Pragmatic Advice from Successful People to Unlock the 8 Sources of Motivation

Motivation escaped me throughout my childhood. It wasn't until I realized that I was falling behind in my early twenties that I radically changed my life by getting motivated. It was a complicated process to master as access to the knowledge of motivation wasn't that easy. At the heart of things, I was scared of being a failure.

"The only thing to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt."

I'm still a work in progress, but I have studied the work of Daniel Pink, Simon Sinek and many others on the Moonshots Podcast.

According to experts, here are eight starting points and personal sources of motivation. So dive into them and see which approach works for you.

1. Autonomy: The desire to have control over one's own life and the ability to make choices that align with one's values and interests.
2. Mastery: The desire to improve and develop skills and abilities and to achieve a sense of accomplishment and progress.
3. Purpose: The desire to be part of something bigger than oneself and positively impact the world.
4. Connection: The desire to form positive relationships and to feel a sense of belonging and community.
5. Growth: The desire to learn, grow and improve.
6. Recognition: The desire to be acknowledged and valued for one's efforts and achievements.
7. Challenge: The desire to overcome obstacles and to experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
8. Reward: The desire to gain something tangible or intangible due to one's efforts.

How to build autonomy into your daily practice

To be more autonomous, start by setting clear and specific goals for yourself. Break them down into manageable steps and create a plan to achieve them.

Take responsibility for your actions, and don't be afraid to decline requests or opportunities that don't align with your goals or values.

Prioritize self-care, so you can perform at your best, and surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and support your autonomy. Learn to be assertive and communicate your needs, wants and boundaries clearly and confidently. Be open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt and adjust your plans as needed.

Practice making decisions and taking actions on your own rather than relying on others. Develop self-discipline and positive thinking to control your impulses, focus on your goals and make consistent progress. Reflect on your values, understand your strengths, weaknesses, and objectives, and use that as a guide for making decisions. Embrace change, be flexible, and build your emotional intelligence to navigate challenges and make better decisions.

Networking can help you find resources, support and opportunities for growth. Find ways to motivate yourself and stay committed to your goals. Reflect on your actions and thoughts, and make adjustments accordingly.

Make a Moment of Master Everyday

Achieving mastery in any area requires consistent and deliberate practice. The first step is to set a clear and specific goal for what you want to achieve and create a plan to reach it. Then, break the goal into smaller, manageable steps, and set a schedule for practising and working towards it. It's essential to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

It's also essential to seek resources and learning and development opportunities. These moments can include taking classes, reading books, listening to podcasts, or finding a mentor who is an expert in the field. Surround yourself with people who share your passion and can provide support and encouragement. Embrace feedback, and take the time to reflect on your progress and what you need to improve. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are a natural part of learning. And finally, stay committed and don't give up; mastery takes time and effort.

It's also essential to have a positive attitude and mindset, stay motivated and be patient with yourself; it takes time and effort to achieve mastery.

Ask why and spark your purpose.

Finding your purpose can be a challenging and sometimes a lifelong journey. One practical way to start is by exploring your passions and interests. Reflect on what activities bring you joy and fulfilment, and start experimenting with ways to incorporate them into your life. You can also try new things and explore different hobbies, volunteer work, or communities to see what resonates with you.

Another way to find your purpose is to reflect on your values and what you stand for. Consider what is important to you and what kind of impact you want. Discuss what causes or issues align with your values and explore ways to get involved and make a difference. It's also important to talk to people you admire, whether family, friends, or professionals, and ask them about their experiences and how they found their purpose.

It's also helpful to have a growth mindset, be open to new experiences, and be willing to take risks and try new things. Finding your purpose can be an ongoing process, so don't be discouraged if it takes time; it's about the journey. So reflect on your progress, and make adjustments as needed.

Seek connections to create new energy

Connecting with others personally and professionally can be a valuable aspect of life. One practical way to start is by building a strong online and offline presence. This presence can include maintaining an active and professional social media profile, networking at events and conferences, and involvement in industry-specific groups or associations. Additionally, you can volunteer for leadership positions in organizations, clubs, and community groups, to increase your visibility and connect with like-minded people.

Another way to connect with others is to seek out opportunities for collaboration and teamwork actively. This moment could include working on a project, joining a study group, or participating in a team sport. Building and maintaining relationships with people in your personal and professional networks can help you expand your opportunities and connect with people who share your interests and values.

It's also essential to be an active listener, show genuine interest in others, and be willing to help when you can. Building trust and being dependable can also be essential in connecting with others. Be open to new experiences, and don't be afraid to take the initiative to reach out to others and start a conversation. Remember that making connections takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent.

Don't stand still; always seek growth.

Personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires consistent effort and self-reflection. Reflect on what you want to improve and what steps you need to take to get there. Prioritize self-care, so you can perform at your best, and surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and support your growth.

Embrace feedback, and take the time to reflect on your progress and what you need to improve. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are a natural part of learning. Be open to new experiences and take risks, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

It's also essential to have a growth mindset, be open to new experiences, and be willing to take risks. Reflect on your actions, thoughts, and emotions, and adjust accordingly. Personal growth can be challenging and ongoing, so don't be discouraged if it takes time; it's about the journey.

Recognition that keeps you going

Receiving healthy recognition can be an essential aspect of personal and professional development. One practical way to start is by setting clear and specific goals for yourself and ensuring that your efforts and accomplishments are visible to others. Communicate your achievements and successes to your supervisor, colleagues, or team members, and make sure they are aware of the value you bring.

Another way to receive healthy recognition is by actively seeking feedback and constructive criticism. This search can help you understand what you are doing well and what areas need improvement. Be open to new opportunities and willing to take on new challenges, as it can help showcase your skills and abilities. Finally, seek out opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship, as having a mentor or sponsor can be a great way to receive recognition and guidance.

It's also important to be gracious and humble when receiving recognition and to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of others. Recognize and enjoy your honour, but don't hesitate to ask for it if your contributions aren't recognized. Remember that recognition takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent with yourself.

Problems are guaranteed, so build your resilience.

Facing tough challenges and adversity can be difficult, but it is an inevitable part of life. One practical way to start is by developing a growth mindset and focusing on learning and growth rather than perfection. When facing a difficult challenge, try to break it down into smaller, manageable steps and create a plan. Seek resources and support, whether it be friends, family, or professionals, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.'

Another way to face tough challenges and adversity is by building your resilience. This toughening-up can include practising stress management techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, or exercise. Cultivate a positive attitude and focus on the things you can control rather than dwelling on what you can't. Learn from your mistakes and setbacks, and use them as opportunities for growth. Embrace change and be open to new opportunities and perspectives.

It's also essential to stay motivated, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and focus on your goals. Take time to reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed. Remember that facing tough challenges and adversity is a process, don't be discouraged if it takes time. Stay committed, don't give up, and remember that facing challenges and adversity can make you stronger.

Set a rewards system

To stay motivated, create a rewards system for yourself. This system can include both short-term and long-term rewards. You could enjoy short-term rewards, like watching a movie, going out for a coffee after completing a specific task, or achieving a milestone. Long-term rewards could be something you've wanted for a long time, like a vacation or a new piece of equipment. Additionally, it can be helpful to have a system of rewards that align with the task or goal and are motivating.

It's also important to be consistent with your rewards and ensure they are proportional to your effort. Reflect on your progress and adjust your rewards system as needed. Remember that rewards can be a great motivator. Still, it's also important to find internal motivation and to keep in mind that the process of achieving your goals is also rewarding.

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt.