Thought For The Day

To motivate means to inspire to do something. We all have faced situations when we needed somebody to motivate us or when somebody needed to be motivated by us. Motivation can be external or internal. Measures like prizes, rewards, bonuses and so on are external in nature. Internal motivation is largely how you motivate yourself to achieve desired results. Given below are ten effective ways to motivate yourself.

1. Have your own vision or dreams if you will and work towards it. Never lose sight of your vision. Do not let setbacks change your vision. We all have heard of visionaries in various fields like business, politics, sports and so on. You can be your own visionary.


2. Be your own friend and guide. Keep telling yourself, “I control my life and I shall make my future bright”. Build up a reserve of positive energy by engaging in positive thoughts. Likewise avoid negative thoughts. After all, who could be a better guide to you than you yourself!


3. Spend time with people who emanate positive energy. They could be your friends, colleagues, relatives or just about anyone who makes you feel good after a chat. It is this feel good factor that would motivate you to go that extra mile in your efforts.


4. Read articles and stories that motivate. There are many examples of successful people who did not have an easy time in their early stages. But they went on to become millionaires. Learn from their experiences. You can chart out your own course though.


5. Attend motivational seminars/meetings. We often hear about people who specialize in motivating people. Go for the short courses conducted by them. This certainly works. Otherwise the motivators would have run out of business!


6. Consciously motivate others. This has a reciprocator effect. When our children do well in school as a result of our motivation we are in turn motivated in our work. Try giving pep talk to your friend or your colleague and see how they respond. Their reaction will definitely uplift your spirits.


7. When you are down and out, remind yourself of the adage,” Failure is the stepping stone to success”. Try again and you will succeed. Perseverance pays.


8. Learn to see the positive side of things. A half empty bottle is also half full! You might have made an unsuccessful sales call. But during that attempt you might have got a lead. So be happy that your efforts have not totally been in vain. A failed attempt is also a learning experience.


9. Compare yourself with people who are more successful than you. This will spur you to perform better. Take care not to be dejected if you do not succeed in early stages. Sometimes it is also good to compare yourself with persons less successful than you. The realisation that you have not been doing too badly after all, would comfort you and inspire you to do more.


10. “A sound mind in a sound body”. Take good care of your health by eating well and exercising well. This will help you think better. While at the gym you may also meet potential clients. Grab such opportunities!