what you may not know is that they are linked to MY values and purpose, and are things that I pay attention to every day to keep myself motivated. So, I leave you today with my 10 things to remember, what would you have in your list?
- You are not defined by your work.
- Your value is more than your income.
- Focus on what you can control, however small it may be.
- If you are struggling, ask for help.
- If you notice that someone else is struggling, ask what they need.
- There is a power in movement, and sunshine; if possible, try to not let the weather stop you getting outside.
- Find joy in every day; even if it’s in a fleeting moment.
- Routine offers a form of predictability which helps us feel safe.
- Look back on what you have managed to achieve up until now, every little step, even if it’s just staying still. That is an achievement in 2020.
- Community really counts; from local businesses, indie suppliers, volunteers, schools and employers. Keep in touch with where you belong.
Come over to the FREE group Creating Careers to Enjoy, to share your BIG WHY!
Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has a social mission focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time you had a career to enjoy?
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
